Transforming Historical Trauma Through Dialogue

Today there is evidence that most minority groups in the US suffer from symptoms related to intergenerational transmission of collective historical trauma. For those with additional mental health issues, treatment can become complicated unless underlying historical hostilities are addressed. This book is a practical text on understanding the causes and treatment of historical trauma on an individual, group and community level.

Transformation of trauma is a complex process of which people become more aware of their traumatic past, become better connected to themselves, and to the world at large. It is a participatory, strength based approach which can help people heal the trauma that divides them. The book begins with a definition of historical trauma and transformation and the development of the dialogue necessary to aid in transformation, such as self care, self awareness and professional self development. The book then goes into various techniques using a psychodynamic dialogue, cognitive behavioral, experiential, creative, and ecological dialogues. Finally the book then applies the early content to the transformation of self, family, couple, and community.