Interracial Couples

Navigating Interracial Relationships is Complicated.

It’s hard enough to be in a relationship, and two people coming from different cultural backgrounds make it even more complicated.

What do the verbal and non-verbal expressions imply? What behaviors are culturally expected and culturally congruent, and what are not? What behaviors or expressions are justifiable for one person’s cultural norm, and what are not? How much is them, and how much is their cultural norm?

Finding Commonality can gloss over Differences.

Our upbringing and how our parents of different cultures raised us shape who we are as a person. While we tend to feel attracted to opposites, our differences also create unique and complicated challenges because they are not about right or wrong. They are about being different.

And we also forget what we have in common cross-culturally – our emotions are universal, and we relate to each other through shared emotions. I skillfully utilize culturally relevant non-verbal expressions to deepen emotions in the healing process.

Therapy can help you accept and appreciate differences.

In therapy, we acknowledge how culture shapes people’s beliefs and behaviors and how people express love to one another and handle interpersonal boundaries.

No one wants to feel judged. We will deepen your understanding of why your partner feels the way they feel, make sense of why they do what they do, and have a chance to listen to each other and clarify intentions. At the same time, I will help manage the emotional reactivity in the room with you.

You will respond to the way your partner wants to feel loved by taking each other’s cultural reference into account so you can establish realistic expectations and better identify implicit attachment singles.

You also will become more sensitive about each other’s raw spots, acknowledge hidden power differential, and better handle boundaries with your partner’s extended family.

Remember, it’s not about right or wrong; it’s about accepting differences. It’s not about wanting one partner to sacrifice or give up; it’s about how both of you can get what you want, and there is usually a way to meet each other halfway.

Contact me today, and let’s find a way to create understanding and acceptance.