Liberating Marginalized Couples from Relational and Systemic Trauma with Akilah Riley-Richardson (245)

by | Sep 10, 2024 | decolonize, Episodes, Guest Interviews, liberation psychology, Race, racism, Relationships | 0 comments

Show Notes

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!!

If you've read it we'd love to hear from you and if you support it, PLEASE please please leave a review on either Amazon or Goodreads. Tk you!!

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!

Austin Women's professional development summit – it's a huge networking event 9/13/24!  Get your tickets now!

Support this library of content at TU staying FREE and TOTALLY ACCESSIBLE by supporting our partners and the sponsors of today's episode – 

ARMRA Colostrum is a proprietary concentrate of bovine colostrum that harnesses over 400 living, bioactive nutrients that strengthen the barriers of your body and fuel cellular health for thousands of research-backed health benefits. Go to ARMRA.com and use code TU at checkout!

 

Go to ZocDoc.com/TU

Compare high quality, in-network doctors, choose the right one for your needs, and click to instantly book an appointment.

Purity Woods is on a mission is to provide people with the cleanest, most effective, and healthy products available – formulated by skin care chemists at the top of their field.  Go to puritywoods.com/TU or enter code TU at checkout

Thanks for listening, friends, & for being on this journey with us! 

Recent Episodes

Mind, Body, Heart, Spirit: Embodying Liberation Psychology with Dr. Shena Young – Replay – (285)

Mind, Body, Heart, Spirit: Embodying Liberation Psychology with Dr. Shena Young – Replay – (285)

Replay – Join co-host Sue Marriott and Dr. Shena Young as they dive into liberation psychology and the conflict between intuition and the traditional European model of psychology. Dr. Shena highlights embodying a holistic approach to help heal traumas and deeply root us in our most authentic selves. Whether through connections with nature or the exploration of ancestral traditions, this discussion is enriched with various opportunities to reconnect and liberate our mind, body, heart, and spirit.

read more
Family Estrangement: The Space Between Love & Self-Protection with Dafna Lender (284)

Family Estrangement: The Space Between Love & Self-Protection with Dafna Lender (284)

Dr. Ann Kelley is joined LIVE from Psychotherapy Networker with Dafna Lender, to explore the complex dynamics of parent-child estrangement. Focusing on the emotional and psychological impacts of cutting off family relationships, together they highlight the cultural influences that contribute to these estrangements, the therapeutic perspectives on navigating such situations, and the importance of empathy and boundaries in managing family dynamics. This conversation is about learning to hold both empathy and boundaries – understanding why someone might step away, and how to stay grounded and compassionate in the process. It’s an honest look at the heartbreak, the healing, and the hope that can emerge when families face difficult truths. View the full episode shownotes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU284

read more
Autism in Polyvagal Terms with Dr. Sean Inderbitzen (283)

Autism in Polyvagal Terms with Dr. Sean Inderbitzen (283)

Join host Sue Marriott and guest Dr. Sean Inderbitzen – an autistic psychotherapist and advocate for neurodiversity – as he shares his powerful personal and professional journey in understanding autism. Together, they explore the evolution of autism diagnosis, the intersections between attachment and neurodivergence, and how polyvagal theory can both illuminate and complicate the autistic experience. Dr. Inderbitzen offers insights on self-diagnosis, identity formation, and what truly person-centered therapy looks like for autistic individuals. This conversation highlights the central role of trust, safety, and authentic connection in helping neurodivergent clients thrive. You can view the full shownotes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU283.

read more
Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

Saving Relationships in a Polarized World: Bill Doherty on Citizen Therapists & Political Healing (281)

Dr. Ann Kelley sits down with Dr. Bill Doherty to explore the idea of “Citizen Therapists” and how therapists — and all of us — can help bridge divides in a polarized world. Together, they dive into discernment counseling for couples on the brink of divorce, the groundbreaking work of Braver Angels in fostering dialogue across political differences, and the skills we all need for hard but healing conversations. This conversation highlights the power of curiosity, respectful boundaries, and understanding – whether in our closest relationships or across society. View the full episode show notes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU281

read more
Bonus – Harnessing “Genius Energy”: The Art of Wise Effort for Growth with Dr. Diana Hill (280)

Bonus – Harnessing “Genius Energy”: The Art of Wise Effort for Growth with Dr. Diana Hill (280)

Ann Kelley and Diana Hill dive into the concept of wise effort and its impact on how we manage our energy in both personal and professional life. They explore the difference between life force energy and anxiety, the role of emotional sensitivity, and why community resilience matters. Diana shares insights on how to wisely channel your “genius energy,” break free from stuck patterns, and cultivate compassionate connections that support growth and balance. Listen to the full episode at TherapistUncensored.com/TU280

read more
Why Diets Don’t Work—and What to Do Instead with Judith Matz (277)

Why Diets Don’t Work—and What to Do Instead with Judith Matz (277)

Dr. Ann Kelley and expert Judith Matz unpack the complex relationship between dieting, emotional eating, body image, and weight stigma. Together they challenge conventional views on weight and health, emphasizing that fitness matters more than the number on the scale, and explores why most diets fail both psychologically and physiologically. They also cover the historical roots of fatphobia, the dangers of weight
bias in healthcare, and the rise of weight loss drugs like Ozempic. Judith highlights the importance of attuned eating, informed consent, and compassionate care, offering a weight-inclusive approach to healing our relationship with food and body. View full episode shownotes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU277

read more
Feel It to Heal It: The Science of Interoception with Rebecca Kase (274)

Feel It to Heal It: The Science of Interoception with Rebecca Kase (274)

Sue Marriott is joined by Rebecca Kase to explore how understanding the nervous system—especially the
concept of interoception—can support healing from trauma. Rebecca shares her personal story as a survivor and highlights the importance of creating safety, tuning into the body’s internal signals, and approaching somatic work with compassion. Together, they unpack how interoception differs from general perception, why it matters in therapy, and how small, gradual steps can help rebuild connection with the body. View full shownotes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU274.

read more
That “Fraud” Feeling: The Surprising Truth About Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Jill Stoddard (273)

That “Fraud” Feeling: The Surprising Truth About Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Jill Stoddard (273)

Dr. Ann Kelley is joined by Dr. Jill Stoddard as they unpack the complexities of imposter syndrome—why it shows up, who it impacts most, and how to move through it. Drawing on her expertise in psychological flexibility and values-based living, Dr. Stoddard shares strategies to navigate self-doubt, marginalization, and internalized insecurity. Learn how to reframe discomfort, build a healthier relationship with vulnerability, and use these moments as powerful opportunities for connection and growth. Join our exclusive neuronerd community – TherapistUncensored.com/Join

read more
From Zimbabwe to New York City, Expanding Quality Mental Health Access – the Friendship Bench with Dr. Dixon Chibanda (272)

From Zimbabwe to New York City, Expanding Quality Mental Health Access – the Friendship Bench with Dr. Dixon Chibanda (272)

Grounded in research and lived experience, this conversation invites a rethinking of care—away from over-medicalization and toward more accessible, human-centered approaches. Dixon Chibanda shares the powerful story behind the Friendship Bench, a community-based mental
health model that centers healing in the heart of local communities. He explores how grandmothers—often overlooked in traditional mental health systems—play a vital role in offering care, connection, and wisdom. Dr. Chibanda discusses the barriers to accessing mental health services, the role of storytelling in the healing process, and the global expansion of the Friendship Bench. Grounded in research and lived experience, this conversation invites a rethinking of care—away from over-medicalization and toward more accessible, human-centered approaches. View this episodes shownotes at TherapistUncensored.com/TU271 – Join our exclusive online community at TherapistUncensored.com/Join

read more
What is Real Allyship When it Comes to White Women and Racial Trauma with Dr. Monnica Williams (271)

What is Real Allyship When it Comes to White Women and Racial Trauma with Dr. Monnica Williams (271)

Dr. Monnica Williams alongside Sue Marriott explore the deep psychological toll of racism, focusing on the concept of racial trauma and its cumulative impact on people of color. She highlights the importance of recognizing these experiences within therapeutic settings and the need for diversity in mental health research and practice. The discussion delves into the role of civil courage and meaningful allyship—particularly among white individuals in addressing systemic injustice. Dr. Williams offers insights into the multifaceted nature of activism, the harm caused by microaggressions, and the emotional labor involved in navigating everyday racism. From the fear of law enforcement to the unique challenges faced by white women in activism, Dr. Williams urges practitioners and allies alike to listen deeply, receive feedback openly, and use their privilege to support marginalized communities. Shownotes: www.therapistuncensored.com/TU271 Join online community: www.therapistuncensored.com/join

read more
Bonus – Amplify Your Voice: Reflections on Mental Health & Meaningful Practice (270)

Bonus – Amplify Your Voice: Reflections on Mental Health & Meaningful Practice (270)

Let’s get real about revitalizing the therapy landscape

Ann Kelley and Sue Marriott are back for a one on one episode, and sharing their personal reflections on
mental health, community, and the evolving challenges clinicians face today. From the tension between accessibility and sustainability in therapy, to the influence of corporate models – they discuss the need for creativity in the field. Emphasizing connection, curiosity, and professional growth, they introduce exciting opportunities, updates, and even a new series focused on inclusivity – inviting listeners to find and amplify their unique voice in the mental health space.

read more
Smartphones: The Truth About Their Impact on Mental Health with Dr. Jean Twenge (269)

Smartphones: The Truth About Their Impact on Mental Health with Dr. Jean Twenge (269)

Dr. Ann Kelley is joined by Dr. Jean Twenge to discuss her groundbreaking research on generational differences with a focus on how technology—especially smartphones and social media—has transformed communication, relationships, and mental health. They explore how historical shifts and longer life spans contribute to delayed life milestones and what she calls the “slow life strategy.” Dr. Twenge highlights the alarming rise in anxiety and depression among Generation Z, which is closely linked to increased screen time and reduced face-to-face interactions. Together they discuss practical steps parents can take to support healthier development and social connection. Join our Neuronerd online community www.therapistuncensored.com/join. Shownotes www.therapistuncensored.com/tu269.

read more

What else do you want to learn today?

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This