The Race Conversation: An essential guide to creating life-changing dialogue

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Description

Is it possible not to be confused about race Is it possible to respond authentically to the hurt and discomfort of racism The construct of race is an integral part of Western society's DNA and if we are to address the social injustice of racism, we need to have the race conversation. Yet all too often, attempts at such a dialogue are met with silence, denial, anger or hate. The Race Conversation explores how the damage and distress caused by racism lives not just in our minds, but principally in the body.

As well as helping us to develop a cognitive understanding by exploring the history and development of the race construct, the book focuses specifically on the non-verbal communication of race, both as a means of social control and as an essential part of navigating oppressive patterns. This guide supports black, white and mixed heritage people to emerge from the tight grip of race discomfort to a trauma-informed, neurophysiological approach that emphasises resourcing, body awareness, mindfulness and healing.

Reviews

"Over eight chapters the book maps the construction of race through the centuries, the language and social constructivism around race, the nature of embodied trauma and how it manifests in the here and now. -- New Psychotherapist
Whether you consider yourself informed in this area, or new to cross-racial conversations, this book will have much to offer. It speaks to all forms of oppression I cannot recommend it highly enough. -- The Transactional Analyst
Ellis invites us to tune into our cognitive and physiological triggers in conversations about race, so that we can listen and understand our own and others experience an enriching resource for trainers, therapists, educators and anyone who wants to develop the compassionate awareness that offers hope for meaningful change. -- Therapy Today
This fascinating read dives into a world of new vocabulary coined to initiate conversations around race Its forward-thinking narrative aims to normalise conversations about race, highlights the significance of historical oppression, and proposes different solutions to healing from race-related trauma. -- Aaliyah Harris

Author Bio

Eugene Ellis is the founder and director of The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network (BAATN), a network of therapists committed, passionate and actively engaged in addressing the psychological needs of Black, African and South Asian people in the UK. He is an activist, writer, psychotherapist and public speaker on issues of race, difference and intersectionality. He trained as an Integrative Arts Psychotherapist and has a special interest in body-orientated therapies and mindfulness. Eugenes book, The Race Conversation: An essential guide to creating life-changing dialogue published in 2021 by Confer Books. It explores the intersection of race and trauma and the non-verbal communication of race.