Embodied Liberation: Integrating Somatic and Culturally Responsive Healing Practices for Racial Trauma in African American Communities

Racial trauma is a pervasive and enduring form of psychological injury rooted in historical oppression, systemic racism, and ongoing sociocultural inequities. Traditional mental health frameworks, largely grounded in Eurocentric and cognitive-based approaches, have often failed to adequately address the embodied and culturally specific dimensions of trauma experienced by African American individuals. This article synthesizes interdisciplinary literature on somatic therapy, dance/movement therapy, mindfulness, and culturally responsive clinical interventions to examine how embodied healing practices can support recovery from racial trauma. Drawing on frameworks such as Post-traumatic Slave Syndrome, somatic racial trauma theory, and integrative healing models, this paper argues for a paradigm shift toward culturally grounded, body-centered approaches to trauma treatment. Findings suggest that somatic and expressive therapies offer effective pathways for emotional regulation, identity restoration, and community healing, particularly when integrated with culturally relevant practices and systemic awareness. Implications for clinical practice, research, and training are discussed.