Addressing Internalized Racism Through Healing Circles: The Role of Psychotherapy

Internalized racism is a pervasive issue that affects the mental health and well-being of individuals within marginalized communities.[1] It occurs when individuals adopt the negative beliefs and stereotypes propagated by a dominant culture, leading to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and internal conflict. Healing circles, rooted in cultural traditions and communal support, provide a transformative space for addressing these issues, particularly when informed by the principles of Psychotherapy. This article explores how healing circles can serve as a powerful tool for combating internalized racism and fostering resilience.

Understanding Internalized Racism
Internalized racism manifests in various ways, including self-hatred, diminished self-esteem, and an inability to embrace one’s racial identity. Research indicates that experiences of racism can lead to chronic psychological distress, with significant implications for mental health. This distress is exacerbated by the internalization of societal messages that devalue Blackness, creating a cycle of negativity that affects individuals’ relationships with themselves and others.

Black psychoanalysts such as Dr. Frantz Fanon[2] have extensively explored the psychological impact of colonialism and racism. In Black Skin, White Masks, Fanon argues that racism instills a sense of inferiority in the oppressed, which can lead to internalized racism. He posits that the path to healing lies in recognizing and confronting these internalized beliefs, a process that can be facilitated through collective healing practices.

The Healing Circle as a Transformative Space
Healing circles[3] are structured gatherings where participants come together to share their experiences, emotions, and stories in a supportive environment. These circles emphasize community, empathy, and active listening, allowing individuals to explore their feelings around race and identity without fear of judgment.[4]

Creating Safe Spaces
A key aspect of healing circles is the establishment of safety and trust. Dr. Akua Kouyate emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where individuals feel comfortable expressing their anger, grief, and confusion related to racism.[5] This emotional safety allows participants to engage in vulnerable discussions, confronting their internalized beliefs and the societal pressures that contribute to them.

Facilitating Dialogue and Reflection
Within healing circles, dialogue serves as a tool for reflection and understanding. Participants share their experiences of racism and internalized beliefs, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared struggle. This collective narrative can be empowering, as it challenges the isolation often felt by those dealing with internalized racism.[6] Research shows that sharing personal stories can enhance emotional healing and strengthen communal bonds.

The Role of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy provides a theoretical framework for understanding the psychological impact of racism and the importance of community in healing. It emphasizes the need to confront the internalized narratives that perpetuate self-hatred and alienation. As Dr. Beverly Greene suggests, acknowledging and processing anger related to racial injustice is a critical step toward reclaiming one’s identity.[7]

By integrating Black psychoanalytic principles[8] into healing circles, facilitators can guide participants through discussions that challenge oppressive narratives. This approach encourages individuals to unpack their feelings about race, identity, and self-worth, allowing for personal and collective healing.

Practical Applications of Healing Circles
To effectively address internalized racism through healing circles, consider the following strategies:

1. Structured Sharing: Create a framework for participants to share their stories, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to speak. Use prompts that encourage reflection on personal experiences with racism and its impact on self-identity.
2. Facilitation Training: Train facilitators in culturally sensitive practices that recognize the unique challenges faced by participants. This training can enhance the effectiveness of discussions and create a more supportive environment.
3. Integration of Psychoanalytic Concepts: Encourage facilitators to incorporate Black psychoanalytic perspectives, guiding discussions toward understanding the psychological roots of internalized racism and fostering resilience.
4. Follow-Up Support: After healing circles, provide resources for ongoing support, such as access to counseling or community programs that promote mental health and well-being.

Conclusion
Addressing internalized racism requires intentionality, empathy, and communal support. Healing circles, informed by the principles of Psychotherapy, offer a powerful framework for individuals to confront their internal struggles and reclaim their narratives. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and reflection, we can begin to dismantle the harmful effects of internalized racism, fostering resilience and healing within marginalized communities.

As we continue to explore these themes, let us commit to honoring and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced by racism. Through healing circles, we can not only address internalized racism but also cultivate a sense of belonging and empowerment for all individuals.

[1] David, EJ Ramos, Tiera M. Schroeder, and Jessicaanne Fernandez. “Internalized racism: A systematic review of the psychological literature on racism’s most insidious consequence.” Journal of Social Issues 75.4 (2019): 1057-1086.

[2] Butts, Hugh F. “Frantz Fanon’s contribution to psychiatry: the psychology of racism and colonialism.” Journal of the national medical association 71.10 (1979): 1015.

[3] Stevenson, Jean. “The circle of healing.” (1999).

[4] Watts‐Jones, Dee. “Healing internalized racism: The role of a within‐group sanctuary among people of African descent.” Family Process 41.4 (2002): 591-601.

[5] Monshat, Kaveh. “Sharing circles as healing spaces: An ode.” The International Journal of Whole Person Care 10.1 (2023): 16-24.

[6] Richardson, Jennifer L. “Healing circles as black feminist pedagogical interventions.” Black women’s liberatory pedagogies: Resistance, transformation, and healing within and beyond the academy (2018): 281-294.

[7] Jackson, Leslie C., and Beverly Greene, eds. Psychotherapy with African American women: Innovations in psychodynamic perspectives and practice. Guilford Press, 2000.

[8] Bowen, Monique S. “Review of The African American experience: Psychoanalytic perspectives.” (2017): 266.