How can therapists support mixed and multiracial clients more effectively in the therapy room? In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Dr. Yvon Guest — a therapist,writer and trainer whose work centres on race, identity and wellness.
Yvon brings her personal experience and clinical expertise to this powerful conversation, exploring the often invisible challenges that mixed and multiracial clients face – both in life and in therapy.
You can listen to the Good Enough Counsellors episode in full here. Please note, there were some technical problems with the audio, so it’s best heard in either a quiet space or via headphones.
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Why mixed and multiracial clients are often overlooked in therapy
While the therapy profession is beginning to engage more with issues of race and cultural identity, Yvon highlights how mixed-race and multiracial clients are still frequently overlooked. Even diversity-focused publications and events often leave out the mixed experience altogether.
“In 2018, Therapy Today devoted an issue to Black History Month. But there was nothing about the mixed-race or multi-heritage experience. We were invisible – even in spaces where we’re meant to be seen.”
This invisibility is a reflection of society as a whole. Yvon finds that many clients of mixed heritage come to therapy without the language or frameworks to talk about their experience. And mixed and multiracial therapists may never have seen themselves reflected in therapeutic spaces either.
The impact of being asked: “What are you?”
One of the most striking themes in the conversation is the question many mixed and multiracial people hear repeatedly throughout their lives:
“What are you?”
“To be asked ‘Where are you from?’ already implies, ‘You don’t belong here.’
But to be asked ‘What are you?’ – that’s deeper. That’s a question about your right to exist.”
Therapists may not realise just how painful this kind of questioning can be – especially when it comes from family, peers, or even professionals. It’s not just about identity confusion. It’s about questioning someone’s very existence.
When the racism is in the family home
Unlike monoracial clients, many mixed and multiracial clients don’t return to safety at the end of the day. For some, the racism isn’t just “out there” in society – it’s in their homes, within their families.
“For some mixed-race clients, it’s your mum, your dad, your grandparents who are part of the problem. You’re being told you’re loved, but also that part of your identity is unacceptable. It’s confusing. And it’s deeply painful.”
This dynamic can lead to dissociation, loss of identity, and a profound sense of not belonging – all of which may go unnoticed by therapists unless explicitly explored.
Cultural humility vs. cultural competence in therapy
One of the most important takeaways from this episode is Yvon’s emphasis on cultural humility over cultural competence.
“Don’t assume you know who someone is by looking at them. That person who looks white might not be white. I prefer cultural humility – because that starts with admitting we don’t know.”
Therapists can’t possibly be “experts” in every cultural nuance. But we can be open, curious, and willing to hear what our clients tell us – even if it challenges our own assumptions.
Identity must be viable in the client’s environment
Even when a client reaches a place of clarity about who they are, that identity still needs to be viable in the world around them. In other words, will they be accepted? Supported? Believed?
“You can know exactly who you are. But if the people around you — your family, your community, your therapist — say no, then that identity isn’t viable. And that’s devastating.”
This is especially important for white-presenting mixed-race clients, who are often invalidated or disbelieved when they try to claim their heritage. For these clients, the therapeutic space may be the first time they’ve been invited to speak themselves into existence.
Supporting mixed and multiracial clients with loss, grief, and identity
Many mixed and multiracial clients experience profound grief – even if they don’t name it that way. There’s grief for lost heritage, for cultural connection that never happened, or for the parts of themselves they were encouraged to suppress.
As therapists, it’s essential we make room for this loss. Yvon shared how often clients come into consultation and cry – not because of anything said, but simply because the space to feel has finally been offered.
“They cry because they’ve never had a space where they can be fully themselves.
Creating that space is powerful – and it’s something we can all do.”
The fear of getting it wrong – and why repair matters more
Many therapists – especially white therapists – worry about saying the wrong thing. Yvon encourages us to embrace curiosity and be honest when we misstep.
“We’re so scared of rupture, we forget that repair is where the real work happens.
Yes, you’ll get it wrong. I get it wrong. But what matters is how quickly you come back to repair it.”
White therapists might avoid working with mixed or multiracial clients because of the fear of getting it wrong. But this reframing is empowering. The therapeutic relationship can hold that tension – if we’re willing to stay in it.
A groundbreaking conference on therapy for mixed and multiracial clients
Yvon is the organiser of a first-of-its-kind conference taking place on 28th November 2025, hosted by Onlinevents. The event brings together over 20 speakers and practitioners – many of whom are mixed or multiracial themselves – to explore identity, wellness and therapeutic practice.
“It’s not a Black event. It’s not a white event. It’s not a South Asian event.
It’s the most inclusive event I’ve seen – and it’s long overdue.”
You can book your ticket here,or access the library recording afterwards:
Working with Mixed and Multiracial Clients in Therapy – Onlinevents
Need more support to grow your practice?
If this conversation has left you reflecting on your own practice – how you show up, what you bring, and who you’re best placed to help – you might find it helpful to take another look at how you describe your work. Inside Therapy Growth Group, you’ll find support with writing your profile, your website and your social media in a way that feel true to you, so the clients who need your help can recognise themselves in your words.