• Attachment and Trauma, International Trauma Training Institute (ITTI)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Intensive Training, Beck Institute
• Complex Trauma Certification Training Level 1 & 2 (CCTP-I/CCTP-II)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy EFT 4-Day Externship Couples Therapy The Training and Research Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy Alliant International University TRI EFT International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy Certification ICEEFT
• Emotionally Focused Therapy Core Skills Advanced Training The Training and Research Institute for Emotionally Focused Therapy Alliant International University TRI EFT International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy Certification ICEEFT
• EMDR Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing: EMDR Trained Professional Training
• EMDRIA Approved 57 CE Hours
• EMDRIA: Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing International Association
• EMDR Institute, Inc. & Trauma Recovery Humanitarian Assistance Program
• EMDR Alliant University Level One & Level Two Training 40 Hours
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level One: Bridging The Couple Chasm The Gottman Institute
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level Two: Assessment, Intervention, & Co-Morbidities
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level Three: Practicum Training The Gottman Institute
• Gottman Bringing Baby Home Program Educator The Gottman Institute
• Gottman Treating Affairs & Trauma: PTSD The Gottman Institute
• Maternal Mental Health Intensive Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders Certificate Seleni Institute
• Maternal Mental Health Intensive Perinatal Loss & Grief Seleni Institute
• Maternal Mental Health Certificate for Mental Health & Clinical Professional, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders, Postpartum Support International (PSI) & 2020 Mom
• Narcissistic Abuse & Gaslighting Treatment: End Emotional Manipulation & Toxic Relationships
• Sex Therapy Core Knowledge Program The Buehler Institute Psychological Services, Inc.
• Clinical Sexology Program The Buehler Institute
• Sexual Attitude Reassessment SAR The Buehler Institute Psychological Services, Inc.
• Clinical Sexology Core Knowledge Program, Modern Sex Therapy Institute
• Rainbow Advocate Educator (RAE)
• The Positive Discipline Association – Educator Level
• Women, Trauma and Mental Health: Empowering Women with the Skills and Insight to Thrive

• Advancing Women’s Health: A 2024 Update Advancing Women’s Health – Harvard Medical School 
• American Board-Certified Diplomate Sexology
• American Board-Certified Sexologist
• AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST)
• Certified Clinical Partner Specialist (CCPS)
• Certified Multiple Addictions Therapist (CMAT)
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level II: Complex Trauma Certification (CCTP-II)
• Certified Couples Betrayal Trauma Recovery Therapist (CCBRT)
• Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP) Nutritional & Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
• Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT)
• Certified Rainbow Advocate Clinical Specialist (RACS)
• Rainbow Advocate and Educator (RAE) 
• Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)
• Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist -Eating Disorders (CMAT-ED)
• Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist – Financial Disorders (CMAT-FD)
• Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist – Chemical Dependency (CMAT-CD)
• Certified Clinical Early Recovery Couples Empathy Model Specialist ERCEM (CCES) 
• Domestic Violence Advocate Training Certification 40-Hour Laura’s House
• General Psychiatric Management (GPM) for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Certificate – Harvard Medical School 
• Gottman Method Couples Therapy Clinical Advance Training Level 3
• Gottman The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader Certificate
• Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery Certificate Program (GMH) – Harvard Program in Refugee Trauma (HPRT) – Harvard Medical School 
• The Health Effects of Climate Change Certificate – Harvard Medical School 
• International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCT)
• Myers & Briggs MBTI Step 1 & II Certification Program
• Neuroscience Clinical Practice: Treatment of Trauma, Anxiety, and Stress Disorder
• Nutritional & Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals
• Positive Discipline Educator: Positive Discipline Association
• Premarital and Marriage Assessment Certification & Facilitator: Prepare/Enrich
• Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychotherapy – Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) – Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• Sexual Assault Crisis Intervention Training 48-Hour Waymakers Sexual Assault Victim Services
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
• Traumatic Stress Studies Certificate Program: Trauma Research Foundation
• Treating Couples: Surmounting Challenges Certificate – Harvard Medical School 
• Understanding Depression Certificate – Harvard Medical School 

• Gottman Connect Relationship Checkup Couples Assessments
• Prepare/Enrich Building Strong Marriages
• Saving Your Marriage Before It Starts Certification & Facilitator
• Engaged, Pre-Marriage & Newly Married Couples: SYMBIS

• Clinical Fellow Designation American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
• American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT)
• American Board of Sexology (ABS)
• California Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (CAMFT)
• The Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS)
• Gottman Referral Network
• International Institute for Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP)
• International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT)
• Postpartum Support International (PSI)
• National Perinatal Association (NPI)
• Seleni Institute Maternal Mental Health Alumni New York

MODERN LOVE STORIES: A NARRATIVE INQUIRY OF INTERRACIAL COUPLES

As a published author and dedicated researcher, my dissertation, Modern Love Stories: A Narrative Inquiry of Interracial Couples, is now available through ProQuest. This study explores the complexities of interracial, intercultural, and interethnic romantic relationships, offering a deeper understanding of the intersection between cultural narratives, attachment experiences, and couple dynamics. My work contributes to the field of Marriage and Family Therapy by deepening the understanding of love and partnership in diverse relationships. For those interested in exploring my research findings and methodology, the full dissertation can be accessed on ProQuest.

Abstract

Interracial relationships, a unique intersection of personal, cultural, and societal influences, have been the subject of limited research. This study, however, aimed to fill this gap by exploring the lived experiences of two interracial couples using a qualitative narrative inquiry approach grounded in social constructivism and attachment theory. By entering the couples’ narratives, this research offers a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing interracial romantic relationships, providing a fresh perspective on this complex topic.
The findings highlight how each partner’s early childhood relationships and cultural background inform their beliefs about romantic love, the purpose of coupling, and how they make meaning within their relationship. Through thematic analysis, four key themes emerged across both couples: Family Expectations, which involved navigating cultural and familial expectations regarding partnership, marriage, and identity. Balancing Power Dynamics and Gender Roles: Examining the Intersection of Cultural Norms, Gender Expectations, and Relational Equity.

• Developing an Intercultural Couple Partnership: Understanding how partners negotiate cultural differences and establish a shared relationship identity.
• The Benefits of Culturally Informed Couples Therapy: Emphasizing the importance of incorporating cultural awareness into therapeutic interventions to enhance interracial relationships.
• This study not only highlights the importance of culturally responsive clinical approaches in couples therapy but also provides practical strategies for therapists working with interracial couples. These strategies, derived from the research findings, offer valuable insights for scholars and practitioners in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy, deepening our understanding of how cultural and attachment narratives influence relationships and equipping us with practical tools for our work.
• For those who wish to delve deeper into the Research, the full dissertation is readily accessible on ProQuest, empowering you to explore the findings and methodology in detail.

https://www.proquest.com/docview/3157087774

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