Abstract

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy demonstrates significant efficacy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related conditions. However, complex racial trauma, which stems from systemic oppression and identity-based discrimination, presents unique clinical challenges, and its treatment is understudied. Some studies have indicated that racial trauma survivors exhibit symptomatology analogous to complex trauma. Theorists have posited that identity-based discrimination, cultural betrayal trauma, and institutional betrayal, which are key components in racial trauma, can exacerbate dissociative symptoms. However, most mainstream approaches to psychotherapy do not adequately address dissociation or provide interventions for individuals of diverse racial and cultural origins. Addressing these gaps is imperative.

Effective interventions must simultaneously facilitate complex trauma recovery and mitigate the psychological impacts of systemic racism. This presentation advances the framework of Anti-Racist Psychotherapy while introducing Rhythm and Processing (RAP) Strategies—an innovative therapeutic approach specifically designed to address the clinical deficiencies in treating comorbid complex PTSD and racial trauma.

Rooted in Africentric paradigms, RAP operationalizes Anti-Racist Psychotherapy principles to serve diverse populations experiencing intersectional mental health challenges. The predictive processing framework will also be introduced as a posited method of trauma processing. Based closely on the predictive processing framework, RAP utilizes prediction errors in all aspects of its implementation to prompt memory reconsolidation.

Based on memory reconsolidation theory, when a stressful memory is recalled alongside a disconfirmatory stimulus (a prediction error), the target memory enters a labile period. During this temporary window, the memory is unlocked and successfully updated, providing the key to resolving the traumatic events that underlie complex trauma symptoms. RAP thus mobilizes the use of prediction errors that disconfirm the narrative and expectations of the traumatic event, while teaching a skill that clients can use in sessions for trauma treatment and outside of their therapy sessions for stabilization and self-care.

Because of the scale and scope of potential disconfirmations, RAP is posited to increase the amenability of psychotherapy for diverse racial groups, cultural and social identities, and the spectrum of neurodivergence by providing an approach that promotes healing by using imagery, music, video, and the client’s natural environment to process traumatic sequelae.

This presentation will include a case study involving the use of RAP with a Black woman and refugee who is also a complex racial trauma survivor. A video segment of the session will be included. There will also be a group experiential component offered to all participants with handouts provided so that attendees will not only be able to benefit from utilizing the self-administered version of the approach in session but will also have access to ongoing group consultation/support if requested.

Potential to Distress: Yes