Love, Intimacy, and the African American Couple

Credit

Faculty

Katherine Helm, PhD Related seminars and products

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Dr. Katherine Helm is a professor of psychology and director of graduate programs in counseling at Lewis University, Romeoville, IL. She is a sought-after author, public speaker, professional trainer, and clinical supervisor. Katherine is a couple’s therapist who also sees individuals in counseling. She has authored several publications about racial and cultural issues in mental health, couple’s issues, and has an extensive background in facilitating counselor trainings. Katherine has had several on-air and on-screen media appearances, including a TEDx Talk focused on romantic relationships.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Katherine Helm has employment relationships with Lewis University and Fox Valley Institute. She receives a speaking honorarium from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Katherine Helm is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Psychological Association, the Illinois Counseling Association, and the Association of Black Psychologists.

 

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Objectives

1. Understand the primary sociohistorical contextual issues that influence African American couples’ relationship dynamics.
2. Identify key topics to consider when assessing African American couples such as power dynamics, gender stereotypes, and family situations. 
3. Explain the concept of relational wear and tear and its clinical implications.
4. Apply culturally responsive therapeutic strengths-based interventions, with African American couples in counseling.

Outline

Introduction

• Overview of the purpose and importance of culturally responsive couples counseling
• The unique clinical considerations involved in working with African American couples
• How sociohistorical and contemporary dynamics inform therapeutic work

Sociohistorical Influences on African American Couple Relationships

• The impact of slavery and historical oppression on Black family structures
• Generational effects of Jim Crow, discriminatory policies, and mass incarceration
• Cultural strengths, resilience, and adaptive relational patterns in Black communities
• How these historical contexts shape expectations, attachment, and relational roles

Contemporary Context Shaping Black Couples

• Racism and racialized stress as relational burdens
• Gender role expectations and sociocultural dynamics within African American communities
• Influence of geographic location, socioeconomic conditions, and access to resources
• Role of religiosity, spirituality, and community in relationship functioning
• Understanding cultural mistrust and its effects on therapeutic engagement

Key Assessment Considerations for African American Couples

• Identifying power dynamics and communication patterns
• Unpacking gender stereotypes and their influence on roles and expectations
• Family-of-origin concerns, extended family involvement, and community-based support systems
• Assessing for racial stress, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma
• Strategies for conducting culturally responsive and respectful intake assessments

Understanding “Relational Wear and Tear”

• Defining relational wear and tear in the context of African American couples
• How chronic stressors—including racism, microaggressions, and systemic inequities—contribute to cumulative relational fatigue
• Distinguishing between relational wear and tear and typical relationship conflict
• Clinical implications for pacing, validating, and supporting couples under chronic strain

Strengths Based, Culturally Responsive Interventions

• Applying cultural humility to enhance therapeutic rapport and trust
• Leveraging cultural strengths: resilience, humor, spiritual practices, and community support
• Culturally informed communication and conflict resolution interventions
• Supporting couples in navigating racialized experiences together
• Strategies for rebuilding trust in therapy when cultural mistrust is present

Clinical Applications and Case Work

• Review of case examples illustrating common themes and intervention strategies
• Small group discussion or guided reflection on applying culturally responsive approaches
• Opportunities to practice assessment questions, reframes, and intervention techniques

Ethical and Cultural Considerations

• Avoiding pathologizing culturally normative behaviors
• Recognizing clinician biases and positionality
• Ensuring cultural responsiveness remains consistent throughout treatment

Conclusion and Resources

• Risks and Limitations
• Summary of key concepts and takeaways
• Recommended resources for continued learning
• Final questions and discussion

Target Audience

• Psychologists
• Physicians
• Addiction Counselors
• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Marriage & Family Therapists
• Psychotherapists
• Other Behavioral Health Professionals

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