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Delve into the complexities faced by mixed-race couples and families in navigating racism, cultural differences, and identity. Gain insights on fostering mental health and harmony within diverse family structures. Explore personal perspectives and expert guidance on addressing societal perceptions and familial pressures.
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Mixed race, mixed racism and mental health Strengthening the child and the family The mixed race couple experience: a personal perspective Sharon Evans People in Harmony, and Relate Counsellor
The Mixed Race Couple Experience- a personal perspective Sharon Evans sharonevans90@yahoo.co.uk
“Race is not only significant in terms of how we see ourselves, but is also a powerful prism through which we are ‘seen’ and perceived by others.” Kenneth V Hardy; Race, Reality and Relationships In Revisioning Family Therapy (2008:77) McGoldrick, M and Hardy, K (Eds)
My Couple Therapy MA research “Exploring Issues in the Mixed Race Couple Experience” -Views and experience of 12 mixed race couples
Mixed Marriage Mixed Race Couple Multicultural Relationship Blended Family Interracial Couple Bi-racial Couple Dual Heritage Mixed Heritage Relationship
Mixed race couples felt that they had to deal with these issues, firstly as a couple: • Racism • Race and Ethnicity • Culture, Religion, Language • Family pressure and expectations • Understanding customs and etiquette • Others’ perception of the relationship
Mixed race parents also had to deal with: Giving children a sense of identity Equipping children for racist remarks Others’ curiosity, questions and comments about the children’s appearance
Mixed race couples / families Impact of relationship breakdown
In summary • Impact of racial and cultural differences on the mixed race couple relationship • Uniqueness of each couple’s mixed race experience • The need to explore mixed race meaning and experience with couples and families
Further reading M McGoldrick and KV Hardy (Eds) (2008), Revisioning Family Therapy, Race, Culture and Gender in Clinical Practice I Krause (1998) Therapy Across Culture KV Hardy and TA Laszloffy (1995) Cultural Genogram: Key to Training Culturally Competent Family Therapists, Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 21(3)