A Self-Inquiry Into Race Socialization & Internalized Whiteness: For Therapists Treating Racial Trauma Among BIPOC Clients

Course overview

Throughout our own development, we have been exposed to direct and indirect messages about race, racism and our own racial identity, contributing to our own race socialization. Embedded in these messages is white supremacy culture which can show up consciously and unconsciously, causing harm in our clinical work. This workshop will specifically focus on aspects of white supremacy culture to help therapists explore their own race socialization and various forms of internalized 'whiteness'. Dr. Fatter will discuss clinical examples of ways 'whiteness' can show up relationally in clinical settings, in the therapeutic relationship and in the group relational field. Dr. Fatter will also examine how to address racial identity with clients and ways to assess for racial trauma. Treatment considerations when providing trauma processing to BIPOC clients on racial trauma will be discussed, including relational dynamics that can emerge specifically as a white therapist. Dr. Fatter will address common reactions that specifically white therapists can express when faced with race-based stress. Dr. Fatter will also provide examples of how to do a relational repair when harm has been caused. Case examples and practice vignettes will be used regarding treating racial trauma. Dr. Fatter will guide experiential exercises for self-reflection and self-examination to build our own stamina in order to effectively and therapeutically serve our BIPOC clients. This will include exercises on one's social location, becoming more aware of what parts show up for you as a therapist when addressing racial trauma, and ways to attend to our own body's response when faced with race-based stress. Ways to practice from an anti-racist framework with cultural humility will be discussed.