Racial Trauma in Real Time is an honest, grounded conversation between Deran Young and Kenneth V. Hardy about what it actually means to live, work, and practice while carrying racial trauma. Join the conversation by registering for the FREE event here!

So much of what Black therapists experience—chronic exhaustion, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, hypervigilance, suppressed anger—gets normalized or brushed off as “just the job.” In this conversation, Deran and Ken name racial trauma for what it is: cumulative, systemic, and deeply personal. They explore how it shows up not only in our clients, but in us—in our bodies, our clinical identities, and our ethical decision-making.

Together, they invite Black therapists to slow down and reflect on what it means to practice while holding unprocessed racial stress, and how authenticity, cultural truth-telling, and self-awareness are not extras—but essentials—for ethical, effective care. This is space for self-examination, honesty, and collective grounding, with the shared understanding that healing racial trauma isn’t just clinical work—it’s personal, relational, and communal.

Come as you are. This conversation is about naming what’s real, reducing harm, and strengthening ourselves as clinicians and as people. Register here for this free zoom event presented by Norton Mental Health and Black Therapists Rock!

About the Presenters:

Kenneth V. Hardy, PhD, is President of the Eikenberg Academy for Social Justice and Clinical and Organizational Consultant for the Eikenberg Institute for Relationships in NYC. Dr. Hardy provides workshops, training, and consultations to a host of organizations and institutions throughout the United States and abroad. He is a former Professor of Family Therapy at both Syracuse University, NY, and Drexel University, PA. He is the author of Racial Trauma: Clinical Strategies and Techniques for Healing Invisible Wounds, and The Enduring, Invisible, and Ubiquitous Centrality of Whiteness, both from W. W. Norton. He is also co-author of Culturally Sensitive Supervision; Promoting Culturally Sensitive Supervision; and Revisioning Family Therapy.

Deran Young, LCSW, MSW, MPA is a licensed clinical social worker, nonprofit executive, and nationally recognized voice on racial trauma, belonging, and collective healing. She is the founder and CEO of Black Therapists Rock, a nonprofit organization supporting tens of thousands of mental health professionals committed to culturally responsive and equity-centered care. With a background in military mental health, public administration, and trauma-informed practice, Deran’s work bridges clinical insight, research translation, and systems change. She has trained and consulted internationally with organizations including the Brené Brown Education & Research Group, the Internal Family Systems Institute, and academic and clinical institutions worldwide. Deran is a frequent speaker on racial trauma, shame resilience, and innovative mental health interventions, and is a contributor to NY Times Best Seller You Are Your Best Thing. To join Deran and Kenneth register here!