Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities
Oct 3, 2024 — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Event description
Trauma can be experienced in a myriad of ways; it is not limited to war, a pandemic, religious persecution, or scarcity. It can manifest as a result of profound migratory narratives, systemic oppression, and relentless cultural shaming. This conversation will identify and underscore how trauma is encountered, internalized, and perpetuated within BIPOC communities. Additionally, the author will introduce the Inclusion and Healing Therapy framework designed specifically for BIPOC clients to process, unlearn, and break intergenerational trauma cycles within home, academic, community, and host culture spaces.
Pavna K. Sodhi
Psychotherapist and adjunct professor
Pavna K. Sodhi, EdD (she/her), is a registered psychotherapist, author, speaker, and adjunct professor residing in Ottawa, Canada. With over 25 years of psychotherapeutic and research experience, she has interacted with a multitude of populations in various clinical, academic, and supervisory spaces. Her professional background and personal narrative offer a unique research perspective regarding culturally responsive trauma-informed work, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) communities, and immigrant mental health. She credits her Punjabi-Sikh upbringing and lived experience for her continued interest in these timely topics. As a productive ally, Pavna takes pride in decentring systemic racism, breaking barriers, and encouraging others to be culturally responsive.
Cristelle Audet
Associate Professor and Registered Psychotherapist
Cristelle Audet, PhD (she/her), is Associate Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Ottawa and Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario. She is former president of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association’s (CCPA) Social Justice Chapter and has been involved with CCPA’s Ethics Committee since 2010. Having written about diversity and continuing to reflect on her social identities in different contexts, she is interested in how societal responses to different identities have a bearing on mental health and wellbeing. Out of concern that dignitary harm be replicated in therapy, her research efforts forefront the perspectives of under-represented clients to help unveil therapy practices that are culturally responsive, sustaining, and dignifying.