Racial Trauma Therapy In Calgary

What is Racial Trauma?

Racial trauma is the emotional and psychological impact of experiencing racism - whether through direct acts like being targeted with slurs, or ongoing systemic injustices in workplaces, schools, healthcare, or policing. Unlike a one-time traumatic event, racial trauma often builds over time. It can feel chronic, exhausting, and isolating - especially when others don’t see or understand it. Even when the connection isn’t obvious, the effects of racism can show up in both mental and physical health, shaping how safe, seen, or valued someone feels in the world.

Common Symptoms of Racial Trauma:

  • Anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance (always feeling “on edge”)

  • Feelings of anger, sadness, hopelessness, or helplessness

  • Low self-worth or internalized racism

  • Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares

  • Avoiding certain people, places, or conversations

  • Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, or stomach issues

  • Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected

  • Depression that feels persistent or hard to name

  • Distrust in institutions (like school, healthcare, or law enforcement)

Types of Therapy for Racial Trauma

EMDR

Uses guided eye movements and mind-body techniques to process stuck traumatic memories so they feel less intense

Somatic Therapy

Focuses on how trauma impacts the body, using movement, breath, and body awareness.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Helps explore the “parts” of you that hold pain or protection, and brings healing to them.

Visual Arts Therapy

Uses visual expression, like drawing, painting, or collage to help you explore emotions that may be hard to put into words.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Uses eye movements and mind-body techniques to help you change the way distressing memories are stored in the brain and reduce emotional pain and distress.

Expressive Arts Therapy

Uses creativity like painting, music, writing, and movement to help you express feelings and work through difficult memories & experiences.

Racial Trauma Therapists in Calgary