Racially Conscious Sociocultural Attuned Emotionally Focused Therapy With Inter-Ethnoracial Couples

Inter-ethnoracial relationships have increased in the United States since anti-miscegenation laws were repealed over 58 years ago. While public approval has grown, it remains a marginalized relationship structure. Inter-ethnoracial partners tend to experience stigma, stress, or trauma from discrimination, lower relationship quality, and negative mental health. Inter-ethnoracial research literature also reflect that these relationships are at risk for separation or dissolution. Applying critical race theory (CRT) and intersectionality can help relational therapists understand the marginalization of this relationship structure and the disadvantages faced by inter-ethnoracial partners. In this article, I discuss relational therapists using CRT and intersectionality as a means to fully understand the racialized sociocultural context of this relationship. I propose a conceptual framework for applying CRT and sociocultural attunement (SCA) to the practice of emotionally focused therapy (EFT) with the aim of strengthening attachment bonds by addressing the intersectional influence of racialization, racism, and social power on inter-ethnoracial relational dynamics. I provide a case vignette to illustrate how a racially conscious sociocultural attuned EFT therapist of color might apply the guidelines of SCA to an EFT intervention.