Grieve Little BRUH: Exploring Traumatic Grief with African American/Black Boys Utilizing BRUH Approach Therapy and Narrative-Art Based Therapy

This article explores an emerging honoring-based practice approach called Bonding, Recognition, Understanding, and Healing (BRuH) therapy, combined with narrative art-based play therapy to address traumatic experiences in Black boys. Case studyqualitative design is used to explore the overall experiences of (N=6) participants and the value of Bruh Approach Therapy (BAT) and Narrative Art-Based Play Therapy in addressing traumatic grief among African American boys.The BRuH model for Black boys has been adapted whereby merging play therapy and narrative art to establish a secure and supportive environment conducive to healing, fostering bonding, facilitating emotional recognition, promoting understanding of trauma, and enhancing overall well-being. The intervention utilized draws on trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy, and narrative art-based therapy. By integrating these approaches, the BRuH model aims to address the unique needs of African American/Black boys in an antiracist and anti-oppressive therapeutic and culturally responsive way. The results from the study included (1) increased trust and emotional rapport; (2) improved emotional vocabulary and creative expression; (3) enhanced insight into personal trauma narratives; (4) reduced symptoms of trauma-related distress; and (5) enhanced psychological functioning and resilience.