When creating this space, it is important to note it does not have to be limited to a physical location; it may also be a virtual platform (e.g., Zoom, Webex®) or a telephone with a camera (e.g., iPhone® and FaceTime®). Regardless of how the space is created, it is essential to meet face-to-face to ensure privacy. If you feel led to create a safe space for those affected by race-based trauma, consider the following steps before moving forward.
- Search your heart and purpose. The facilitator needs to explore why he/she is interested in creating a healing space and be willing to study his/her thoughts about race and trauma. The goal of having the facilitator explore his/her heart before meeting with the person or group is to learn what areas may need to be healed and what, if any, stereotypes, biases, and prejudices he/she may have toward others. This work is necessary to ensure the facilitator can hold space for those affected by race-based trauma. While providing this resource, the facilitator commits to being an active listener, shows empathy, establishes trust, and respects the individual and his/her experience as it is told.
- Seek assistance from others. Consult with colleagues who have a history of providing care to people of color who have experienced race-based trauma. Consider inviting a subject matter expert (SME) to co-facilitate the initial session if you are hosting a group or workshop. Engage in peer supervision.
- Seek knowledge and understanding. Learn as much as you can about race-based trauma, race-based traumatic stress, microaggressions, and how racism and discrimination impact people of color on both the micro and macro-levels.
- Initiate partnerships and/or referrals. The person who facilitates creating the healing space may not be the one providing the clinical intervention and care. For example, a pastor may want his/her church to be a healing space for community members but is not clinically trained to address the reactions associated with race-based trauma. In this case, the pastor could consult with a culturally-informed mental health professional to host a workshop or clinical group via the church’s Zoom account or at the physical location.
The United States has a long history of racism and discrimination; however, the research and clinical interventions to address the traumatic stress people of color often carry after encountering a race-based incident are inadequate. While the inquiry continues to advance in this area, people affected by race-based trauma need a healing space to reduce the pain and pressure they are experiencing at this very moment. The urgency is upon us. If not now, when? And if not us, who?
This article originally appeared in Christian Counseling Today, Vol. 24 No. 4. Christian Counseling Today is the flagship publication of the American Association of Christian Counselors. To learn more about the AACC, click here.
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