Radical healing in psychotherapy: Addressing the wounds of racism-related stress and trauma.

Abstract

There is a large body of research on the importance of addressing culture in psychotherapy. However, less is known about providing critically conscious and racially affirmative therapy for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) clients in the context of ongoing systemic racism and racism-related stress and trauma, especially in the sociopolitical context of the United States. This article introduces and illustrates the Keeping Radical Healing in Mind Therapeutic Approach using a sample therapy session. To contextualize the therapeutic approach, we outline the need for antiracist and liberatory approaches to psychotherapy and describe in detail the Psychology of Radical Healing theoretical framework. The clinical stance that underpins the Keeping Radical Healing in Mind Therapeutic Approach includes helping clients develop, internalize, and nurture (a) Critical Consciousness, (b) Cultural Authenticity and Self-Knowledge, (c) Radical Hope and Envisioning Possibilities, (d) Collectivism, and (e) Strength and Resistance. To better meet the needs of BIPOC clients, the stance requires clinicians to develop their critical consciousness of systemic racism and interlocking forms of oppression. The clinical case of "Brenda," a Black woman experiencing the effects of racism-related stress while raising a young Black boy, is presented. Clinical Impact StatementQuestion: The current article explores a psychotherapeutic approach titled, Keeping Radical Healing in Mind, developed to address racism-related stress and trauma among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) clients. Findings: Grounded in the literature, the authors introduce and describe a therapeutic approach anchored in the Psychology of Radical Healing (PRH) theory and illustrate its utility and applicability through a case example and clinical exchanges. Meaning: Psychotherapists are encouraged to conceptualize interventions for BIPOC clients using PRH to support clients to internalize, develop, and nurture (a) Critical Consciousness, (b) Cultural Authenticity and Self-Knowledge, (c) Radical Hope and Envisioning Possibilities, (d) Collectivism, and (e) Strength and Resistance. Next Steps: Encourage more clinicians to adopt a Keeping Radical Healing in Mind therapeutic stance when working with BIPOC clients experiencing racism-related stress and trauma.

Online Dating and Mental Health among Young Sexual Minority Black Men: Is Ethnic Identity Protective in the Face of Sexual Racism?

“…Critical consciousness interventions are not limited to those who are subject to oppression, but may also be fostered among health professionals and clinical practitioners. A robust cultivation of critical consciousness on the part of clinicians may enable them to more effectively engage with YSMBM, and help them navigate complex intersectional stressors that they encounter in intimate partner-seeking contexts [ 100 ]. Moreover, cultural competency and cultural humility training remains imperative for practitioners, particularly those who do not hold sexual or racial/ethnic minority identities [ 101 , 102 ].…”

Dismantling and eradicating anti-Blackness and systemic racism.

“…3. The emergence of radical healing as an approach to intervention for the psychological impacts of racism and White supremacy presents an important area for scholarly inquiry (Adames et al, 2022;French et al, 2020). Qualitative examinations of the application of radical healing in a community participatory action research context offers a rich area for both knowledge production and antiracist praxis.…”

Introduction to special section: Addressing racism, anti-blackness, and racial trauma in psychotherapy.

“…Last, Markin et al highlight the need for therapists to address gendered racial systems within the context of prenatal care outside of the therapy room to evoke systemic change. Adames et al (2022) highlight the importance and need for therapists to "provide critically conscious and racially affirmative therapy for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) clients in the context of ongoing systemic racism and racism-related stress and trauma, especially in the sociopolitical context of the United States" (p. 1). This important piece of work is grounded in the keeping radical healing in mind therapeutic approach, which highlights the need for therapists to help clients develop critical consciousness, cultural authenticity and self-knowledge, radical hope, collectivism, strength, and resistance.…”