The Model of Care:
Wanasah’s Black Centric Trauma Model of Care
Wanasah’s Black Centric Trauma Model of Care was developed in 2023-2024. The program aims to work with Black youth experiencing trauma that may require group support, therapy, crisis support and/or after care support.
In developing this program, it is important we explain our definition of trauma in the program: “Trauma encompasses the effects of encountering or witnessing immensely stressful events that surpass an individual’s capacity to manage. It occurs when individuals face or perceive a substantial threat, overwhelming their typical coping mechanisms. Importantly, trauma can also manifest collectively within communities or groups, impacting not only individuals but also the broader social context” (Kezelman & Stavropoulos, 2012).
Three types of Trauma: Black Centric Model
Acute Trauma
Acute Trauma refers to a single traumatic event that that causes significant distress or harm. For Black youth, examples of acute trauma might include:
- Experiencing or witnessing a violent incident, such as a physical or sexual assault, robbery, or shooting.
- A sudden and unexpected loss, such as the death of a family member or close friend.
- Being subjected to or witnessing a racially motivated attack or harassment.
- A severe accident or natural disaster.
Chronic Trauma
Chronic Trauma refers to repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. For Black youth, chronic trauma can stem from various sources, including:
- Ongoing exposure to systemic racism and discrimination
- Living in an environment with high levels of violence or crime where there is a constant threat to personal safety.
- Persistent bullying or harassment at school or in the community, particularly when it is racially motivated.
- Long-term neglect or abuse, whether emotional, physical, or sexual, within the family or community.
- Economic hardship and the stress associated with poverty, which can be made worse by racial inequalities.
Complex Trauma
Complex Trauma, involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, and is typically associated with severe, long-term trauma, such as child abuse or domestic violence. For Black youth, chronic trauma can result from the intersecting layers of trauma experienced by Black individuals and communities, stemming from a history of slavery, colonization, systemic racism, and/or intergenerational trauma. It encompasses exposure to multiple traumatic events, such as community violence, systemic injustice, poverty, and racial discrimination. Complex trauma recognizes the cumulative impact of these experiences on mental health, well-being, and identity development within Black communities.
Values and approach:
Family and Chosen Family:
In Wanasah’s Black-Centric Trauma Model of Care, the inclusion of both family and chosen family is essential. By incorporating these support networks in the model, we ensure that Black youth receive holistic and culturally appropriate care, promoting a stronger sense of support, belonging and healing.
Spirituality:
Spirituality is a key part of Wanasah’s Black-Centric Trauma Model of Care. The model includes spiritual practices and beliefs in therapy, recognizing their importance in Black communities. Youth are encouraged to use spiritual resources for strength and healing, respecting and incorporating spiritual traditions to create a holistic and culturally appropriate healing environment.
- Safety: Safety means creating conditions that prevent physical, psychological, or any type of harm, ensuring the health and well-being of individuals and the community. In a Black-centric trauma program, safety helps Black youth feel secure, fostering the growth of empowered Black communities.
- Authenticity: Authenticity within the Black centric trauma program means helping Black youth be true and genuine to themselves and others, while honoring and embracing their history, culture, and community.
- Community: Community in the Black-centric trauma program means recognizing and understanding shared values and norms that promote a sense of belonging. For Black youth, this includes spirituality, family, and communal celebrations, which foster unity and strengthen their connection to themselves, the Black community and the world around them.
- Compassion: Compassion in a Black-centric trauma program means showing kindness rooted in appreciation, validation, understanding, and active support of Black youth who have experienced suffering. This compassionate approach helps them feel seen, heard, and cared for in their healing journey.
- Trust & Loyalty: Fostering trust and loyalty in a Black-centric trauma program involves promoting solidarity, mutual support, and unwavering commitment to the well-being and respect of Black youth. This approach helps them feel secure and valued, knowing that the program is dedicated to their care and growth.
These values were drawn from the voices of the Regent Park community, as well as insights from clinicians and service providers during our three-day trauma symposium. They form the foundation of every community engagement within our Black-Centric Model of Care.
Referrals
Intake Process
Eligibility Criteria
- Identify with history of trauma
- Black youth aged 12-25
- Ability to attend regularly and/ or get full benefit of therapy with supports (e.g. no acute symptoms that interfere with ability to attend such as acute psychosis, severe substance use, excessive case management needs, acute suicidality)
- Ability to participate in group treatment and respect the group guidelines
- Capacity to formulate goals for trauma therapy.
Black Centric Trauma Program:
Phase 1: Stabilization Group
The stabilization group is an 8 week psychoeducation group specifically to understand trauma and learn new strategies that will provide practical tools to regulate emotions, manage distress, and improve overall relationships. The goal is to teach clients the skills they need to thrive and activate their positive emotion systems, develop self-awareness and enact behaviour change.
Phase 2: Processing
In this stage clients are provided one to one direct psychotherapy to process traumatic experiences and memories using exposure-based procedures and other therapeutic techniques including dialectical behavioural therapy (DBT) and narrative therapy. Building on stage 1, clients will engage in therapy that focuses on remembering, mourning, and healing from the trauma.
Phase 3: Re-integration and Connection
The final stage focuses on reintegrating the client into their everyday life. During this stage, community connections and developing healthy relationships. By developing new skills and life affirming connections, clients will continue their path to a life of meaning and purpose beyond their trauma experience(s).
Aftercare clients who have gone through at least one phase of the trauma program are invited to join the aftercare program to support clients in their recovery process to continue to find meaning and purpose in their lives. This entails a combination of peer support group, resources, and community integration. As for clinical support, clients will be in contact with their therapist or counsellor as need arises or for “booster” therapy sessions.
Wanasah is a new non-profit mental health agency created to address the urgent mental health needs of Black youth and their families in Regent Park and neighbouring areas, in downtown Toronto. We are a space where Black youth and their families recognize themselves. Our programs and services are FREE for residents of Regent Park and neighbouring areas.