Wednesday, July 28 at 2:00 PM-3:15 PM

Systematic racism has disproportionately impacted the livelihood of BIPOC communities. Psychologically, it’s associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality among BIPOC. Ongoing experiences of discrimination, including repeatedly witnessing and/or being exposed to the psychological and physical effects of racism is akin to complex trauma. Racial trauma can be transmitted generationally and young BIPOC are at risk with high rates of educational underachievement and low rates of graduation. Culturally responsive collective healing that specifically attend to the direct implications of racial trauma are crucial in anti-racist clinical practice. Group therapy is an evidence-based intervention that is especially helpful for reducing the sense of isolation, loneliness, and shame associated with complex trauma. This workshop describes a group intervention for BIPOC university students, targeting racial trauma with combined psychoeducation and collective healing components. This workshop will review the development, curriculum, and results of a group intervention program designed to reduce the impact of racial trauma, while mitigating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness among BIPOC students. Attendees will learn how to: Describe the implications of racial trauma on BIPOC students. Identify how group intervention reduces barriers to accessing culturally responsive services. Learn how to design a group intervention that specifically targets racial trauma.

Presenters

Dr. Dareen Basma

Dr. Dareen Basma is a practicing clinician, educator and researcher who specializes in multicultural pedagogy, psychotherapy and research, with a specific interest in immigrant identity. Dr. Basma has presented, published and teaches on topics related to cross cultural practice and culturally inclusive pedagogy, and has extensive experience working with individuals with racial trauma history.

Dr. Mengchun Chiang

Dr. Mengchun Chiang is a practicing licensed psychologist. Dr. Chiang was trained in trauma - informed care at the Victims of Violence Program at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School and has presented nationally/ internationally on topics related to social justice and clinical care for underrepresented populations. Dr. Chiang has extensive clinical experiences working with diverse individuals with trauma history.

Dr. Allison Jedinak

Dr. Allison Jedinak is a practicing psychologist and educator who holds expertise in group intervention.

If you require an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact the Office for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at diversity@pitt.edu by July 21