Implicitly Regulating the Stress of Oppression: Re-establishing Safety in Intercultural Practice

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

ABSTRACTThis article offers two neurobiological frameworks to inform treatment of stress resulting from racial and cultural oppression. It is established that oppression can cause stress symptoms. Because we are biological social beings, the impact of this stress is directly on the mammalian nervous system and can lead to difficulties with regulation of arousal in the safety of relationships. This article draws on the understanding of the autonomic nervous system from polyvagal theory and on affect regulation techniques to help the clinician regulate arousal states and promote a sense of safety with clients. Two clinical examples illustrate the application and some challenges in implicit intercultural regulation.