Boston Racial Trauma Therapist

Trauma connected to acute or chronic experiences of racism is not currently recognized in the DSM but is becoming widely accepted as it’s own unique form of trauma. Racial trauma refers to the cumulative emotional and psychological distress that arises from experiencing or witnessing racism, discrimination, microaggressions, or systemic inequities. It can affect a person’s sense of safety, identity, and belonging, and often shows up through symptoms similar to other forms of trauma—such as hypervigilance, shame, anger, exhaustion, or a deep sense of grief.

Racial trauma therapy provides a dedicated space to process these impacts with a practitioner who validates the lived realities of racism and the sociocultural reality of systemic racism rather than minimizing these forces or exclusively focusing on agency. This work often involves exploring identity, unpacking internalized messages, strengthening boundaries, and reconnecting with cultural resilience and bolstering a positive racial/ethnic identity. Therapists may integrate trauma‑informed approaches—such as grounding, narrative work, or somatic awareness—while helping clients reclaim a sense of empowerment, agency, and healing in the face of ongoing systemic inequities.