Session Four: Cultural Humility and the Impact of Racism and Colonization in Complex Trauma

Session Four: Cultural Humility and the Impact of Racism and Colonization in Complex Trauma
Content Level: Beginning and Intermediate

Abstract: Complex trauma occurs within a context, including the family, the community and larger society and its impact is strongly influenced by inequalities, racism, bigotry, and other stigmatizing and dehumanizing influences. In this session, the impact of racism, including systemic racism, and colonialization will be discussed. The concept of “cultural humility” will be explored in general and how the therapist needs to take these into account both culturally and spiritually will be discussed. Specific areas such as the need to develop treatment guidelines which include the understanding the intersection of trauma and racism and the impact of colonization on indigenous peoples will be explored. Time will be given to discuss case material as it relates to the readings.

Readings:

  1. Brown, L.S. (2020) Cultural Humility and Spiritual Awareness (pp. 168-188) in CA Courtois and JD Ford, eds. Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, second edition. NY, NY: The Guilford Press. 
  2. Bryant-Davis, T. (2019). The cultural context of trauma recovery: Considering the posttraumatic stress disorder practice guideline and intersectionality. Psychotherapy, 56(3), 400–408.
  3. Williams, M.T., Osman, M., Gran-Ruaz, S. et al. (2021) Intersection of Racism and PTSD: Assessment and Treatment of Racial Stress and Trauma. Current Treatment Options in Psychiatry 8, 167-185 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40501-021-00250-2
  4. O’Neill, L., Fraser, T., Kitchenham, A. et al.(2018) Hidden Burdens: a Review of Intergenerational, Historical and Complex Trauma, Implications for Indigenous Families. Journ Child Adol Trauma 11, 173–186.

Timed outline:
45 minutes: Discussion of Reading 1 - cultural humility and spiritual awareness
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 2 and 3 - intersectionality of trauma practice guidelines and racism
30 minutes: Discussion of Reading 4 - trauma and indigenous peoples
45 minutes: Discussion of case materials applying the above readings to disguised cases

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Define and discuss cultural humility and spiritual awareness
  • Explain the impact of the intersectionality of trauma and racism/colonial oppression
  • Discuss the need to consider the impact of racism and colonial oppression when developing guidelines for trauma treatment
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Course opens: 
03/24/2022
Course expires: 
12/31/2023
Rating: 
0

Available Credit

  • 2.50 APA
    The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
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