Race, Inequality, and Mental Health | Dr. Jennifer Mullan, Decolonizing Therapy
How is mental health affected by racial trauma?
In today’s episode Sidewalk Talk, guest and consultant Dr. Jennifer Mullan, talks race, oppression, and systemic inequality. Traci and Dr. Mullan explore what the process of healing from ongoing trauma might look like for black, brown, queer and indigenous people and how we can all work to create space and help to mitigate privilege as therapists, allies and friends.
Getting comfortable with discomfort, they share the importance of acknowledging privilege and highlight the multitude of ways it can show up in our interactions and attempts at connection. Find out how you can start showing up with the right tools to contribute towards meaningful change as you gain a better understanding of history, race, politics and inequities in America.
Episode Timeline:
[00:09] Intro
[00:57] Meet Dr. Jennifer Mullan
[04:54] How psychotherapy might support systemic injustice
[11:29] Politics, psychotherapy and acknowledging intersectionality
[21:37] Employing trauma sensitive and inclusive approaches
[31:22] Internalized racial superiority and racial oppression
[35:26] Emotional labor, fear and boundaries
[45:37] A new curriculum for therapists
[59:19] America’s shadow of shame
[1:04:20] Building friendships through understanding
[1:08:19] Dr. Mullan’s wish for you
[1:12:05] Outro
Resources Mentioned:
People's Institute of Survival and Beyond
Standout Quotes:
“As a therapist, I believe we have an ethical duty to place it on the table and let people know that the pain that they experience due to any inequities and racism and so on, is part of why things are not, quote unquote, equitable and fair and balanced for them.” -Dr. Jennifer Mullan [17:49]
“Our histories of violence, impact and inform us and that is part of intergenerational and ancestral trauma.” -Dr. Jennifer Mullan [21:27]
“It's really important for us to try to build new ways of coping in our bodies and our systems, and in ways that help us ground ourselves. And I do believe that that's what therapists can do even in the midst of warfare and loss and pain.” --Dr. Jennifer Mullan [29:15]
Connect:
Find | Sidewalk Talk
At sidewalk-talk.org
On Instagram: @sidewalktalkorg
On Twitter: @sidewalktalkorg
Find | Traci Ruble
At Traciruble.com
On Instagram: @TraciRubleMFT
On Twitter: @TraciRubleMFT
On Facebook: @TraciRubleMFT
Find | Dr. Jennifer Mullan
At drjennifermullan.com
On Instagram: @decolonizingtherapy
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