For this course, we will first begin by discussing common and unique issues in working with interracial couples. We will then review what “modern isms” are and how they are enacted from one’s historically included identities. After introducing the foundational knowledge and constructs, we will consider options for addressing and naming “modern isms” and that occur within the context of the therapy room between diverse couples and between one or both members of the couple and the therapist. The instructor will share several clinical examples and discuss how she addressed the modern isms in session.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand five manifestations of “modern isms”.
2. Consider the various historically included and excluded sociocultural identities of various members of the couple and oneself.
3. Learn skills and language for addressing possible “modern isms” in sessions while reducing defensiveness, shame, and preserving the therapeutic alliance between the couple and the therapist.
4. Learn skills and language for addressing possible “modern isms” and microaggressions in sessions while reducing defensiveness, shame, and preserving the therapeutic alliance between the couple and the therapist.
Dr. Sejal Patel is a staff psychologist and the group coordinator at MIT student mental health and counseling. She is also in private practice where she primarily treats interracial couples in addition to being a DEI consultant with VISIONS, Inc. She has over 10 years of experience creating and teaching workshops and courses on diversity/inclusion and sociocultural identity issues and is committed to reducing barriers to mental health treatment by integrating social justice concepts into her work as a psychologist and coaching other clinicians. She has taught college level courses on Oppression and Privilege and Cross Cultural Psychology. She currently leads a women of color group at MIT and is on the social justice task force at MIT mental health. She has a doctoral degree and master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Denver.
For more information on Sejal Patel visit their website at sejalpatelpsyd.com!