The Inter/Intrapersonal Racial Unconscious

Tessamarie Capitolo, MA, LMFT, CST-T

Abstract

This article elucidates the theoretical foundations for the concepts of the racial unconscious from both the interpersonal and intrapersonal relationship perspectives. The reader is invited through the imagination into the formation of the racial cultural unconscious. The psychohistorical as well as symbolic roots of the racial complex are then discussed. Following this, the author grounds the theoretical discussion with slides from a spectrum of cases involving people of color. Specific examples of how race can enter the therapy room as well as the sandtrays of clients are noted as well as specific suggestions for the therapist on working with the racial unconscious.

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