HOW I DEAL WITH RACIAL TRAUMA AS A THERAPIST
We are in incredibly challenging times as negative realities, that are no secret to the black community saturate our televisions, social media, and emails. Being that the Black Lives Matter movement intensified amid a pandemic, many are dealing with the symptoms resulting from racial trauma, anxiety, and depression. It has been a challenging and very emotionally draining time for many people, therapists included. Therapists are human and not exempt from the hurt that we all feel as we watch various examples of how racism and the rights those before us fought so hard for, continues to be a present-day issue.
I am very aware of what I call my “personal energy account.” This is the amount of energy I wake up with that will allow me to complete daily tasks, work, interact, and care for my loved ones, and take care of myself. I believe if I do not take care of myself, I cannot care for loved ones or be an advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. Here are a few things I do to care for myself (preserve my energy) during this emotionally draining time of racial trauma during a pandemic.
1) Limit my viewing of social media/news. Constantly being bombarded with negative images and reminders of the injustices that are happening across the world can be overwhelming and traumatic. By limiting my intake of this I can stay informed but not overwhelmed. None of us can be the best version of ourselves if we are in a constant state of stress or anxiety.
2) Utilize my gift to support what I believe in. All of us have gifts and talents as we all are unique. By focusing on my gift (which is helping people/families heal) I am reminded that I can utilize my gift to fight for what is important to me. This reduces feelings of hopelessness. As the videos have shown us, racism is a worldwide issue and many are left feeling helpless. Please remember, everything you do to fight for what you believe in matters. Take your control back by using your gift to create change in the world!
3) Remember education equals empowerment. I choose to read and educate myself on racism in America, laws, systematic racism, African American history, and intergenerational trauma. The more I educate myself, the more mindful I am of how racial trauma impacts my clients as well as myself. By educating yourself, you can control. You lift your voice. You share with others. You become empowered! No one can take away what you know.
4) Attend Processing Groups for Therapists. Yes, therapists process with other therapists to ensure we are all emotionally healthy. It is important that we have a place to share our experiences of racial trauma so that we are healing as well. We cannot serve from an empty cup. When we are emotionally healthy, we can provide the best are to our clients. This is the same for anyone reading this article. You cannot help others if you are not emotionally healthy yourself. Even on planes, they tell us to put our oxygen mask on first, then help others.
Miyume McKinley LCSW is a Psychotherapist based in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from XULA, Miyume founded her inclusive practice Epiphany Counseling. She is also the host of Epiphany Radio and founder of The Healing & Hope Foundation.