Decolonising integrative practice with Black queer men who experienced trauma: A thematic analysis

Aim

Black queer men in the UK are increasingly at risk of mental health problems related to anxiety and depression, often triggered by traumatic experiences. This study explored the efficacy of integrative practice with Black queer men who experienced trauma from a decolonised, intersectional and queer-affirming perspective.

Method

One-to-one semi-structured interviews with nine integrative practitioners were completed. Data collected from these interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke's six stages of reflexive thematic analysis (RTA).

Findings

RTA identified four subordinate themes: (1) understanding the experience of Black queer men, (2) developing the working alliance and use of self in practice, (3) effective integrative practice and (4) intersectional differences and considerations. Findings discussed the varying forms of trauma Black queer male clients experienced that impacted their mental health and how developing a strong working alliance with Black queer men was crucial when supporting them to recover from trauma. Additionally, the participants described a breadth of trauma-informed integrative counselling and coaching practice. A decolonised approach utilising the intersection of race, gender and sexuality of Black queer men was successfully integrated into the approach used by practitioners in this study.

Conclusion

Overall, this study evidenced that a decolonised perspective to integrative practice effectively supports Black queer men to recover from trauma. Future research should focus on an integrated approach with Black queer men and other gender and sexual ethnic minority clients who experienced trauma.