A qualitative study of women of color group psychotherapists: The wellspring of collective healing.

Abstract

Understanding the psychological health of women of color (WOC) in a racialized and gendered society requires accessing, validating, and processing the lived experiences and emotions that stem from interlocking systems of oppression. Despite the importance of responding to the psychological health needs of this population, the group therapy literature on how to design and facilitate group therapy for women of color remains limited. For this reason, the present research aims to identify group therapy-oriented experiences based on data provided by ten women of color group psychotherapists practicing in the United States. Findings from the consensual qualitative research (Hill, 2012) revealed six domains: (a) group development, (b) personal and professional significance, (c) group facilitation behaviors, (d) perceived healing factors, (e) challenges, and (f) advice. Suggestions for future research and recommendations for women of color groups positioned as a wellspring of empowerment, liberation, and psychological health are also discussed. Public Significance StatementWomen of color group psychotherapists create and facilitate a group therapy program for women of color based on their critical awareness of oppression and healing and intentionality to demarginalize spaces for women of color. The present study highlights how their underlying wisdom stemming from the participants' lived experiences and reimagination of healing is transformed into group psychotherapy leadership.