Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PST. Live Webinar.
Racial Dynamics in Couples Therapy
Navigating racial identity, experiences, and context are critical to effective psychotherapeutic work. Working within a couple’s complex intersectional identities requires a deep understanding of historical and present-day context and the ability to manage the “charge” of topics such as race and racism. Using 1-2 case studies, this workshop will seek to create space for clinicians of varying racial identities to reflect, process, and learn better ways to navigate issues of racial privilege and marginalization. The workshop will be framed using interventions such as somatic models (Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and PACT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Liberation Psychology, psychodynamic theory, intergenerational trauma and resilience concepts, and attachment theory. The workshop will also provide narratives counter to white, Westernized, assumptions about healthy relationship dynamics.
Course Objectives:
- Participants will be able to describe the impact of historical oppression and systemic injustice on interpersonal relationships (intimate partner, familial, and clinical).
- Participants will be able to identify steps and possibilities for addressing racial dynamics within couples therapy.
- Participants will be able to apply concepts and methodologies for introducing the overarching concepts into their work with couples of different races.
Jennifer Chen Speckman, LCSW, was born to Taiwanese immigrants who had their paths paved by those in the Civil Rights Movement that worked to shift immigration policy in this country. Her practice, thus, has been informed by historical reality, the wisdom held in root sources of communities of color, and community organizing in support of anti-oppression work. She has practiced clinically with children and their families for over 20 years. She has also run programs such as Early Head Start and served as the Director the Westside Domestic Violence Network (WDVN) for 10 years. Her passions involve creating healing within interpersonal connections whether it be in strengthening communities, therapeutic individual, family, and couples treatment, and parenting support. She has served as faculty for MSW studies at universities such as UCLA, LMU, and USC. She holds a group private practice in Oakland, CA where she sees children, parents, couples, families, and individuals.
Date & Time: Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm PST. Live Webinar.
Zoom invite will be sent out a few days prior to the course date.
Location: Virtual format—Zoom
| Fee if Registration Completed: | Early Bird by 08/27/23 | after 08/27/23 | after 10/22/23 |
| TPI Members | $60 | $80 | $106 |
| Nonmembers | $80 | $100 | $126 |
| Prelicensed Students/Associates | $45 | $60 | $86 |
CE: 3 Credits. $5 additional fee per CE credit (i.e. 3 CE credits is $15 total). Attendees must participate in live sessions to receive CE's.The Psychotherapy Institute is approved by the California Psychological Association to provide continuing professional education for psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, and LPCCs (provider number PSY005). The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts continuing education credit granted by the California Psychological Association or by any of its Approved Providers. The Psychotherapy Institute maintains responsibility for this program and its content. (see Registration and Course Policies).
Contact Administrative Coordinator with any questions or concerns: sbrown@tpi-berkeley.org.