Picture a healer who transformed the way we understand trauma and healing—meet Resmaa Menakem! A Minneapolis-based psychotherapist, trauma specialist, and New York Times bestselling author, Menakem has captivated readers and communities with his groundbreaking approach to racialized trauma. Through his books and teachings, he invites us to heal not just our minds but our bodies, weaving a path toward resilience and social justice.
The Making of Resmaa Menakem
Born and raised in Minneapolis, Resmaa Menakem’s journey into healing was shaped by his lived experience in a Black body navigating systemic challenges. Trained as a clinical social worker, he honed his expertise in trauma through studies at Peter Levine’s Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute. His career spans diverse roles, from counseling families at the Tubman Family Alliance to supporting civilians on U.S. military bases in Afghanistan. These experiences fueled his passion for addressing trauma’s deep, often invisible roots.
Resmaa Menakem’s Transformative Works
Menakem’s writing is a powerful blend of narrative, science, and somatic practices, making complex ideas accessible and actionable. His seminal book, My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies, explores how racialized trauma lives in our bodies and offers practical exercises for healing. It’s a national bestseller praised for its body-centered approach to dismantling white supremacy.
In The Quaking of America: An Embodied Guide to Navigating Our Nation’s Upheaval and Racial Reckoning, Menakem tackles the escalating racial tensions post-January 6th, providing tools to prepare for societal challenges. Monsters in Love: Why Your Partner Sometimes Drives You Crazy—And What You Can Do About It applies his somatic lens to relationships, encouraging compassionate conflict resolution. He also co-authored a children’s book, The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands, bringing his wisdom to younger readers.
His style is direct yet compassionate, rooted in Cultural Somatics—a framework he created to use the body’s resilience for growth. Menakem’s work stands out for its emphasis on embodied healing, challenging readers to move beyond intellectual understanding to physical and communal transformation.
Why Resmaa Menakem Matters
Menakem’s impact is profound, reshaping how we approach trauma, race, and healing. As the founder of Justice Leadership Solutions and the Cultural Somatics Institute, he coaches leaders and communities through civil unrest and systemic change. His Somatic Abolitionism has become a cornerstone for anti-racist practices, inspiring individuals and organizations to build embodied, anti-racist cultures. His appearances on platforms like The Oprah Winfrey Show and On Being have amplified his message, making him a leading voice in social justice.
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Key Works: My Grandmother’s Hands, The Quaking of America, Monsters in Love
- Notable Recognition: New York Times bestselling author, Senior Fellow at The Meadows Institute
Ready to explore healing in a whole new way? Grab My Grandmother’s Hands and dive into Resmaa Menakem’s transformative world of somatic healing!