Why do White psychologists often avoid discussing race, according to Kiselica?

White psychologists often avoid discussing race due to a fear of being labeled as racist. This apprehension can stem from a combination of personal insecurities and societal stigma associated with racism. Many practitioners may be concerned that engaging in conversations about race can inadvertently lead to misunderstandings or accusations of racism, even if that is not their intention. This fear can result in avoidance, limiting the therapeutic process and preventing meaningful discussions about a client's racial and cultural identity, which are crucial for effective therapy.

The other perspectives listed do hold some validity in certain contexts, but they do not fully capture the nuanced reasoning behind this avoidance. The belief that race is not relevant in therapy overlooks the significant impact that race and culture have on clients' experiences and mental health. Additionally, while concerns over therapy costs might influence some discussions around access and inclusivity, they are less directly related to the specific avoidance of race-related topics. Lastly, the desire to maintain a colorblind perspective can be an approach some may adopt to sidestep racial conversations, but it is often linked to the underlying fear of being perceived as racist, thus reinforcing the primary reason for avoidance.