Centering voices and perspectives of marginalized couples is crucial in therapy

Co-host Sue Marriott and Akilah Riley Richardson dive into a wide-ranging discussion about the vital need to center marginalized voices of clients – and therapists. They explore how Western perspectives have shaped therapy practices globally, often overlooking diverse cultural approaches. Akilah brings a fresh, challenging perspective to the table. She pushes for a real shake-up in how we approach therapy, especially when working with marginalized couples. It’s not just about tweaking existing methods – she’s calling for a fundamental rethinking of our assumptions.

The conversation tackles some heavy topics, from unpacking the concept of relational privilege to developing strategies that help couples see beyond their individual struggles to the bigger picture of systemic trauma. What really stands out is their focus on the deep impact of systemic trauma. They don’t just acknowledge it – they dig into why it’s so crucial for therapists to truly understand and address it in their work.

Ultimately, this discussion isn’t just academic. It’s a call to action for therapists to step up, broaden their perspectives, and find new ways to help couples break free from systemic constraints. It’s about empowering relationships and, in the process, maybe changing the face of therapy itself.

“Our ways of understanding healing are not always in the traditionally confined space of therapy. Dance is healing, drumming is healing, movement is healing…” – Akilah Riley-Richardson

Time Stamps for Liberating Marginalized Couples from Systemic Trauma

00:00 Introduction and Akilah’s background

02:15 The influence of the global north on therapy practices in the global south

06:24 Understanding relational privilege in marginalized couples

28:36 The impact of systemic trauma on marginalized couples

30:50 The theater of oppression: Mapping themes onto relationships

36:51 Learning about relationships through systemic trauma

40:59 Challenging the therapy profession

46:13 The bubble of psychotherapy

48:43 Redefining and reclaiming narratives of survival

53:28 The urgency of addressing systemic trauma

56:16 Challenging the profession and implementing systemic change

59:04 Taking action and being part of the work

About our Guest – Akilah Riley-Richardson MSW, CCTP

Akilah Riley-Richardson is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a Facilitator and Trainer, as well as a Couples Therapist, certified in the STAIR Method. She has received training in various areas including Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, Playback Theatre, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, Neuroscience, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy. She is the founder of the  Relational Healing Institute, which is dedicated to the healing of relationships, especially those of marginalized people, and is also the creator of the P.R.I.D.E model which is an approach that is useful when working with clients and in clinical supervision. P.R.I.D.E stands for Pivot, Rumble, Imagine, Develop and Evolve.

Resources for this Episode – Liberating Marginalized Couples from Systemic Trauma

Akilah Riley-Richardson’s Website – Information & Resources

Indigenous Social Work Around the World by Towards Culturally Relevant Education and Practice by John Coates & Mel Grey – Book referenced by Akilah Riley-Richardson

And of course, our book is also a great resource – it’s for professionals and life-long learners of all kinds.
Get your copy of Secure Relating here!!
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Related episodes:
Navigating Racial Trauma and identity with Debra Chapman-Finley and Gliceria Perez part 1: TU203 AND Part 2: TU204
In each other’s Care Building and Sustaining Healthy Relationships with Stan Tatkin TU TU112
Mind Body Heart Spirit Embodying Liberation Psychology with Dr. Shena YoungTU230
Couples Therapy with Ellyn Bader and Peter Pearson TU 140
Events, Announcements & Resource Links 

Integrative Attachment Therapy Course Information
Therapists: THIS is our recommended class for the most comprehensive training on attachment out there. It just so happens it is also Dennings recommended program as discussed in this. episode!   Use our link for a discount! 

Mind, Body, Social, & Spiritual Approaches for Healing Attachment: 30 World-Leading Pioneers Share Their Best Practices – Register now for the Holistic Attachment Summit!! – This summit will explore the most essential ideas in attachment theory, research, and how they can be applied to create deep and lasting healing for clients — enabling you to be at the forefront of evidence-based care. Click here to register!!

Trauma Therapy Directory – Resources for Trauma, PTSD, and Complex PTSD – Created by our friends at the Trauma Therapy Network!

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