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Chapter 7 - Use of the Gottman Method with African American Couples Impacted by Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome

from Part III - Adapting Major Therapeutic Approaches for Work with African American Couples

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 July 2023

By
Satira Streeter Corbitt
Edited by
Yamonte Cooper  and
Erica Holmes
Yamonte Cooper
Affiliation:
El Camino College, Torrance, California
Erica Holmes
Affiliation:
Antioch University, Los Angeles
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Summary

This chapter explores the trauma and challenges Black couples have faced along with the impact of Dr. Joy DeGruy’s theory of Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome (PTSS). The central theory of the Gottman Method for couples therapy is reviewed along with special considerations that should be given and ways it can be enhanced in work with Black couples. Specific Gottman interventions aree explored along with how they can be aligned with trauma informed/culturally responsive care. Case conceptualizations of three African American couples who have been impacted by PTSS and treated using Gottman Method interventions are also presented.

Keywords

GottmantraumaAfrican-AmericanrelationshipstherapycouplesPTSSinterventions
Type
Chapter
Information
Black Couples Therapy
Clinical Theory and Practice
 , pp. 166 - 192
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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References

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