Workshop Overview

Original Recording Date: June 19, 2025 6 to 8 PM PST

Presenter: Emerald Aueyong, AMFT APCC
Organization: Rouse Relational Wellness

Continuing Education: 2 units

Running Time: 1 hour and 53 minutes

"How can we honor our individual cultures while building 'our' culture together?"

Presenter Bio:

Emerald Aueyong is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#134637) and Registered Professional Clincial Counselor (#12046). Emerald is a couples and sex therapist at Rouse Relational Wellness, supporting clients through a range of challenges, from relationship dynamics to individual struggles with anxiety and depression. She brings expertise in areas such as desire discrepancy, communication issues, and sexual trauma. Emerald’s approach is trauma-informed and utilizes therapeutic models like CBT and SFBT, aiming to provide both insight and practical tools for growth.

Description

According to the Pew Research Center, there has been a constant increase in interracial marriages in the United States. Interracial marriages have increased by five times, since 1967. In 1967, 3% of newlyweds had interracial marriages, whereas in 2015, the number increase to 17% of newlyweds (Pew Research Center, 2017). Moreover, Asians and Hispanics are most likely to have interracial marriages in comparison to Whites and Blacks (Pew Research Center, 2017). Interracial relationships consist of partners who come from different racial backgrounds, such as a Black-Asian couple or White-Latino couple. Aspects to consider when treating this population, ranging from cultural background, family upbringing, values, household traditions, and sexual worldview. In interracial relationships, there are many nuances that can lead to communication barriers, feeling misunderstood, less emotionally connected, and feeling dissatisfied in their relationship and sex life. 

Taking a culturally sensitive lens, including sexual cultural taboos, is integral in providing inclusive sex therapy services to minority populations. The content presented is intended for therapists who are new to treating couples, particularly interracial couples. This presentation will be especially useful for clinicians looking to gain additional insight into treating individuals and couples who differ from their own racial background. Content will be introductory and beginning level. Attendees should have basic knowledge in what couples therapy entails and basic clinical practice. 

Educational Goals

In this interactive workshop, we will review existing research on interracial relationships, discuss the nuance in relationship dynamics, and learn how to gather information in a culturally conscious, direct, yet empathetic manner. Clinical implications and techniques will also be provided to equip clinicians with the proper tools to facilitate meaningful and transformative conversations. 

This course is designed to appeal to clinicians at all levels of experience. 

Measurable Learning Objectives

• Participants will demonstrate an understanding of proposed clinical interventions when working with interracial relationships. 
• Participants will describe at least 3 challenges that interracial relationships may face. 
• Participants will compare the similarities and differences between interracial and intraracial relationship challenges. 
• Participants will be able to analyze their own countertransference when working with diverse populations different from their own upbringing and identify areas of further reflection. 

Outline with Main Points 

• Instructor Introduction (10 min)
• Instructor Introduction 
• Presentation Agenda 
• Learning Objectives 
• Introduction of Interracial Relationships (20 min)
• Participant Survey (Brief) 
• Definitions 
• Review of Literature and Limitations 
• Relevance to Couples and Sex Therapy 
• Nuance in Interracial Relationships (20 min)
• Common Themes 
• Relational Challenges 
• Family Challenges
• Societal Challenges
• Higher levels of support and acceptance
• Mental Health Toll 
• Differing Perspectives on Mental Health and Couples Therapy 
• Gender Roles 
• Sexuality 
• Clinical Implications (30 min)
• Recognizing Personal Biases & Comfort 
• Building Upon: Interracial Couple Questionnaire 
• Audience participation (other questions to ask couples during intakes and individual therapy sessions) 
• Theoretical Approaches 
• Biopsychosocial Lens 
• Eco-Systems Theory
• Rogerian (client-centered) 
• Trauma-informed Care 
• Gottman’s Couples Therapy 
• Emotion-Focused Therapy 
• Personal Anecdotes & Case Study (20 min)
• Case Study 1 
• Case Study 2 (Same-Sex, Interracial Couple) 
• Takeaways (10 min) 
• Q&A (10 min)

Suggested Reading/Supported Readings (optional)

Bonam, C. M., & Shih, M. (2009). Exploring Multiracial Individuals’ Comfort with Intimate Interracial Relationships. Journal of Social Issues, 65(1), 87–103. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.2008.01589.x

Debrosse, R., Thai, S., & Brieva, T. (2023). When skinfolk are kinfolk: Higher perceived support and acceptance characterize close same‐race (vs. interracial) relationships for people of color. Journal of Social Issues, 79(1), 21–49. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12534

Greif, G. L., Stubbs, V. D., & Woolley, M. E. (2023). Clinical Suggestions for Family Therapists Based on Interviews with White Women Married to Black Men. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 45(3), 333–348. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-021-09629-y

Leslie, L. A., & Young, J. L. (2015). Interracial Couples in Therapy: Common Themes and Issues. Journal of Social Issues, 71(4), 788–803. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12149

Lundquist, J., Lin, K.-H., & Curington, C. (2024). Interracial Unions and Racial Assortative Mating in an Age of Growing Diversity, Shifting Intimate Relationships, and Emerging Technologies. Annual Review of Sociology, 50(1), 431–453. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-soc-083023-023534

Mangas, P., Sierra, J. C., & Granados, R. (2024). Effects of Subjective Orgasm Experience in Sexual Satisfaction: A Dyadic Analysis in Same-Sex Hispanic Couples. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 50(3), 346–368. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2023.2295960

Miller, B., James, A., & Roy, R. N. (2022). Loving Across Racial Lines: Associations between Gender and Partner Race and the Health of Young Adults. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 31(3), 703–715. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-022-02253-w

Qureshi, A., & Collazos, F. (2011). The intercultural and interracial therapeutic relationship: Challenges and recommendations. International Review of Psychiatry, 23(1), 10–19. https://doi.org/10.3109/09540261.2010.544643

Trevino, Z. R., Mullet, N., Hawkins, L. G., Guzman, A., & Garcia, M. S. (2024). Modern Challenges of Individuals in Interracial Relationships in a Racialized Society: A Thematic Analysis. American Journal of Family Therapy, 52(4), 448–466. https://doi.org/10.1080/01926187.2023.2272915

Watts, R. E., & Henriksen Jr., R. C. (1998). The Interracial Couple Questionnaire. Journal of Individual Psychology, 54(3), 368.

Wong, M. K. B. G. (2009). Strengthening Connections in Interracial Marriages Through Pre-Marital Inventories: A Critical Literature Review. Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal, 31(4), 251–261. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-009-9099-1

CA BBS CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM POLICIES

David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132. David F Khalili, LMFT maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.  Contact him at www.rousetherapy.com, phone 415-448-6743, 4124 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114, or [email protected].  

To receive your CE certificate: Complete a brief evaluation that will be sent to you in an online link after the live course.  Please note, those watching on demand must complete both the quiz AND evaluation.  A SCORE OF 70% OR MORE ON THIS TEST IS REQUIRED FOR CE CREDIT FOR ON-DEMAND STUDENTS.  After passing your quiz, you will receive your certificate within five business days.  

Grievance Policy: For this course, “Instructor” refers to Emerald Aueyong, AMFT APCC and David Khalili Marriage and Family Therapy, Inc.

1. If there is a grievance, the participants will be asked to put their concerns in writing to David Khalili [email protected].

2. If the grievance concerns the instructor, the content presented by the instructor, or the style of presentation, the individual filing the grievance will be asked to put his/her comments in written format. The participant will receive a written response in 1-2 business days. When necessary, the participant will receive a full refund.

3. If the grievance concerns a workshop offering, its content, level of presentation, or the facilities in which the workshop was offered, the instructor will mediate and will be the final arbitrator. If the participant requests action, the instructor:
         a. attempt to move the participant to another workshop or
         b. provide a credit for a subsequent year's workshop or
         c. provide a full refund of the workshop fee.
         Actions 4b and 4c will require a written note, documenting the grievance, for record keeping purposes. The grieved individual need not sign the note.

Refund Policy: Refunds are not available on all items, especially live webinars (see individual promotional materials). Refunds are always available if CE item was purchased in error.  Full refunds for CE test payment itself will be granted when the request is submitted in writing and a post-test has not been submitted and graded. Refunds will be issued within 7 days of request to the payment method used to pay for the original purchase.  

Disability Accommodations:  Arrangements can be made for those with disabilities or special needs; please contact David F Khalili, LMFT at 415-448-6743, [email protected] or the address above.

Two continuing education unit available for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs in California. Outside of California, check with your states licensing board.

Continuing Education Units: Two Units.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Participants will demonstrate an understanding of proposed clinical interventions when working with interracial relationships. 
• Participants will describe at least 3 challenges that interracial relationships may face. 
• Participants will compare the similarities and differences between interracial and intraracial relationship challenges. 
• Participants will be able to analyze their own countertransference when working with diverse populations different from their own upbringing and identify areas of further reflection. 

About the presenter:

Emerald Aueyong, AMFT, APCC is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Professional Clincal Counselor. Emerald is a couples and sex therapist at Rouse Relational Wellness, supporting clients through a range of challenges, from relationship dynamics to individual struggles with anxiety and depression. She brings expertise in areas such as desire discrepancy, communication issues, and sexual trauma. Emerald’s approach is trauma-informed and utilizes therapeutic models like CBT and SFBT, aiming to provide both insight and practical tools for growth. 

Format and Length:

Live zoom meeting. Total running time 120 minutes.

Topic Area:

Clinical practice, Theoretical Foundations

Instructional Level:

All levels

Completion Requirements:

Live viewers must complete an online evaluation at the end of the course to obtain their CE certificate via email. Those viewing the recording must watch the entire workshop, complete an evaluation, and obtain a score of 70% or higher on a course completion quiz. You are allowed to take the quiz as many times as you need.

Completion Quiz and Course Evaluation:

After the workshop, the course completion quiz will be available to complete, followed by the course evaluation.

Who Should Attend:

Counselors, masters or doctoral level clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and licensed professional counselors. Other wellness providers who work with couples, especially queer couples.

Course Date:

June 19, 2025

Conflict of Interest Statement:

There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.

Refund Grievance Policy:

 Click here for the full refund and grievance policy.

Contact Information:

For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution please contact us at [email protected]

David F Khalili, LMFT is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for MFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and LEPs licensed through the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. CEPA Provider # 1000132.