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How can therapists navigate social justice and privilege safely and properly? What is the secret to embracing social justice in your private practice? What are the most important insights that modern practitioners can use to navigate the intersection between therapy and ethical sociopolitics?
In this podcast episode, Andrew Burdette speaks with Nathan Bitecofer about incorporating social justice into private practice.
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Meet Nathan Bitecofer
Dr. Nathan (“Nate”) Bitecofer is a counseling psychologist in Concord, NC, specializing in trauma, psychological assessments, and individual and couples therapy. He earned his PhD in counseling psychology from the University of Akron and trained at Summa Hospital’s Traumatic Stress Center.
With expertise in PTSD interventions, life transitions, men’s issues, anxiety, and depression, Dr. Bitecofer helps clients gain insight and develop strategies for meaningful change. His research explores masculinity, whiteness, and social justice. Outside of work, he is a husband, father, teacher, and nature enthusiast.
Visit South Lake Counseling to find out more.
In This Podcast
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Defining social justice work
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Understanding privilege
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The value of consultation for therapists
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Key takeaways for change
Defining social justice work
Social justice work is defined as engaging in … therapy or counseling in a way that resists the status quo. Resists oppressive systems that are designed to keep some people down and less privileged than others. (Nathan Bitecofer)
Social justice is intentional work directed toward helping people who are not specifically included or provided for in the standard status quo.
Using equality and equity is important for this work, but equity is crucial because it leads to effective action and genuine change.
When we think of equality, right, everything is the same. Equality in the grand scheme of things is the ideal, it’s the goal we are hoping for, but equality only leads to equal outcomes when people are all starting at equal places. So equity is when we are helping people get to the same outcome, regardless of where they start. (Nathan Bitecofer)
Understanding privilege
Privilege can be complicated. It can be tough for people to address what they cannot see, but it can help people to understand where they may have it easier when they consider what is still difficult for them.
Once you understand where you struggle, you can empathize better with where other people struggle.
It makes you look at what you have, and how when you wish you had what someone else does, you understand that a different person wishes they were in your position.
Once you get them to … realize that the system hurts [them] too, then they tend to be more open to understanding how other people can be hurt by the system. (Nathan Bitecofer)
The value of consultation for therapists
Therapy today is not what it was when it started, and it is therefore important for therapists to address their blindspots wherever possible and get proper and regular consultation so that they can grow and develop professionally and socially.
I think it’s important that we are part of consultation groups that can support us with these types of things … Where you can support each other and talk about these things and brainstorm ways to navigate them [because] the key to good practice is to try to avoid doing it alone. (Nathan Bitecofer)
The critical value of consultation is learning in a group. We cannot better ourselves in a vacuum because there comes a point where we need to address our beliefs, perspectives, and concerns with well-meaning and well-informed colleagues or friends.
Psychological safety is such a big part of growth. I think as people pursuing cultural confidence, we need to recognize that we haven’t arrived. We are still pursuing it … I think cultural humility is a key part of developing good cultural competence. (Nathan Bitecofer)
Key takeaways for change
Throughout human history, the only constant has been change. Nothing stays the same exactly, and things have always shifted.
Remember that, and teach that to your clients, to help them understand that the way things are is not the only way that they can be.
Seek out resources in the community that are striving towards these same social justice goals and partner with them where you can to support positive change.
We can’t do it all. If I pick what’s important to me and you pick what’s important to you and we both work towards change in those things, then we’re working towards changing the system. (Nathan Bitecofer)
Useful links mentioned in this episode:
Visit South Lake Counseling to find out more. Trust me, don’t waste any more of your time, and try TherapyNotes.
Check out these additional resources:
- Clinical Direction and Supervision in Group Practice with Dr. Laura Gambrel | GP 266
- Get your tickets to the Group Practice Boss Conference on May 6th and 7th 2025!
- Practice of the Practice Network
- Group Practice Launch
- Group Practice Boss: www.practiceofthepractice.com/grouppracticeboss $149 a month
- PoP Group Practice Owners Facebook Group
- Free resources to help you start, grow, and scale
- Work with us
- Practice of the Practice Network
Meet Andrew Burdette
Andrew founded Mindful Counseling PLLC in Asheville, NC shortly after completing his graduate program in clinical mental health counseling. At the start of the pandemic, he pivoted to an online solo practice, and in 2022, began to grow a group practice. He most enjoys helping clients and colleagues identify what ignites their passions and assisting them in creating a life rooted in authenticity. Andrew approaches his business development with alignment in mind and enjoys the integration process connecting the many puzzle pieces and systems required to run a successful practice.
Visit Andrew’s website and Apply to work with him.
Email him at [email protected]
