The Burden of Heritage

‘The book is a profound and contemplative examination of the legacy of 400 years of slavery on the black community and serves as an instrument to unravel the shadows that conceal the inescapable nature of racism towards the black community whilst illuminating the path towards recovery through the cultivation of self-reflection, self-regulation, compassion, empathy, transcendence, and transformation. […] Dr Alleyne extensively examines the cultural dimensions of the fundamental emotion of shame and generously shares her early experiences and encounters with shame. Her personal narrative and those of clients are deeply moving and touching, illustrating the psychological impact of transgenerational and intergenerational trauma. […] Overall, I firmly recommend incorporating this book into all psychotherapy trainings. The inclusion of this profound and awakening book empowers clinicians to discern the influence of cultural differences between therapist and client. Consequently, this facilitates the establishment of a secure environment and deeper awareness, promoting more effective healing from the burdens and lingering legacies of slavery that our clients carry.’

‘She challenges the reader to acknowledge his/her own triggers, traumas, and scripts so they may be tended to without unwanted interference in the therapy. […] the uncomfortable truth of othering is at the heart of this book, which challenges us all to sit with the honest, and sometimes stark, truths to which Alleyne gives voice.’

‘Aileen Alleyne has written one of the most ground-breaking books on the vital subject of intergenerational trauma. This truly heartening and gripping contribution to modern psychology offers many bold and essential insights into the nature of global suffering and hatred. We all have much to learn from the author’s wisdom, regardless of the colour of our skin.’

‘A powerful reminder of the deep and prolonged impact of racial oppression on black communities, and of the importance for all of us – black and white, people of colour … Full of new concepts, written with clarity and passion, this book will be invaluable for all those dedicated to racial justice.’

‘This book helps to fill an important gap in the psychoanalytic psychotherapeutic theorizingof racial trauma. Focusing on the dual forms of relational transmission of such trauma, the transgenerational and the intergenerational, this book presents an experience-near, personal account of working with racial trauma in psychotherapy. […] attending to the sequela of racism must be considered an essential, indeed foundational, aspect of psychotherapeutic work.’

‘An intricate blend of historical facts, psychoanalytic ideas and somewhat of a user manual, all competently woven together by Alleyne’s use of case studies, story-telling and (largely) steady pace. […] The importance of this book by its very existence and the contributions it will no doubt make to the understanding of trauma and the legacy of colonisation on the psychic lives of Black people, make it a worthwhile read. […] It is challenging and haunting yet remarkably enlightening and thought provoking. […] It will likely leave you feeling grateful for having encountered it.’

Dr Aileen Alleyne is a UKCP registered psychodynamic psychotherapist, clinical supervisor and organisational consultant in private practice. She is a visiting lecturer at training institutions and a consultant on race and cultural diversity in organisations, such as the NHS, Social Services, Education, and the Police Services. Her clinical research examining black workers’ experiences in three UK statutory bodies, namely, the NHS, Education and Social Services, makes a significant contribution to the discourse on racism as a living trauma. Highlighting the concept of ‘the internal oppressor’, her work offers ways of deepening understanding of black psychological reactions to the wounding impact of racism. Aileen is the author of several book chapters and journal papers exploring themes on black/white dynamics, shame and identity wounding, and working with issues of Difference and Diversity in the workplace.