Description
on Black Lives is a timely addition to the literature on inter- and
transgenerational trauma. The book addresses black ancestral trauma passed down
the generations, highlighting the ongoing impact on black lives. Aileen Alleyne explores the unheeded dimensions of
individual and collective identity trauma, paying particular attention to the
themes and concepts of identity shame, black identity wounding and cultural
enmeshment. The author expands on her striking concept, the 'internal
oppressor', that inhibits self-belief, full agency and potential. She reworks
the psychoanalytic concept of 'hauntings', separating it from Freud's
interpretation as unconscious repression, and presents it as a living and
conscious element of the black trauma burden. To break the cycle of
generational trauma, Alleyne suggests an active process of separation from
archaic attachments, and engagement in intentional modes of transformation. Alleyne makes use of her own experiences throughout,
alongside therapeutic suggestions, approaches and theoretical handles for
steadying the practitioner in the consulting room. The book weaves the
personal, historical, socio-political and theoretical, and includes countless
observational examples, clinical vignettes and case material. The Burden of Heritage offers effective tools to
practitioners who work therapeutically with black and minority ethnic clients,
and highlights ways to strengthen critical enquiry for deeper conceptual and
theoretical understanding of generational trauma.
Author: Aileen Alleyne
Publisher: Confer Books
Published: 12/06/2022
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.37lbs
Size: 9.10h x 6.10w x 0.90d
ISBN13: 9781913494247
ISBN10: 1913494241
BISAC Categories:
- Psychology | Psychotherapy | General
- Psychology | Movements | Psychoanalysis
- History | Social History
About the Author
Dr Aileen Alleyne is a UKCP registered psychodynamic psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and organisational consultant in private practice. She is a visiting lecturer at training institutions and a consultant on race and cultural diversity in organisations, such as the NHS, Social Services, Education, and the Police Services. Her clinical research examining black workers' experiences in three UK statutory bodies, namely, the NHS, Education and Social Services, makes a significant contribution to the discourse on racism as a living trauma. Highlighting the concept of 'the internal oppressor', her work offers ways of deepening understanding of black psychological reactions to the wounding impact of racism. Aileen is the author of several book chapters and journal papers exploring themes on black/white dynamics, shame and identity wounding, and working with issues of Difference and Diversity in the workplace.