Racial Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth: Implications for Counselors

Authors

• Margaret M. Poandl, University of VirginiaFollow
• Nowoola AwopetuFollow
• Paul C. Harris Dr.Follow

Author ORCID Identifier

0009-0002-5472-1519,

Author Biography

Margaret M. Poandl is an Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Virginia and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Since 2012, she has practiced clinical mental health counseling in inpatient, school, community, and outpatient settings. Her research focus is posttraumatic growth in therapeutic settings and interpersonal trauma. She earned a Ph.D. in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University, an M.A. in Counseling from Wake Forest University and a B.A. in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Virginia.

Document Type

Article

Keywords

racial trauma, posttraumatic growth, trauma counseling, multicultural counseling, historical trauma

Subject Area

Counseling, Counselor Education, Higher Education Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling

Abstract

Racial trauma is ubiquitous among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and people who belong to other marginalized groups. It is likely that counselors will work with individuals who have experienced racial trauma. Aligned with the counseling profession’s values, counselors can take a strengths-based approach that incorporates facilitation of a historical trauma posttraumatic growth (HT-PTG) framework. This paper presents evidence-informed practices that can foster growth on individual and collective levels. A case example is provided that integrates individual- and collective-level interventions bidirectionally, along with implications for counselor training pedagogically, through supervision, and continuing education. Counselors can identify, encourage, and build upon existing wisdom and strengths gained by individuals and communities to guide people towards growth.

Public Significance Statement

Racial trauma is pervasive and can cause detrimental health outcomes. Counselors, as well as counselor educators, should understand practices to foster posttraumatic growth following racial trauma to effectively serve survivors.

Recommended Citation

Poandl, M. M., Awopetu, N., & Harris, P. C. (2026). Racial Trauma and Posttraumatic Growth: Implications for Counselors. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 20(3). Retrieved from https://research.library.kutztown.edu/jcps/vol20/iss3/9