Season 2, Episode 4: From Teenage Dad to Doctorate – Dr Derek McKenzie
This episode contains themes of around racism, colourism, shame, educational inequality, and systemic discrimination.
Join us for a powerful and deeply personal conversation with psychotherapist Dr Derek McKenzie as he shares his extraordinary journey from facing severe racism and internalised colourism in 1970s South London to becoming a doctor who challenges Eurocentric norms in the therapy world.
This honest discussion explores how childhood adversity and systemic barriers can be transformed into purpose, and why centring Black voices and experiences is essential for authentic therapeutic practice.
In this compelling episode, Derek openly shares:
- Growing up in South London during the 1970s
- Facing relentless racism on the streets as a child
- Internalising colourist messages from family and society
- Experiencing shame at being darker skinned and African
- Struggling in school and leaving without learning to read and write
- Becoming a young father at 16
- Working hard to support his family from a young age
- Training as a youth worker
- Learning to read and write in his 30s
- Aspiring to become a social worker
- Excelling in exams but being rejected for a university degree in social work
- The pivotal decision to train in counselling instead
- Building a private practice as a psychotherapist
- Completing a doctorate in recent years
- Centring Black authors and voices in his PhD research
- Challenging Eurocentric norms in the therapy world
- Using his lived experience to transform therapeutic practice
This essential conversation offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating racism, colourism, educational barriers, or interested in decolonising therapy and creating more inclusive mental health spaces.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Racism and racial trauma in childhood
- Colourism and internalised shame about skin colour and heritage
- The intersection of racism and educational inequality
- Systemic barriers to education and professional advancement
- Young parenthood and early responsibility
- Resilience and self-education despite institutional rejection
- Career pivots and finding your path
- The importance of representation in therapy training
- Decolonising therapeutic practice
- Centring Black voices and Black authors in academia
- Challenging Eurocentric norms in mental health
- Using lived experience to transform systems
- Building authentic therapeutic relationships across difference
Learn more about Dr Derek McKenzie.
