Therapist Uncensored Podcast Storytelling as Medicine: Decolonizing Therapy with José Rosario (282)
Oct 7, 2025
José Rosario, a clinical psychology scholar and advocate, discusses the power of storytelling for healing in marginalized communities. He shares how embracing intersectional identities enhances empathy and resilience. The conversation delves into dismantling ableism in therapy, the need for therapists to support community healing, and the stark realities of hate-motivated violence. José also emphasizes moving from empathy to actionable support, advocating for representation and structural changes in therapy to empower disabled voices.
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Early Isolation And The Cost Of Representation
- José Rosario describes feeling terrified to tell his story as a queer, disabled person of color early in his career because he felt alone and feared unemployment.
- He notes that representation has improved over a decade but structural supports for trainees still lag behind.
Healing Beyond The Clinical Model
- José frames healing as client-led and enriched by cultural and indigenous practices rather than strictly clinical modalities.
- He emphasizes blending modalities with liberation, systems-awareness, and play to match clients' values.
Ask About Culture, Then Integrate It
- Ask clients about cultural practices and community ties, then adapt interventions to those values and local resources.
- Use modalities like ACT while integrating clients' desired cultural or community connections.
seeking to uplift marginalized voices through creativity and connection.
Born to young Puerto Rican parents, José Rosario developed Cerebral Palsy as a premature baby. His family’s journey towards equity deeply impacted his mental health. Currently nearing his PhD in Clinical Psychology, his research focuses on cultural trauma in intersectional communities. He is an Interdisciplinary Minority Fellow for the American Psychological Association, member of the Congressional Diversity and Equality Advisory Board for Congressman James Langevin, and member of the Rhode Island Attorney General Community Advisory Board. He has been honored with the Chris Martin Humanitarian Award and the Victoria Lederberg Award for Excellence in Psychology.
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