Addressing Trauma in Minority Populations

Most of the training in the major trauma treatment modalities don’t address racial or cultural issues.  I have learned over time that I must be willing to do my own training in this area to ensure I stay attuned to my client’s complex experiences of trauma not only from a brain and body place but also from a race and cultural place.

For me, this is a new journey.  Over the last couple of years, I have decided to lean into understanding how my treatment of trauma has to change to incorporate the different experiences of my clients on a cultural and race level.  I have started to learn how to open these conversations up and to be open to my own experience of these conversations. so I can make space for my client to have their experiences.

In this week’s vlog, I invite you to join me on this journey and to either start or continue your growth in this area when it comes to trauma treatment in the minority population as it relates to race and culture. Check it out below!

4 Responses

  1. Yes, it truly is ever-evolving. I continue to learn and grow everyday. For now, I try to approach each individual with the idea that he or she has their own culture. I’m curious about learning from them the unique lens through which they see. Everyone holds treasures to be mined that can only be found in them.

    Ironically, my last research paper in grad school was on diversity in counseling: ethical implications for practice. : ) So, yes, I find this particular topic fascinating!

    1. Thanks for sharing Mara. I love the idea of looking at each individual and their cultural experience. I think that is so important because no two peoples experience is the same. I think just having space and knowing it is safe to discuss culture and race in the therapy room is a step in the right direction. I like to phrase it to my clients and myself as learning to live in the skin I am in.

  2. This is the most thought provoking blog that you have done so far. It gives me so much to think about identifying where I have room for growth. In the past I have noticed how very different my work is among members of the population that I work with. Considering racial factors brings a whole new dynamic to light. Also, so often I dont consider my own presence as a member of a minority in the therapy room.

    1. Nashonne, Thanks for the feedback. It is a journey for me as well. It has been so interesting as I have dug deeper into this topic for myself how natural the conversation flows in the therapy room with my clients. I also feel clear about my thoughts so that they don’t interfere in their process. I like to call my process becoming an embodied therapist. Please continue to share your thoughts and experiences as you navigate through and don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance.

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