Psychotherapy is generally used to address individual traumas, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or abandonment.
There has been growing interest in using it to address collective trauma resulting from centuries of persecution, including slavery, genocide, and war. This article will explore whether psychotherapy can effectively address this type of trauma or if such healing must be communal instead.
Collective trauma refers to experiences that affect an entire group or community, such as the Holocaust, Hiroshima bombing, Rwandan genocide, or COVID-19 pandemic. It results from massive social upheaval, disruption, or loss, causing profound emotional distress and fear, as well as physical and mental health issues. Collective trauma creates a shared cultural memory that shapes identity, beliefs, values, and behaviors across generations.
Many factors contribute to collective trauma, such as mass violence, displacement, oppression, racism, sexism, homophobia, ableism, ageism, and religious intolerance. These factors often lead to social exclusion, marginalization, and discrimination, which cause chronic stress and anxiety. Psychological impacts may include PTSD, depression, substance abuse, suicide, and intergenerational trauma.
Individual trauma occurs when one person experiences painful events, such as sexual assault, natural disaster, or medical diagnosis. Individual therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and exposure therapy have proven effective for treating these traumas.
Their efficacy in addressing collective trauma is less clear.
Some argue that collective trauma requires communal healing, such as traditional rituals, ceremonies, storytelling, and art therapy. They believe that only communities can understand and process collective trauma, creating a shared narrative of resilience and hope. Others advocate for psychotherapy, arguing it can be tailored to address specific communities' needs, such as racial and ethnic minorities, refugees, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Psychotherapy has been shown to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression associated with collective trauma. It can help individuals reframe negative beliefs, regulate emotions, develop coping skills, and build resilience.
EMDR and Somatic Experiencing are effective in treating combat-related trauma.
Studies suggest that group therapy can also benefit victims of collective trauma. Community-based approaches, such as community dialogue, social support groups, and restorative justice, promote empathy, solidarity, and social connection. These may enhance the effectiveness of individual therapy by providing a safe space for sharing experiences and supporting each other.
Both individual and communal therapies can effectively treat collective trauma, but they must complement each other. Psychotherapy should be culturally sensitive, addressing historical context, power dynamics, oppression, and cultural memory. Communities need access to resources, education, and support networks to promote healing and resilience.
Can psychotherapy address collective trauma caused by centuries of persecution, or is such healing inherently communal?
Although psychotherapy can be an effective tool for individuals who experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after experiencing or witnessing a horrific event, it may not be sufficient for dealing with collective trauma resulting from centuries of persecution. Collective trauma refers to shared experiences that impact entire communities and their subsequent generations.