Overview

BIPOC and LGBTQI relationships have unique needs because minority stress, racialized trauma, and transphobia, homophobia, and biphobia can compromise one's ability to feel safe enough to connect to the world and others. Yet, all too often, marginalized couples are let down by conventional therapeutic models which were designed for white, cisgendered, heterosexual clients. This book puts forth an innovative therapeutic approach specifically designed for working with the impact of systemic oppression in couples therapy. Divided into three parts, therapists will explore systemic trauma, discover ways to build transformative therapeutic postures via the BIOME and PRIDE models, and make use of actionable methods to support clients. By practicing critical consciousness, prioritizing the lived experiences of clients, and moving delicately through the imbalance of power inherent in the therapeutic relationship, clinicians will gain a better understanding of their clients' intimate relationship experiences, and how best to serve them. Practitioners are invited to become active agents of change, making this not only a practical guide but also a call to action for fostering a more just and equitable world in which intimacy flourishes for all.

Full Product Details

9781324082965

Table of Contents

Reviews

Akilah Riley-Richardson's work is a timely and essential contribution to the field of couples counseling and therapy. She offers practical guidance while deepening our understanding of the multisystemic dynamics that shape intimate relationships. By centering individuals and communities who have historically been marginalized, her text invites a more inclusive, socially responsive approach to relational work. I look forward to including this book as required reading for my doctoral students in clinical psychology.--Cynthia Lubin Langtiw, PsyD, professor, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago Campus Fact: If you are a therapist of any sort, this book belongs in your library! True relational security demands recognizing systemic context, yet because most of our training is imbued with the white, Western lens, we rarely get a glimpse beyond that perspective. Akilah Riley-Richardson walks you through developing that wider perspective and delivers exactly the kind of accessible approach that should be required reading. Poignant stories, diverse voices, and her clear, concise writing make this important work my favorite couples book of all time.--Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP, coauthor Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World, host of Therapist Uncensored podcast If you work with couples, this book belongs on your shelf. Marginalized Couples in Therapy by Akilah Riley-Richardson goes beyond technique, showing how systemic trauma and oppression shape intimacy for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ partners. With practical interventions, case examples, and the groundbreaking PRIDE model, this book gives therapists concrete ways to help couples heal and thrive. It's both a call to action and a roadmap for more just, inclusive therapy.--Shane Birkel, LMFT, host of The Couples Therapist Couch podcast, creator of training programs on couples therapy intensives This book is a powerful clinical support to anyone who works with individuals or couples who experience ongoing systemic trauma. Riley-Richardson expertly interweaves neurobiology, our own embodied wisdom, and vivid clinical examples to help all of us face the reality of relational privilege and partner with our clients to help them thrive. If you want to support your clients to build their self-trust and feel empowered in their relationships, this book is a must-read!--Juliane Taylor Shore, LMFT, LPC, author of Setting Boundaries that Stick

Author Information

Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP, is a couples and trauma therapist based in Trinidad and Tobago. Dedicated to relational healing, she supports diverse communities and presents internationally, while also founding the Relational Healing Institute and creating the PRIDE model.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available