Advocacy for a reparative psychology
2023-2024 was dedicated in the Netherlands to the 150th Anniversary of the Abolishment of the trans-Atlantic slavery. Enslavement is a crime against humanity and one of the most serious human rights violations. Colonialism and Enslavement have far reaching consequences for mental health. Mental health care professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, anthropologists and ortho-pedagogues) from both sides of the Atlantic, prepared together a series of events to raise awareness of the continuous effects -the ‘Doorwerking’-, of the trans-Atlantic enslavement. They did research, wrote publications, held symposia and were actively present at various conferences and meetings. The Mission of this project was to raise awareness of the continuous effects of enslavement in contemporary society, in relationships, and on clients and therapists.
Starting with Frantz Fanon who saw pathology as a consequence of colonisation and emphasised that the goal of intervention should be to restore freedom (1961), this presentation raises questions about the role psychology and psychologists can and should play in reparation of past violations. Uncovering hidden exclusionary systems, racist microaggression, and unravelling the traumatic bond between oppressors and victims, are some examples.
During the year of organising events together, the diverse group of scholars and practitioners developed a mutual understanding and trust. This kind of cooperation together, was not only an educational, but also a healing process.
Psychology and mental health practitioners must recognize the pain caused by oppression and the traumatizing system and advocate to assist people seeking to regain their pride and dignity.
Dr Polli Hagenaars
Polli Hagenaars is a licensed clinical psychologist and trainer for inclusion and diversity policies with her own institute -C5- in Amsterdam, NL. Throughout her career social inclusion/exclusion has been a major professional focus.
Together with colleagues, she has initiated a range of activities and publications promoting the engagement of psychologists with human rights. She is the co-founder and co-chair of the ‘Global Network of Psychologists for Human Rights’, and editor of the monthly Bulletin. She guest-edited recently a thematic issue of ‘Decolonizing psychology in developing societies’ Sage), and prepares with colleagues from the Netherlands, Surinam and the Caribbean, the 150th Commemoration of the abolishment of slavery in NL.