Resilience and the Black Experience
Description
For over 450 years, Black people in America have suffered egregious atrocities and brutal subjugation. While the subsequent trauma of this psychic terrorism has received significant attention in recent years, there is a parallel story that is often overlooked. Equally as important to centering the trauma of the Black experience, is centering on their extraordinary resilience. This presentation walks participants through hundreds of years of the psychologically eviscerating assaults of white supremacy to facilitate a clear understanding of both the extent and form of the resulting psychological injury. Drawing from a traditional African cultural perspective, this presenter will hone in on a key critical aspect of personhood essential to the exceptional resilience of Black people. Finally, culturally syntonic ways of cultivating resilience specific to Black people will also be offered. This presentation is designed to edify mental health professionals with insight into a key portal of access vital in cultivating resilience in Black clients, particularly those most impacted by racial trauma.
Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Determine linkages between indicators of racial trauma observed in their clients and historical experiences of individual and structural racial oppression.
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Explain resilience from the perspective of a biopsychosocial framework.
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Identify a key aspect of resilience unique to a traditional African cultural frame that is often overlooked in Western psychology.
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Incorporate and apply culturally syntonic considerations for cultivating resilience in their work with Black clients.
Instructor Bio
Dr. Monique Swift, proprietor of Swift Solutions Consultant Services, LLC, is a psychologist, a NJ Licensed Professional Counselor, and a NY Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She has over 20 years of clinical experience in the field of mental health and operates a private practice in Rahway, NJ where she specializes in couple's therapy and trauma. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Swift also offers curriculum design, personal development workshops, and professional training. She consults with religious,community-based, and non profit organizations, public and private schools, as well as with private groups. As a trauma expert, she offers consultation to organizations that want to become trauma-informed.
Dr. Swift is involved in racial social justice efforts and initiatives. Her volunteer work benefit the Black community specifically, and oppressed andunder-served populations, in general. Her volunteer activity often involves grassroots and civic organizing, personal and community empowerment building, and addressing issues of racial inequality, and racial trauma. Dr. Swift serves as a member of the Board of Advisors for Volunteers of America, the Newark Community Collaborative Board, Torchlight Educational Academy, and the Union County Juvenile Conference Committee under the Family Division of the Superior Court. Since 2014, she has also served as an executive board member for the New Jersey Chapter ofThe Association of Black Psychologist and is immediate Past President. Dr. Swift additionally serves on the national board of The Association of Black Psychologist as Eastern Regional Representative. Dr. Swift’s special interests include youth empowerment, race and social issues, and holistic health.
Dr. Swift has no conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.