Growing clinical and empirical literature attests experiences with racism, discrimination, and microaggressions affects the mental and physical health of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). This can be further compounded by intersectional oppression such as racial, gender, sexual orientation, and xenophobic microaggressions contribute to the cumulative effects of racial trauma. Racism and ethnoviolence can be life threatening to BIPOC individuals, due to their exposure to racial microaggressions, vicarious traumatization, and the invisibility of racial trauma’s historical roots.

 

This program aims to provide an informative and supportive framework to:
systematically examine, acknowledge, and chart an equitable path toward equitable and culturally informed mental health care. It is open to mental health providers and practitioners who seek increased understanding of intersectionality, racial equity, and trauma informed approaches that help reduce and repair the therapeutic harm perpetuated in communities of color.

 

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the need to contextualize work with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) who present with racial trauma symptoms, by using culturally responsive and racially informed interventions and approaches.
(ACA code E.5.b.)

Describe the intergenerational effects of historical trauma experiences and the hidden wounds influenced by epigenetic alterations, neurobiological diversity, and ongoing exposure.
(ACA Code E.5.d.)

Develop conceptual clarity and a holistic understanding of racial equity as a central facet of reducing harm and implicit bias that may be perpetuated when working with People of Color and Indigenous individuals (POCI).
(ACA code A.4.b.)

Evaluate research and approaches that support culturally informed assessment, modalities, the use of cautious conceptualization, which allows presenting individuals to maintain a sense of autonomy and agency within the therapeutic alliance.
(ACA Code E.6.a.)