Navigating Ethical Challenges as Mental Health Professionals Post-10/7: Addressing Antisemitism in the Field
The mental health profession has long upheld compassion, cultural competence, and ethical responsibility principles. However, since the events of October 7th, many Jewish mental health professionals have faced an unsettling reality: a growing tide of antisemitism within the field itself. As practitioners dedicated to the healing and support of diverse populations, it is crucial to examine this phenomenon, its ethical implications, and the necessary steps to address it.
A Twisted Lens: Social Justice and the Victim-Oppressor Paradigm
The framework of social justice, a cornerstone of our field, aims to empower marginalized groups and address systemic inequities. However, this framework has been increasingly corrupted, particularly concerning Jewish individuals and communities. The simplistic categorization of victim and oppressor often neglects the complex realities of antisemitism. In this distorted lens, Jewish individuals—despite historical and ongoing persecution—are sometimes cast as oppressors, a mischaracterization that undermines their lived experiences and perpetuates harm.
This dynamic distorts the therapeutic space and violates the ethical principles outlined by professional organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). For example, the APA’s Code of Ethics emphasizes the importance of cultural competence and avoiding bias in professional practice. Similarly, the NASW Code of Ethics mandates that social workers respect every person's inherent dignity and worth and act to eliminate discrimination in all forms.
Ethical Violations in the Field
Jewish therapists are increasingly reporting instances of epistemic injustice, identity invalidation, and boundary violations in professional settings. These issues not only compromise the therapeutic alliance but also represent breaches of ethical codes:
Autonomy: The right to define one’s own experiences is a foundational principle in mental health practice. When Jewish individuals are denied this autonomy—when their historical and lived experiences of antisemitism are minimized or dismissed—it constitutes a profound ethical violation. According to the APA, psychologists must respect clients' autonomy and self-determination, recognizing the harm caused by undermining these principles.
Identity Validation: The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to acknowledge and affirm the identities of the individuals they serve. Denying the self-concept of Jewish clients or colleagues—whether by downplaying antisemitism or imposing external narratives—leads to invalidation and psychological distress.
Epistemic Injustice: Marginalizing the voices and lived experiences of Jewish individuals reflects a systemic failure to uphold ethical standards. This injustice silences these voices and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases within the profession.
Cultural Humility: Effective mental health practice necessitates cultural humility—an ongoing process of self-reflection and acknowledgment of power imbalances. Failing to honor the lived experiences of Jewish clients and colleagues breaches psychological and cultural boundaries, undermining trust and perpetuating harm.
The Psychology of Self-Definition is the ability to define one’s identity, which is central to psychological well-being. For Jewish individuals, self-definition is particularly critical given the historical and ongoing attempts to erase or distort their narratives. Mental health professionals have a duty to create spaces where clients and colleagues can safely articulate and explore their identities without fear of invalidation or prejudice.
As outlined by the APA, cultural competence involves recognizing and valuing diverse cultural identities while challenging systemic barriers to equity. This competence must extend to understanding the unique challenges faced by Jewish individuals, particularly in the current climate.
Addressing the antisemitism emerging within the mental health field requires a multifaceted approach. First, education and training on antisemitism and Jewish cultural competence must be incorporated into professional training programs. This education should include historical context, contemporary manifestations, and strategies for supporting Jewish clients and colleagues. Second, policies within professional organizations should explicitly address antisemitism and provide clear guidelines for addressing bias and discrimination in the workplace. Third, mental health professionals must commit to cultural humility through ongoing self-reflection and dialogue about power dynamics, prejudices, and cultural assumptions. Actively listening to and validating the experiences of Jewish individuals- just as would be expected for any other minority group is a critical component of this process. Finally, ethical oversight processes within professional organizations should be strengthened to address instances of antisemitism and hold practitioners accountable for breaches of ethical standards.
As mental health professionals, we have an ethical and moral obligation to foster environments that honor all individuals' dignity, autonomy, and lived experiences. Confronting antisemitism within our field is a matter of professional integrity and a necessary step toward creating a truly inclusive and equitable practice. By upholding the principles of autonomy, identity validation, and cultural humility, we can work to repair the fractures within our profession and ensure that all voices are heard and respected.