Course Description:
The Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome Book Study & Consultation Group is a 6-month group that focuses on better understanding the impact of American history on our black communities and ways we can best support one another and our clients through healing and change. The facilitators will host monthly group sessions to discuss one chapter per month. The structure of the discussions will be based on the community culture and shared vision of the group.
“Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome is a theory that explains the etiology of many of the adaptive survival behaviors in African American communities throughout the United States and the Diaspora. It is a condition that exists as a consequence of multigenerational oppression of Africans and their descendants resulting from centuries of chattel slavery. A form of slavery which was predicated on the belief that African Americans were inherently/genetically inferior to whites. This was then followed by institutionalized racism which continues to perpetuate injury.” – Dr. Joy DeGruy
Whether you are black, indigenous, a person of color, or white, we are all impacted by the harm perpetuated from systems of oppression that de-value human beings. This group experience is a space for you to claim/re-claim history, expand your understanding of black survival and strength, disrupt myths and biases, and move forward with purpose.
Learning Objectives:
1. Develop an increased awareness of historical events and policies and how these impact black clients today.
2. Explore multi-generational patterns of adaptive behaviors and compassionate ways to assist clients in moving forward with intentionality.
3. Complete one actionable item each month to improve your interpersonal relationships and/or mitigate harm for others.
Designed For: All types of healers, mental health professionals, social workers, space holders, community leaders and organizers, and educators.
This group is ideal for those who are interested in developing sensitivity and competence in working with African-Americans. This group is best for those in search of historical truth, who enjoy critical thinking, and who are committed to using their power to elevate those who are underserved.
Location: Online via Zoom
Group Size: 8 Maximum Participants. 2 Spots Left
Dates: 6 Monthly Group Sessions Oct 2025-March 2026. Meets on the 2nd Friday of each month from 9-11am.
- Fri, 10/10/25: 9-11am
- Fri, 11/14/25: 9-11am
- Fri, 12/12/25: 9-11am
- Fri, 1/9/25: 9-11am
- Fri, 2/13/26: 9-11am
- Fri, 3/11/25: 9-11am
Check Out the Book
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury & Healing
“Dr. Joy DeGruy authored the book entitled Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing, (revised 2017) which addresses the residual impacts of trauma on African Descendants in the Americas. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS) lays the groundwork for understanding how the past has influenced the present, and opens up the discussion of how we can eliminate non-productive attitudes, beliefs and behaviors developed to cope and survive the traumatic periods of capture, transport, enslavement, Jim Crow and current day racial terrorism. The focus of the book is to learn and build upon the strengths we have gained from the past in order to heal from injuries both past and present.”
-Dr. Joy DeGruy
Meet Your Facilitators
Dr. Melody Brown, PhD, LMFT
Dr. Melody Brown, PhD, LMFT is the owner of Systemic Solutions, LLC and serves the community by providing public speaking, training, clinical supervision, and consultation to organizations seeking to improve their services through an equity and community conscious lens. She identifies as Black/African-American, Cis-Gender Female, Queer, Mostly Able-Bodied, Married, Raised Christian with Meta-Physical Practices and Beliefs, and with a Culturally Southern Upbringing. Her approach is to ensure that clinicians understand their own identities, their places of power and subjugation, and how this impacts their work with clients.
Adria Rigg, LPC, LMFT, RPT-S
Adria Rigg LPC, LMFT, RPT-S is a group practice owner, clinical supervisor, and a community organizer/space holder. Adria identifies as white, cis-gender female, straight, agnostic, divorced and remarried, and as an adoptive parent of a bi-racial child. As Adria’s awareness of her privilege, power, and racial responsibility has increased, she has become more intentional in her relationships, in her allyship with marginalized communities, and in her business structure and operations. Adria strives for authentic relationship where all cards are on the table, including the context of history and the various parts of our identity.
Cost: $75 per group session ($450 total)
- $75 will be charged on the 1st of each month, Oct 1, 2025-March 1, 2026 regardless of whether you attend each group session.
- Your registration commits you to all 6 payments as this is a closed group, limited to 8 participants.
- You are responsible for purchasing the book prior to the start date.
Group Screening
Upon receiving your registration, Dr. Brown will schedule a free 30-min individual consultation with you to ensure a good group fit.
Refund Policy
Once registered in the group, no refunds will be given.
Scholarship Spots
If you are in need of a reduced rate, please contact emily@experiencechange.net. We are committed to ensuring everyone has access to consultation and educational opportunities.
DORA Continuing Professional Development for Colorado Licensed Mental Health Professionals
Colorado mental health professionals can count the hours from this group towards Group Learning/Independent Learning hours for your Continuing Professional Development hours required by DORA. You will need to complete an Independent/Group Learning Form at the completion of the group. Attendance logs will be provided to you for documentation purposes.