This two-session training, led by Akilah Riley-Richardson, offers therapists a transformative framework for supporting BIPOC and LGBTQI couples. By addressing the impact of systemic trauma, the training equips therapists with practical tools to foster intimacy and develop liberatory connections within the therapy room. Grounded in epistemological hybridism and liberation psychology, this training bridges theoretical insights with actionable strategies to enhance the clinical approach to marginalized relationships.

Why This Training Matters

Traditional couples therapy often neglects the structural and historical barriers that influence the relational dynamics of marginalized couples. These gaps can inadvertently perpetuate harm or leave core issues unaddressed. The concept of “relational privilege“ offers a vital lens to understand how systemic trauma shapes intimacy, helping therapists address the unique realities of BIPOC and LGBTQI couples.

This training delves deeply into:

• How systemic oppression operates within relationships.
• The intersectionality of marginalized identities and their cumulative impact on intimacy.
• The P.R.I.D.E model, which is a practice framework for working with marginalized couples.

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of systemic trauma’s impact on relational dynamics. Whether you work predominantly with marginalized populations or aim to expand your competency in inclusive and liberatory practices, this training provides essential tools for addressing the unique needs of BIPOC and LGBTQI couples.

Key Learnings

Participants will:

• Understand how historical and societal oppressions shape relational patterns in marginalized couples.
• Apply four specific assessment methods to evaluate the effects of systemic oppression on relational dynamics.
• Explore the P.R.I.D.E model, a structured framework for fostering intimacy and healing.
• Develop relational practices that empower couples to navigate oppressive systems while deepening connection and trust.
• Cultivate an empathetic, informed clinical disposition that centers the lived experiences of marginalized communities.

Session Highlights

Each session will focus on:

• Understanding Relational Privilege: Delve into how systemic trauma intersects with multiple marginalized identities and affects intimacy. Learn to identify relational privilege dynamics in therapy.
• Case Applications: Examine real-life examples (names changed for privacy) and recorded therapy sessions to translate theory into actionable skills.
• The P.R.I.D.E Model: Break down its core elements—Pivot, Rumble, Imagine, Develop, and Evolve—and see how it supports healing in relational contexts.
• Liberatory Presence: Discover strategies to embody a clinical stance that fosters safety, trust, and empowerment for marginalized couples.

What You Will Gain

By the end of this training, participants will:

• Confidently assess the impact of systemic trauma on relational dynamics.
• Learn brand new intervention techniques to address the unique challenges faced by marginalized couples.
• Apply the P.R.I.D.E model to foster intimacy and resilience in therapy.
• Facilitate relational practices that support trust, safety, and connection.
• Develop an inclusive clinical presence that centers the intersectionality of identity and systemic oppression.

For marginalized couples, relational intimacy is not just a private matter but a radical act of resistance against systemic oppression. This training offers therapists the tools to walk alongside these couples in their journey toward connection, resilience, and liberation.

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