Addressing Childhood Trauma with Liberation Psychology and Theology

Zoom | September 3 | 12 - 1:30 pm Eastern

Trauma, ranging from interpersonal to intergenerational, can create severe dysregulation and psychic suffering. Trauma may disrupt the nervous system, identity, affect regulation, and relationship schemas. Traumatic events can also disconnect survivors from the various aspects of themselves as well as their community. Liberation psychology and theology can awaken conceptualizations and frameworks that center reclamation as a form of holistic healing and empowerment for child trauma survivors. While much of the individually-centered trauma literature focuses on skills-based psycho-education and cognitive-behavioral coping strategies, there has traditionally been less, although growing, attention paid to the diverse culturally-grounded, socio-political pathways for survivors to reclaim themselves. This presentation explores pathways that can benefit the trauma recovery process of children, especially for marginalized survivors. The trauma and healing-informed liberation pathways which emerge from the literature are culture as medicine, community support, spirituality and religiosity, expressive arts, and resistance. A more inclusive view of trauma and trauma recovery can both heal and empower individuals and society as a whole.

Dr. Thema Bryant is a psychologist, author, professor, sacred artist, and minister who is leading the way in creating healthy relationships, healing traumas, and overcoming stress and oppression. Dr. Thema is the author of recently released book Matters of the Heart (February 4, 2025; Penguin Random House), which aims to empower readers to connect with themselves and to others, delving into topics such as: control issues, emotional unavailability, practical activation activities, case studies, and teaching how to shift mindset and patterns around romance.