Working with the trauma of racism in groups in a time of white supremacy — erasure, psychic ghettoization or bearing witness

2021 ◽  
pp. 053331642110186
Author(s):  
Stuart Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
White Supremacy ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Bearing Witness ◽  
Complex Issue ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Racial Trauma ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Psychotherapy Groups

This article addresses the complex issues when working with group members who have been traumatized by institutional and inter-generational racism in the context of white supremacy. The article engages with how a group analytic understanding can assist clinicians to engage with group members who have experienced racial trauma and structural oppression when these dynamics are inevitably generated in psychotherapy groups. I discuss the concepts of ‘erasure’, ‘bearing witness’ and also introduce the concept of ‘psychic ghettoization’, which can provide the conductor with some conceptual tools to manage the complex issue of racial trauma. I argue that there is now more than ever a need to remain relevant to the diverse and often marginalized communities we serve. To do this requires group analysts and indeed all clinicians to urgently scrutinize and develop theories and techniques for working with racism in our practices and clinics. A lack of intervention equates to a by-standing and a complicit collusion with racism which risks a re-traumatizing dynamic being paralleled in our clinical work with group members from marginalized communities.

scholarly journals The psychodynamics of lynch mobs: grouping, ganging or lynching

2021 ◽  
pp. 053331642199223
Author(s):  
Stuart Stevenson
Keyword(s):  
Gay Men ◽  
Group Dynamics ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Work Teams ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Marginalized Groups ◽  
Psychotherapy Groups ◽  
Conceptual Skills

This article engages with human groupings when they are operating at their very worst. These are human groupings enacting a particularly insidious, enduring and specific set of ‘othering’ dynamics that occur within and between in-groups and out-groups. This is known as lynching and these vicious and destructive human groupings are known as ‘lynch mobs’. I attempt to bring a psychodynamic lens to explore the complex issues that constitute the particular group dynamics enacted by ‘lynch mobs’ that usually target members of marginalized communities. I consider the meaning of the assault in the context of white supremacy and, whilst foregrounding race in the discussion, recognizing that members of other marginalized groups such as gay men and women are often lynched. The article shows how psychodynamic ideas can contribute to our understanding of this most horrific and inhumane phenomena, and can provide clinicians with some conceptual tools to manage the myriad of complex issues related to lynching and how it presents currently. Can lynching dynamics be compared and contrasted with bullying and scapegoating dynamics and, if so, can they be paralleled and operate more subtly and interpersonally in our psychotherapy groups and within our organizations and work teams? If so, do we have the theoretical and conceptual skills to work with them? I argue that there is now more than ever a need to remain relevant to the diverse and often-marginalized communities we serve and that we must develop our theories and practices to address such phenomena. To do this requires group analysts and, indeed, all clinicians to urgently scrutinize and develop theories and techniques in working with these very dangerous othering dynamics in our practices and clinics. A lack of intervention equates to by-standing or turning a blind eye, which is a significant factor in lynching dynamics, and a complicit collusion with the traumatization of marginalized communities.

Modified Sociometric Technique Facilitating Group Psychotherapy: Using a Sociogram with Sharing and Reverse Sharing in a Process Group Psychotherapy Session

2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shelley J. Korshak
Keyword(s):  
Group Psychotherapy ◽  
Psychotherapy Process ◽  
Psychotherapy Session ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Psychotherapy Groups ◽  
Group Member ◽  
Process Group

Psychodramatists often use structured techniques for creating cohesion in psychotherapy groups, but process group psychotherapy is ordinarily unstructured. When one group member in an ongoing psychotherapy process group voiced her ambivalence about being in the group, the therapist introduced a structured exercise of a pen-and-paper sociogram and directed the sharing both forward and in reverse. The result was greater connectedness among group members, as well as increased liveliness and cohesion in the group as a whole. This article presents the use of this directed technique and discusses the rationale, the intervention, and the outcome.

Everybody needs a group: A qualitative study looking at therapists’ views of the role of psychotherapy groups in working with older people with dementia and complex needs

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Perren ◽  
Tracy Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Common Humanity ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Expression Of Emotion ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Psychotherapy Groups ◽  
The Impact

Our objective was to evaluate clinicians’ views of the impact of conducting inpatient psychotherapy groups for older adults with enduring mental health issues and/or cognitive impairment. We conducted a literature review. A focus group was held with four group facilitators using a semi-structured format and open questioning. The transcript was analysed by the interviewer using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Using guidelines provided by Smith and Osborn, themes were identified, clustered and a final set of themes developed. On completion, the researcher reported the findings back to one participant to increase the validity and trustworthiness of the analysis. Facilitators described impacts that were intra-personal, inter-personal and extra-personal. The capacity and desire to communicate and belong demonstrated by group members challenged their own views (and ageism) and that of staff members. The facilitators’ experience was of the beneficial and normalising effects of these groups in enabling and enhancing communication, emphasising common humanity, facilitating the expression of emotion and combating isolation by promoting a sense of belonging. Research is needed into the views of the group members. Thought is given to the challenges inherent in this.

Centering Matrices of Domination: Steps Toward a More Intersectional Vocational Psychology

2021 ◽  
pp. 106907272110291
Author(s):  
Melanie Elyse Brewster ◽  
David Alejandro López Molina
Keyword(s):  
White Supremacy ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Clinical Work ◽  
Vocational Psychology ◽  
Protestant Work Ethic ◽  
Diverse Populations ◽  
Prosperity Gospel ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Close Analysis ◽  
The Impact

The present paper responds to calls to integrate a more explicitly intersectional framework and agenda to vocational psychology. We elucidate how several matrices of domination (i.e., interlocking systems of oppression) may shape the working lives of Americans. Although vocational psychology has made limited progress in exploring two such matrices—the impact of White supremacy and Patriarchy—and expanding research, theory, and clinical work to increasingly diverse populations, we argue that other oppressive systemic forces have been largely overlooked. In response to this gap, a close analysis of how our economic system (i.e., late-stage capitalism, neoliberalism) and Christian hegemony (i.e., protestant work ethic, the prosperity gospel) have impacted the workforce is provided. Finally, to center intersectional perspectives on change, we argue that vocational psychology must pivot to a more activist stance and provide recommendations for research, training, and clinical work.

scholarly journals The Long Arm of Oppression: How Structural Stigma Against Marginalized Communities Perpetuates Within-Group Health Disparities

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 342-351
Author(s):  
Uchechi A. Mitchell ◽  
Akemi Nishida ◽  
Faith E. Fletcher ◽  
Yamilé Molina
Keyword(s):  
Health Disparities ◽  
Collective Identity ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Minority Communities ◽  
Group Health ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Disability Status

Understanding and addressing health inequities calls for enhanced theoretical and empirical attention to multiple forms of stigma and its influence on health behaviors and health outcomes within marginalized communities. While recent scholarship highlights the role of structural stigma on between-group health disparities, the extant literature has yet to elucidate the mechanisms through which structural stigma gives rise to within-group health disparities. In this article, we review and use relevant literature to inform the development of a conceptual model outlining how structural stigma contributes to within-group health disparities by creating division and tension within communities marginalized due to their social statuses and identities. We specifically focus on disparities among (1) communities of color due to White supremacy, (2) gender and sexual minority communities due to patriarchy and heterosexism, and (3) the disability community due to ableism. We argue that the nature and extent of the stigma members of stigmatized communities face are intricately tied to how visible the stigmatized characteristic is to others. By visibility, we refer to characteristics that are more easily perceived by others, and reveal a person’s social identity (e.g., race/ethnicity, nativity, relationship status, gender expression, and disability status). This paper advances the literature by discussing the implications of the model for future research, practice, and policy, including the importance of acknowledging the ways in which structural stigma intentionally disrupts the collective identity and solidarity of communities and consequently threatens health equity.

scholarly journals Queering reproductive access: reproductive justice in assisted reproductive technologies

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle W. Tam
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Reproductive Capacity ◽  
Reproductive Justice ◽  
Heterosexual Couples ◽  
Marginalized Communities

Abstract Background Advancements in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and policy development have enabled more people to have biologically related children in Canada. However, as ART continues to focus on infertility and low fertility of heterosexual couples, ART access and research has been uneven towards meeting the reproductive needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQ2SIA +) people. Furthermore, experiences of reproduction are impacted by intersectional lived realities of race, gender, sexuality, and class. This commentary utilizes a reproductive justice (RJ) framework to consider reproductive access for LGBTQ2SIA + Black, Indigenous, and people of colour (BIPOC), while simultaneously engaging through a critical lens RJ has on ART. An RJ framework considers the constitutive elements of reproductive capacity and decision making that are not often at the forefront of reproductive health discussions. Additionally, this commentary discusses reproductive rights violations and reproductive violence such as coerced and forced sterilizations that have and are currently occurring in Canada. This article considers systems of access and structures of regulation that seek to control the reproductive capacities of marginalized communities, while empowering accessibility and upholding white supremacy and heteronormativity. In thinking through research and access in ART, who are ART users and whose reproduction is centered in research and access in Canada? Conclusion A reproductive justice framework is urgently needed to address inequities of sexual and reproductive health access in Canada.

scholarly journals The fear of multiple truths: On teaching about racism in a predominantly white school

2021 ◽  
Vol 102 (5) ◽  
pp. 18-23
Author(s):  
Antony Farag
Keyword(s):  
Critical Race Theory ◽  
Predominantly White ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Critical Race ◽  
Race Theory ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Predominately White ◽  
Current Events ◽  
Elective Course ◽  
White School

In a post-truth world, it is imperative for educators to help students sift through the various views of both historical and current events. Critical race theory (CRT), a controversial theoretical framework directly critiquing white supremacy and incorporating the histories of historically marginalized communities, is a useful tool for helping students develop their own understanding of history and the world. However, research shows that social studies educators of white students are unprepared to use CRT. Antony Farag shares his research into white teachers’ use of CRT and describes what happened when his predominately white school attempted to launch an elective course build on critical race theory.

scholarly journals RACISM: AFRICAN AMERICANS’ EXPERIENCES AS VICTIMS OF SLAVERY AND SEGREGATION AS IMPLEMENTED BY THE POLICIES OF WHITE SUPREMACY

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 309-320
Author(s):  
Fred Bedell
Keyword(s):  
African Americans ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Caste System ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
The Social ◽  
Construct Theory ◽  
The Impact

This essay will be divided into three parts – Slavery, Segregation, and Past and Recent Events that will document the impact on the social, political, and economic fabric of marginalized communities. It will focus on the social construct theory of domination and subordination and the caste system that subjugated African Americans under the guise of white supremacy

scholarly journals “I had Missionary Grandparents for Christ’s Sakes!”: White Women in Transracial/Cultural Families Bearing Witness to Whiteness

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 130
Author(s):  
Willow Samara Allen
Keyword(s):  
White Women ◽  
White Supremacy ◽  
Critical Time ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
White Supremacist ◽  
Bearing Witness ◽  
Black African ◽  
Political Economic ◽  
Bear Witness

White women have occupied a distinct position in histories of White supremacy. With the rise of White supremacist discourses in this current epoch, I posit now is a critical time to examine how White women can bear witness to their Whiteness and to ask what role they want to play in creating a more equitable future. I take up these considerations by drawing on interview data from a qualitative study of ten White women in transracial/cultural families with Black African partners to analyze how the participants conceptualize their Whiteness and how they can make connections between their subjectivities and histories of colonialism. The women’s articulations reveal that through new relational and spatial experiences across multiple forms of difference, White women can develop a changing relationship to Whiteness and what it represents in neocolonial spaces on the African continent, the Canadian settler colonial context, and within their own familial histories and relationships. Findings suggest that for White women to witness the historical weight of their Whiteness, forming linkages between their lives and broader political, economic, and social conditions of inequity is necessary. I argue White women need to create spaces of critical engagement, such as the spaces created in the study, where they can begin to imagine themselves as different racialized subjects.

Verbal Participation and Group Therapy Outcome

1983 ◽  
Vol 142 (5) ◽  
pp. 524-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Fielding
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scales ◽  
Measurement Model ◽  
Therapy Outcome ◽  
Check List ◽  
Negative Change ◽  
Speaking Out ◽  
Verbal Participation ◽  
Symptom Check List ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Psychotherapy Groups

SummaryThe relationships between patients speaking out and measured outcome were investigated over 18 months in an out-patient group. The parameters of therapeutic progress were derived from the Symptom Check List and individualized repertory grid rating scales. Each patient's verbal participation was compared to that of other group members and to his own participation over other measurement phases. Speaking out phases were associated with more chance of change and improvement, while silent phases were associated with less chance of change and an increased likelihood of negative change. This study demonstrates the use of a relatively non-disruptive measurement model in testing clinical hypotheses in single psychotherapy groups.

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