Trauma and Cultural Context

Trauma and Cultural Context

From GynoCurious by Radio Free Rhinecliff

April 30, 2026 · 43 min · Episode 128

About this episode

Dr. Amy Novatt and Dr. Manisha Dayal discuss trauma-informed care and the importance of cultural humility in psychology.

In this episode of GynoCurious, host Dr. Amy Novatt welcomes Dr. Manisha Dayal, a licensed clinical psychologist based in Chicago with nearly three decades of experience specializing in trauma-informed care. Dr. Dayal shares her personal journey into psychology — rooted in a deep connection with her aunt in India who had Down Syndrome — and how that early experience shaped her commitment to understanding the inner worlds of others. Together, Amy and Manisha explore how Western psychology has historically failed to account for the diverse cultural backgrounds of patients, and why a decolonized, culturally humble approach to care is not just preferable but essential. The conversation dives into the nuances of cultural humility — acknowledging one's own biases and meeting clients within their own lived frameworks. Through vivid patient stories involving genital mutilation, Indigenous women fleeing domestic violence, and immigrant communities navigating systemic racism, the two discuss the complexity of separating harmful cultural practices from meaningful cultural identity. They also explore how trauma is increasingly part of the public lexicon, debating both the value of that…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Amy Novatt

Guest: Dr. Manisha Dayal

Topics covered

  • trauma-informed care
  • cultural humility
  • psychology
  • systemic racism
  • somatic therapy
  • mind-body connection

Keywords

  • trauma
  • cultural context
  • psychology
  • cultural identity
  • systemic racism
  • somatic therapy
  • mind-body connection

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Chicago

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