Healing from Racial Trauma: A Social Ecological Approach-Presentation and q&a

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Good afternoon, Dr. Denise Cheverington presents on the topic of healing from trauma. The presentation is sponsored by SAMHSA and the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence at Morehouse School of Medicine. Dr. Cheverington discusses the historical and current racial atrocities experienced by African Americans and the impact of racism on mental health. She explores the concept of lack and jouissance from Lacanian psychoanalytic theory and how it relates to racism. Dr. Cheverington emphasizes the intergenerational biologic transmission of historical trauma and the need for individual and collective healing. She highlights the importance of addressing racism at multiple levels, including policy change, promoting healthy relationships, and embracing cultural healing practices. Dr. Cheverington concludes by recommending self-care for providers and the importance of finding joy and beauty in the midst of trauma. The presentation ends with a video performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater to illustrate the transformative power of the arts.

Keywords

healing from trauma

SAMHSA

African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence

Morehouse School of Medicine

racial atrocities

racism and mental health

Lacanian psychoanalytic theory

intergenerational biologic transmission

addressing racism

cultural healing practices