The Psychological Trauma of Systemic Racism with Dr. Dina Cuervo (Ep 89)

Learn how toxic stress and racial trauma affect individuals and communities and what restorative approaches can offer. ============================ Get the Monday Minute my weekly email with 3 personal recs for travel, culture, and living beyond borders you can read in 60 seconds. ============================ ON THIS EPISODE Dr. Dina Cuervo shares her personal upbringing in a Los Angeles immigrant community, plagued by violence and institutional racism.  She shares her path to becoming a clinical psychologist and her passion for supporting under-served communities of color that have been victimized by trauma. Dina then explains the psychological trauma caused by systemic racism and how racism is literally a public health crisis.  She talks about the concept of “toxic stress” that is created through institutionalized racism.  She then explains how racism functions as a form of dehumanization and emotional abuse that has caused ongoing individual and collective injury. She then examines racial trauma in the educational system, the pathologizing of Black children, the replacement of school counselors and social workers with police, and its impact on Black youth.  She then talks about the traumatic effects of police interaction with the Black community and explains some of the trauma triggers and stress responses to police encounters.  She then discusses inter-generational racism, epigenetics, adverse childhood experiences, and the culmination of the “cradle-to-prison pipeline.”  Dina then recommends transformative changes such as the re-allocation of resources back into education and social services as well as a trauma-sensitive approach to conflict resolution centering on restorative justice.  She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging white privilege, validating Black experiences, and actively diversifying Universities.  She also emphasizes the vital importance of increased police training around mental health and trauma.  Dina then discusses her location independent therapy practice, answers the lightning round questions, and names her Top 5 Hip Hop MCs of all time. → Full show notes with direct links to everything discussed are available here. ============================ FIND YOUR NEXT EPISODE Explore The Maverick Show Starter Packs — some of my favorite conversations curated by theme so you can easily find the episodes that match your interests. ============================ FREE RESOURCES FOR YOU See my Top 10 Travel Apps See my Top 10 Books that Shaped the Way I Travel See my 7 Keys For Building A Remote Business (Even in a space that’s not traditionally virtual) Watch my Video Training on Stylish Minimalist Packing so you can join #TeamCarryOn See the Travel Gear I Use and Recommend See How I Produce The Maverick Show Podcast (The equipment, services & vendors I use) ============================ ENJOYING THE SHOW? Follow The Maverick Show on Instagram and DM Matt to continue the conversation Please leave a rating and review — it really helps the show and I read each one personally Support the show by buying me a coffee — espressos help me produce significantly better podcast episodes!