Historical Trauma, Identity & Therapy
10 July 2025
This doctoral research study explores how therapy is experienced by people whose backgrounds have been shaped by historical trauma linked to colonialism. It focuses on how individuals make sense of identity, power, and healing within therapeutic relationships. The study is interested in how social, cultural, and historical contexts influence therapeutic experiences.
Eligibility: 18 or over, currently live in the US & attended individual therapy in the past 12 months.
Requirements
- Be at least 18 years old
- Currently reside in the US
- Have attended individual psychotherapy within the past 12 months
- Self-identify as having a personal, familial, or community background shaped by historical trauma linked to colonialism (such as displacement, cultural loss, or systemic oppression)
- Feel emotionally ready to reflect on your therapy experiences in a one-hour interview
- Please note: A brief pre-screening questionnaire is required to confirm eligibility and support participant wellbeing.
Keywords
Ethical approval
This study has been approved by the University of Roehampton School of Psychology ethics committee on 13 June 2025.
About the researcher
I am a Counselling Psychology doctoral researcher at the University of Roehampton. As someone with lived experience of historical trauma in both UK and US contexts, I approach this research with deep personal and professional investment. My work is grounded in anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive practice. This study is part of my doctoral research and has received ethical approval from the University of Roehampton’s Research Ethics Committee (Ref: PSYC 25-517).
