“They Be Trippin Doc”: Practicing Cultural Humility and Responsiveness in Working with Black and African American Couples
May 12, 2023 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
“They Be Trippin Doc”: Practicing Cultural Humility and Responsiveness in Working with Black and African American Couples
Friday, May 12, 2023
Registration 8:30am Program 9am to 12pm
Presented By: Erika M. Dawkins, Psy.D., MEd
Location: Online Workshop
3 CE Credits
This session will review the literature related to navigating couples therapy with African American/Black couples. From the psychological distress of other life factors, to navigating everyday racism, to childhood adversity, to community dynamics, we’ll look to discuss treatment recommendations, and review a clinical case. Over the course of the session, we will review the state of African American/Black marriage, the difficulty with traditional couples interventions, lived experiences impacting presentation of African American/Black in therapy, recommended treatment approaches, and a case presentation review with breakout group activities.
Objectives:
- Summarize general, widely used couples therapy treatment approaches and techniques.
- Discuss the impact of psychological distress on African American/Black couples’ treatment.
- Recognize barriers in current widely used approaches and interventions that limit progress.
- Revise treatment approaches where relevant.
- Apply suggestions to current and future client treatment plans/offerings.
Erika M. Dawkins, PsyD, MEd is currently an Assistant Professor at Widener University and the Clinical Director for Chester Community both in Chester, PA. In 2014, she completed her Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology and Masters of Education (MEd) in Human Sexuality at Widener University, as part of one of their dual degree programs. Also while at Widener, Dr. Dawkins completed the necessary training in school psychology, and is a certified school psychologist in the state of Pennsylvania. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Howard University in 2008, graduating magna cum laude.
Dr. Dawkins’ clinical and research interests include minority identity development, microaggressions, intersectionality, grief, trauma, couples therapy, sexuality, and more recently, the impact that social media has on self image and the development and maintenance of intra- and interpersonal relationships. In supporting young minorities around having positive, healthy relationships, Dr. Dawkins has had the opportunity to speak with many groups arounds the various challenges they may face, and how to navigate them. She has a passion for working with brown women and couples who are seeking to develop and maintain strong, healthy intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships. Often using her own life story to motivate and encourage those she encounters; her belief is that transparency and communication are the keys to making the connections we desire. In 2019, Dr. Dawkins opened her boutique therapy, consulting and coaching firm, Revolutionary Perspectives, LLC. Her life philosophy and objective as the owner of Revolutionary Perspectives, LLC is to “Encourage radical change. Inspire far-reaching impact.”
Dr. Dawkins enjoys decorative planning/journaling, attending live music events, lifting weights, and traveling. Dr. Dawkins credits her success thus far to her run full speed ahead attitude, knowing that even if she trips, she can always get back up and get back at it.
PSCP: The Psychology Network is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PSCP: The Psychology network maintains responsibility for this program and its content.