Book Review by Dr Bibiana Chan
Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities – Decolonizing Mental Health
By Pavna K. Sodhi.
Reading this book by Pavna K. Sodhi has been an enlightening and deeply personal journey. As someone who has navigated the complexities of cultural identity, migration, and systemic discrimination, this book resonates profoundly with my experiences and professional work at the Community Flower Studio.
From the very beginning, Pavna’s introduction captivated me. Her candid storytelling about her motivations for writing this book mirrors the lived realities of many young members of our studio who have faced internalized racism, including the common practice of anglicizing surnames in the Australian diaspora. These narratives are often overlooked, yet Pavna’s work brings them to light with nuance and sensitivity.
A particularly memorable moment occurred while I was reading the book in my psychiatrist’s waiting room. I shared it with Dr. Ong, who immediately expressed interest in acquiring a copy. This led to a meaningful discussion about how subtle forms of racism often require validation from a trusted ally, in my case, my partner, to confirm their existence. These conversations underscore the need for books like Pavna’s to foster awareness and encourage self-reflection.
Attending the 2024 TheMHS Conference in Canberra, I had the opportunity to share Pavna’s work with other mental health professionals, including Dr. Nick Titov, who leads initiatives in digital mental health services. Highlighting the book’s insights, I advocated for more culturally responsive practices in programs targeting Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities. It was heartening to see these ideas gain traction among influential voices in the field.
The book also illuminated the concept of “fawn” responses, a survival mechanism of people-pleasing often tied to trauma. Reading about this was a revelatory moment, as it connected to my journey of unlearning perfectionism and embracing self-compassion—a process inspired by books like Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion and Gabor Maté’s When the Body Says No. Pavna’s discussion reaffirmed the importance of “breaking cycles” and reclaiming one’s narrative.
The story of Yin in Part 3 was particularly impactful. I found parallels between Yin’s experiences and my own as a migrant who left Hong Kong after the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989. The psychological impact of these events, both on myself and other family members, became clearer through Pavna’s exploration of intergenerational trauma and therapeutic recovery.
Beyond personal insights, Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy for BIPOC Communities has fueled my commitment to advocacy. Whether addressing racial microaggressions or empowering young people through art and climate action workshops, I’ve embraced the role of a “productive ally”—a term that encapsulates Pavna’s call to action. Her book has emboldened me to not only “call out” racism but also create spaces for healing and transformation.
Pavna’s work underscores the importance of decolonizing mental health. It has inspired me to challenge systemic inequities and amplify voices that have long been marginalized. This book is a must-read for anyone dedicated to fostering inclusivity and understanding within mental health spaces.
Thank you, Pavna, for writing this powerful book. I look forward to continuing our dialogue and collaboration on these vital topics.
References:
Neff, K. (2011). Self-compassion: The proven power of being kind to yourself. William Morrow.
Maté, G. (2003). When the body says no: Exploring the stress-disease connection. Wiley.