I recently read The Burden of Heritage: hauntings of generational trauma on black lives, by Dr Aileen Alleyne. The book explores the impact of centuries of colonial slavery and oppression on black lives – an historical trauma that is continually re-enacted in the present.
Aileen explains how the generational trauma of the past shapes black racial identity, often resulting in shame. She also offers suggestions on how to work therapeutically with the burden of heritage and heal from the trauma wounds.
‘The book helped me to look at the effect of colonial oppression on my own, white identity’
The book focuses on black lives, as it should. It would surely be another type of oppression if the book were to privilege the white perspective. But that doesn’t mean it should be read only by black therapists. As Aileen writes: ‘Black people’s trauma has its genesis in white, colonial, historical oppression. Healing is therefore not a one-sided task for black people alone...’
Aileen has kindly allowed us to publish an extract from her book in this issue of the journal. It’s challenging, so I encourage you to think about where and when you will read it – and to pay heed to any emotions it provokes. I hope the extract on p8 inspires you to read the book, which is bold and beautiful, a compelling mix of theory, personal reflection and practical tools.
I recognise that I am commenting from a white viewpoint, but the book not only gave me an insight into the effect of generational trauma on black lives but also helped me to look at the effect of colonial oppression on my own, white identity. The shame it aroused was certainly uncomfortable, but I am just as certain that it must be acknowledged.
Stress and burnout are common among NHS nurses, which perhaps explains why staff morale is often low and staff turnover often high. Graham Music, Jennie McShannon and Kay Trainor write on p16 about a therapeutic intervention in the acute assessment unit of an NHS hospital.
The authors describe the individual and organisational defences that were erected against the anxieties of working in a setting where death was ever present. They also explain how space was created to express and manage some of the difficult feelings and experiences, resulting in better communication within the unit and a greater appreciation of the skills of the nurses. And yes, staff retention rates improved.
Do you understand the potential impact of menopause on mental health? Do you ever discuss menopause in the consulting room? No? Perhaps we are too intently focused on the individual to attend to the context. Or maybe we overlook the impact of menopause on psychological wellbeing, as a result of ignorance, shame or even misogyny.
Dr Jane Simms advocates for change. She asks us to deepen our understanding of menopause and its symptoms – and to bring menopause into therapy. We can then offer our clients empathy and compassion, supporting them to navigate this transition in their lives.
If you’ve ever wondered whether group therapy is effective, Natalie Wilcox’s article on p29 might offer you some answers. Natalie was recently asked to evaluate a loss group run by an NHS Talking Therapies service – and the outcome data showed consistent and encouraging results.
hcpj.editorial@bacp.co.uk
