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

ABSTRACT

This 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyvagal theory
• intercultural psychotherapy
• affect regulation
• case studies and oppression
• case studies and stress

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rosie Yap

Rosie Yap, MSW, LICSW, is a clinical social worker in a community mental health clinic and a private practice setting in Seattle, Washington. She is currently working toward a PhD at Smith College School for Social Work. Her areas of interest are adults and older adults, intercultural issues, psychodynamic practice with Asian clients, and trauma treatment.