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Full-Text Articles in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling

For Black College Students Who Considered Dropping Out When Grit Wasn’T Enough: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Influence Of Family Messaging On Collegiate Outcomes, Dawn M. Wilson Jan 2025

For Black College Students Who Considered Dropping Out When Grit Wasn’T Enough: A Mixed Methods Study Exploring The Influence Of Family Messaging On Collegiate Outcomes, Dawn M. Wilson

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Black college student outcomes are well researched areas in education literature. This dissertation sought to explore the influence of academic and ethnic racial socialization on experiences of shame and guilt and examine the association of those relationships on Black college student retention and persistence. This study employed an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to investigate the socialization experiences of 272 Black college students in the US. Conditional process model analyses revealed that academic socialization is associated with experiences of guilt and shame—guilt predicted improved retention outcomes, while shame predicted lower retention outcomes. The analysis also revealed that while ethnic racial …


Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker Jan 2025

Examining The Relationship Between Bicultural Stress And Mental Well-Being Among Second-Generation Filipino Americans Living In The United States, Krista Parker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Research investigating the bicultural and mental health experiences of Filipino Americans, the third largest Asian American group in the United States, are consistently overlooked, with second-generation Filipino Americans (SGFAs) facing greater risk of adverse mental health outcomes. This quantitative study addresses a critical gap in research by examining the relationship between bicultural stress and mental well-being among SGFAs living in the United States. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a multivariate regression analysis examined the relationship between bicultural stress and four mental health constructs (as measured by depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem) among 302 SGFA participants. Results from this study strongly …


A Phenomenological Study Of How Parents Of Lgbtqia+ Youth Experience School-Based Sex Education, Alisha Bachman Jan 2025

A Phenomenological Study Of How Parents Of Lgbtqia+ Youth Experience School-Based Sex Education, Alisha Bachman

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Empirical research on LGBTQIA+ youth and Comprehensive Sex Education is scarce and now, due to the current political climate, is under threat. Utilizing an interpretive phenomenological approach applying ecological systems and queer theory, this study explored the lived experiences of how parents of LGBTQIA+ youth perceive school-based comprehensive sex education. By isolating the phenomenon of comprehensive sex education, this study focused on the immediate context of influence that comprehensive sex education makes on LGBTQIA+ youth and families. This research used data collected through semi-structured interviews with nine different parents. Four themes emerged from the data: Communication and Education about Sexuality …


An Experiential Qualitative Analysis Exploring The Sexual Identity Experiences Of Latino Caribbean Cisgender Gay Men, Starlin Astacio Jan 2023

An Experiential Qualitative Analysis Exploring The Sexual Identity Experiences Of Latino Caribbean Cisgender Gay Men, Starlin Astacio

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative study aims to explore the unique experiences and challenges faced by Latino Caribbean cisgender gay men within their cultural and social contexts. Using focus group and thematic analysis, the researcher examines the narratives and perspectives of a diverse sample of Latino Caribbean cisgender gay men (n = 6) to gain insights into their sexual identity process, cultural influences, family dynamics, and support systems utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as the methodological framework. The researcher’s findings highlight the themes of Awareness of Sexual Identity, Visibility Management, Spanish Caribbean Families' Influences, Being True to Oneself, and Positive Experiences & Role …


Relationships Harm, Relationships Heal: Exploring Larger Bodied People's Experiences Of Weight Stigma And Eating Disorders In The Context Of Family Relationships, Rebecca Erin Belinsky Jan 2023

Relationships Harm, Relationships Heal: Exploring Larger Bodied People's Experiences Of Weight Stigma And Eating Disorders In The Context Of Family Relationships, Rebecca Erin Belinsky

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Eating Disorders are the second deadliest mental illness, after opioid addiction, and affect a significant amount of the population, with some studies estimating that almost one in ten people will struggle with an eating disorder in their lifetime and that many more will suffer from subclinical eating disorder symptoms like disordered eating (Deloitte Access Economics, 2020). The majority of people struggling with an eating disorder are not medically underweight, and traditionally eating disorder research and treatment has failed to address eating disorders in people in larger bodies (Galmiche et al., 2019). To better understand the needs and experiences related to …


A Mental Health Professional Opinion On Family Involvement During The Treatment Of Severe Mental Illness: A Multiple Case Study, Vanessa Perocier Jan 2023

A Mental Health Professional Opinion On Family Involvement During The Treatment Of Severe Mental Illness: A Multiple Case Study, Vanessa Perocier

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

While severe mental illness (SMI) is extensively studied, less attention focuses on the relationship between people with SMI and their families and the impact this may have on treatment. Bronfenbrenner's (1979) ecological systems theory conceptualized the treatment and recovery of people with SMI and their families. This study proposes that if family members getting social support contribute to a person's treatment plan, the individual's treatment outcome will improve rather than the individual enduring the treatment process individually. By applying ecological systems theory, mental health professionals and policymakers can better grasp the systemic nature of individuals, their family members, and surrounding …


"I Wonder...?" The Presence And Implications Of Curiosity As A Foundational Ingredient Across Couple And Family Therapy Models, Brian Hannigan Jan 2023

"I Wonder...?" The Presence And Implications Of Curiosity As A Foundational Ingredient Across Couple And Family Therapy Models, Brian Hannigan

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Theoretical and anecdotal accounts highlight the power of curiosity within the therapeutic process of particular models of therapy, with specific influences noted in regard to forming, maintaining, and evolving intra- and interpersonal relationships. The mention of curiosity in the therapeutic process is not surprising given its profound and evidence-based influence on the promotion of relationships and influence on social-emotional health and well-being. What is surprising however, is the lack of comprehensive review and exploration into how exactly curiosity is being conceptually used within and across therapeutic models. Additionally, such a review is missing in terms of whether curiosity is model …


Family Excommunication And Fleeing Nones: Religion, Nonreligion, And Estrangement In Therapy, Jonathan Ludi Leitch Jan 2023

Family Excommunication And Fleeing Nones: Religion, Nonreligion, And Estrangement In Therapy, Jonathan Ludi Leitch

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Religion fractures families, and therapists working with clients in search of healing have so far had little empirical guidance on how to help. This phenomenological study is the first to explore the experiences of nonreligious Americans using therapy as a way to address religion-related family estrangement. Seventeen participants, all self-identifying as nonreligious but raised in Christian families, were interviewed about their therapy experiences. Most had seen individual therapists and preferred an individual focus but appreciated systemic conceptualizations and interventions. Nondirective, evidence-based, and, when appropriate, trauma-informed approaches were found to be most helpful. Nonreligious, especially non-Christian, therapists were usually but not …


Understanding How Secular Spirituality Transforms Intergenerational Parenting Styles, Barrie Birge Jan 2023

Understanding How Secular Spirituality Transforms Intergenerational Parenting Styles, Barrie Birge

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

A family is a relational system that shapes a child’s development, and it is well-established that parenting directly exasperates or reduces a child’s internal and external behaviors (Foran et al., 2020; Rikuya & Toshiki, 2018). Parents are influential figures during childhood and adolescence and play a key role in their children’s development (Baumrind, 1978; Maccoby & Martin, 1983). Therefore, it is of great concern that developmental challenges in children and adolescents in the U.S. continue to increase. The Centers for Disease Control (2019) confirms adolescent mental health and suicide variable trends in the U.S. continued to increase significantly between 2009 …


Work-Family Spillover, Family Functioning, And Life Satisfaction Of Pastors, Marcos Rosa Jan 2023

Work-Family Spillover, Family Functioning, And Life Satisfaction Of Pastors, Marcos Rosa

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The current study is quantitative research that used a web-based survey from multiple religious denominations in the United States to examine the relationships among perceptions of stress, work-family spillover, marital satisfaction, and family functioning of pastors. Emotional exhaustion, hours worked, personal accomplishment, and social support were analyzed as predictors from the work domain. Two measures of spillover were used to evaluate family stressors and enhancers. The stressors and enhancers were tested as mediators between work domain and personal/family life. Life satisfaction, marital satisfaction and family dysfunction were analyzed as outcome variables. The sample included 83 pastors from a convenience sample …


The Moderating Effects Of Clinical Videoconferencing On Therapeutic Alliance And Treatment Outcomes Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Populations During The Covid-19, Seon W. Kim Jan 2023

The Moderating Effects Of Clinical Videoconferencing On Therapeutic Alliance And Treatment Outcomes Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Populations During The Covid-19, Seon W. Kim

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study aimed to contribute to understanding the relationship between therapeutic alliance (TA) and treatment outcome (TO) when comparing conventional (in-person treatment, IPT) with clinical videoconference-delivered treatment models in substance use disorder populations (SUD) during a global pandemic. Also, noting the importance of marital and family relationships in the treatment of substance use disorders, this study explored how marital status influenced the interaction of the therapeutic alliance and treatment outcomes. Utilizing the secondary data collected from an outpatient SUD treatment facility, this quantitative study conducted a moderated linear regression and moderated binary logistic regression to analyze the data. The results …


Meeting The Client Halfway: A Relational Revision To Account For Intra-Actions In Psychotherapeutic Space, Lara Pirro Jancetic Jan 2023

Meeting The Client Halfway: A Relational Revision To Account For Intra-Actions In Psychotherapeutic Space, Lara Pirro Jancetic

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This post-qualitative study branching from new-materialist, post-humanist epistemology and ontology examines relationality through the lens of three different theories: agential realism, John Shotter’s communication theory, and relational mindfulness. These theories each describe the dynamics involved in relationships, how they each make sense of these dynamics, and what they entail for human relations. Using a post-qualitative diffractive methodology, this study examines these theories and how they intersect to bring about new insights in our understanding of relationships and how this information can support therapy practice. The results are a series of nine principles of orientation, which were applied to marriage and …


Relationship Goals: How Do Relational Therapists Conceptualize Cases And Treatment Plan When Working With Consensually Non-Monogamous Clients?, Caitlyn Burns Jan 2023

Relationship Goals: How Do Relational Therapists Conceptualize Cases And Treatment Plan When Working With Consensually Non-Monogamous Clients?, Caitlyn Burns

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This study aimed to explore how relational therapists in the United States conceptualize cases and treatment plan when working with consensually non-monogamous clients and how dominant discourses about relationships (mononormativity) influence relational therapists during this process through a queer theory lens. This was a grounded theory study and surveyed a sample of thirty relational therapists or therapists-in- training. Results showed relational therapists conduct conceptualization and treatment planning through a two-part process. Therapists intend to treat CNM clients the same as any other client, but are unable to do so due to dominant discourses of mononormativity. Furthermore, mononormative discourses influenced relational …


Black Marriage, Attachment And Connecting In Relationships: An Observational Multi-Method Study Investigating The Effects Of The Getting The Love You Want Workshop On Black Couples’ In-Session Attachment, Interactions, Marital Satisfaction And Communication, Paula Smith Jan 2023

Black Marriage, Attachment And Connecting In Relationships: An Observational Multi-Method Study Investigating The Effects Of The Getting The Love You Want Workshop On Black Couples’ In-Session Attachment, Interactions, Marital Satisfaction And Communication, Paula Smith

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The focus of this dissertation is examining the impact of Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT), more specifically the “Getting the Love You Want” workshop (GTLYW), on five Black/African American couples’ attachment, interactions, marital satisfaction and communication. This study examines Black couples’ lived experiences through a modified version of a quantitative measure, called the Patient Attachment Client System (PACS), the Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire-Revised (MSQ-R), semi-structured questionnaires to measure qualitative data as well as direct observation of participants’ interactions. PACS analyzes how patients’ in-session discourse enables them to share present experiences and link these processes with their attachment structure. In this view, attachment …


Structural Family Therapy For Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Case Experiment, Anthony George Pennant Jr. Jan 2022

Structural Family Therapy For Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Single Case Experiment, Anthony George Pennant Jr.

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This research study is an exploratory single case experiment which was conceptualized through the concept of change as outlined in structural family therapy (SFT). This family reported increases in their levels of cohesion, flexibility, and satisfaction with their relationships. The family reported decreases in the levels of disengagement, rigidity, chaos, and communication. Lastly, levels of anxiety increased over time and were generally rated divergently by parents and the child with autism spectrum disorder. Given the outcome of the study, SFT shows promise in being an appropriate clinical model in providing family-based therapy for families who have a child(ren) with autism …


The Experiences Of Marriage And Family Therapists Balancing Relational Teletherapy And Self-Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Elizabeth Dumayne Jan 2022

The Experiences Of Marriage And Family Therapists Balancing Relational Teletherapy And Self-Care During The Covid-19 Pandemic: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Elizabeth Dumayne

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to the world of mental health, especially in the delivery that marriage and family therapists provide services to their clients and while balancing their own self-care. In order to provide therapists with a base from which to work through these changes, a thorough review of the literature is provided as well as an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Chapter one provides an introduction to the topic of relational teletherapy during the COVID-19 pandemic and self-care for therapists, defines the terms teletherapy and self-care, and clarifies the conceptual frameworks at use in the dissertation: ecological systems …


Exploring The Needs Of Black Single Mothers In Therapy, Nompelelo Boucher Jan 2022

Exploring The Needs Of Black Single Mothers In Therapy, Nompelelo Boucher

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This qualitative study of 6 Black single mothers utilizes a focus group format to explore their experiences in mental health treatment. The specific barriers they face to seeking treatment are reviewed, given that this particular population is substantially underrepresented in mental health therapy. The study seeks to gain a better insight of what factors contribute to attracting and retaining them in therapy for positive outcomes. Six emergent themes surfaced highlighting the fact that these women overcome numerous historical and cultural barriers to present for treatment to address serious issues of stress, grief, and loss, that they have a desire to …


It Takes Two: Professional Interconnections And Potential Collaborations Between Small-Town Family Attorneys And Couple/Family Therapists, Wendy Lenk Mcclary Jan 2022

It Takes Two: Professional Interconnections And Potential Collaborations Between Small-Town Family Attorneys And Couple/Family Therapists, Wendy Lenk Mcclary

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Attorneys who specialize in family practice may experience significant rates of mood disorders and substance reliance. Law schools typically do not provide supportive coursework or mentoring to help students learn to manage their feelings and those of crisis-impacted clients. Lawyers may well consider that understanding emotional needs and providing emotional support does not fall within their codes of practice. Societal stigma may prevent family attorneys and their clients from seeking therapy. Small-town attorneys may be particularly vulnerable to professional stress and safety concerns. The purpose of this study was to explore and understand the lived experiences of family attorneys practicing …


Content Analysis On Hispanic Populations Across Marriage And Family Therapy Journals, Maya S. Iturra Jan 2022

Content Analysis On Hispanic Populations Across Marriage And Family Therapy Journals, Maya S. Iturra

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

There is ambiguity on what kind of coverage of Hispanic populations in counseling journals is often used by couple/marriage and family therapists (C/MFTs) and researchers. The aims of this study are to identify how these journals consider Hispanic populations and what advice is provided when working with Hispanic populations. An explanatory sequential mixed method content analysis study was conducted. The first quantitative stage used descriptive statistics to analyze 17 journals’ articles between 2011-2020 regarding the type of research designs used, the frequency of articles that fit the inclusion criteria for the study, and the use of psychosocial terms (i.e., acculturation, …


Beyond The Controversy: An Exploration Of Cultural Socialization Behaviors In Transracial Adoptive Families, Karmen Smith Jan 2022

Beyond The Controversy: An Exploration Of Cultural Socialization Behaviors In Transracial Adoptive Families, Karmen Smith

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

The voices of the families that have successfully raised transracially adopted children with a positive cultural identity are missing from the literature: “Further research is needed on adoption from the perspective of the adoptee” (Clark et al., 2006, p. 192). There are methodological shortcomings that inhibit our ability to definitively determine adjustment outcomes for this population. Such shortcomings, combined with a failure to address additional variables that influence outcomes, have left identified gaps in the research unaddressed. The purpose of this grounded theory study is to identify the cultural socialization behaviors that contributed to the development of the participant’s positive …


Developing The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Power, And Privilege Assessment In Cft/Mft: A Delphi Study, Carrie Hatch Jan 2022

Developing The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Power, And Privilege Assessment In Cft/Mft: A Delphi Study, Carrie Hatch

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) and Couple and Family Therapists (CFTs) engage in clinical practice from a systemic framework. This framework positions MFTs to consider the impact of social systems on the MFT/CFT field and their clients. Issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, power, and privilege (DEIPP) impact all of the systems in which we operate. Currently, there is no consensus on a tool measuring training clinicians’ competencies related to DEIPP beyond self-report. There is a need for a DEIPP competency measure because, currently, the most widely used measure is self or observer report, which may not provide a complete …


Experience Of Gender Role Expectations And Negotiation In Second Generation Desi Couples, Deepa Patel Jan 2021

Experience Of Gender Role Expectations And Negotiation In Second Generation Desi Couples, Deepa Patel

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Due to the lack of research on the Desi community, this qualitative study was the first of its kind to investigate the process of gender role expectation and negotiation style among second generation Desi couples. Previous research provided awareness of unequal treatment amongst the male and female genders within the patriarchal structure of the Desi community. However, this study provided a unique understanding on Desi couples’ perspective on gender dynamics. Six couples, ages 25- 35, who were married for at least 3 years and identified as second generation Desi were interviewed in order to gain a deeper understanding of gender …


Parents Of Non-Binary Children: Stories Of Understanding And Support, Brooks Bull Jan 2021

Parents Of Non-Binary Children: Stories Of Understanding And Support, Brooks Bull

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Parents of non-binary children undergo profound changes as they learn to first understand and then support their child. In order to provide family therapists with a foundation from which to work with these families, a thorough review of the literature is provided as well as a narrative research study. Chapter one provides an introduction to the topic of non-binary gender and transgender identities, defines the terms non-binary, transgender, and transsexual, and clarifies the conceptual frameworks at use in the dissertation: social constructionism and transfeminism. Chapter two is a review of peer-reviewed literature on therapy with children and adolescents who identify …


Divine Narcissism: Raising A Secure Middle-Aged Adult, Rachel Sachs Riverwood Jan 2021

Divine Narcissism: Raising A Secure Middle-Aged Adult, Rachel Sachs Riverwood

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Utilizing an arts-based feminist autoethnographic stance and method, this dissertation is an evocative exploration of the process and experience of attempting to develop a cohesive identity and build a secure attachment to the self. The author uses countercultural methods—prioritizing and centralizing her experience and uncovering and acting in defiance of oppressive norms—to identify and experience their impact on her identity and intra- and inter- personal relationships. Various tensions are explored, including the suppression of self and desire, self-objectification, fearful-avoidant attachment, and shame; and their influence on engaging in emotional and sexual intimacy is examined. Critique on the role of female …


“They Let Me Loose, Will You Hold Me Tight?” Adult Adoptees And Their Romantic Partners' Experience Of Attachment After Participating In The Hmt Program, Bethany Baker Jan 2021

“They Let Me Loose, Will You Hold Me Tight?” Adult Adoptees And Their Romantic Partners' Experience Of Attachment After Participating In The Hmt Program, Bethany Baker

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Adult adoptees may be blocked from feeling securely attached to their romantic partners and they may not even know it or what to do about it. The literature shows adult adoptees being overrepresented in insecure attachment styles, and not enough attention has been paid to the effect this has had on adoptees in their romantic relationships. In fact, no known study, to date, has provided an attachment-based psychoeducational approach for this marginalized population. The purpose of this introductory qualitative study was to explore the experiences and meaning-making of attachment, specifically related to adoption, for the adult adoptee and their romantic …


Marital Satisfaction Of Couples In Heterosexual Relationships Where There Are Differences In Spirituality, Collins Anaeche Jan 2020

Marital Satisfaction Of Couples In Heterosexual Relationships Where There Are Differences In Spirituality, Collins Anaeche

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

As the dynamics of the United States’ social landscape shifts in relation to the diversity of culture, ethnicity, values, and traditions, and as religion and spirituality have become highly diverse and fluid, diversity in spirituality has received limited attention in the field of marriage and family therapy. Utilizing an interpretative phenomenological analysis, this qualitative investigation explores common meanings and experiences of emotional intimacy of couples in heterosexual relationships where there are differences in spirituality. Overall, the results of this investigation demonstrate that in situations where heterosexual couples who display differences in spirituality attentively attuned to their individual and relational needs, …


Impact Of Transnationalism On Multiracial Challenges And Resilience Among Asian Mixed-Race Adults In The United States, Sooyeon Lee-Garland Jan 2020

Impact Of Transnationalism On Multiracial Challenges And Resilience Among Asian Mixed-Race Adults In The United States, Sooyeon Lee-Garland

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

This was a quantitative study which examined past and present transnational activities as predictors of multiracial identity challenges and resilience among second generation U.S. born Asian mixed-race adults. Two hundred seventeen participants completed the following three survey questionnaires: a demographic form, the Multiracial Challenge and Resilience Scale (MCRS; Salahuddin & O’Brien, 2011) and an author-adapted version of the Past and Present TS- Transnationalism Scale (Murphy & Mahalingam, 2004). This study is based on the idea of integrating critical race theory, critical mixed-race studies, and intersectionality of both participants’ and parents’ gender and ethnic/racial identity among self-identified Asian mixed-race individuals. The …


The Experiences Of African American Marriage And Family Therapists: Their Contributions To The Marriage And Family Therapy Field, Leila Linntoya James Jan 2019

The Experiences Of African American Marriage And Family Therapists: Their Contributions To The Marriage And Family Therapy Field, Leila Linntoya James

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In this dissertation, I seek to understand the factors that play a role in the success of African American Scholars in the Marriage and Family Therapy field, by conducting an extensive literature review of factors that may affect matriculation and retention through lived experiences. In the study, I use narrative inquiry, research questions and Husserlian Phenomenological methodology to explore the challenges important to the African American journeys toward success. In the first chapter, I introduced the criteria in which the study focused which highlighted four areas of accomplishments including clinical, teaching, supervision, and research. dissertation that follows. The second chapter …


Managing Professional Roles In Home-Based Family Therapy: A Study Of Marriage And Family Therapist Practices, Sharon Fitzgerald Jan 2019

Managing Professional Roles In Home-Based Family Therapy: A Study Of Marriage And Family Therapist Practices, Sharon Fitzgerald

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Since the 1980’s there has been a proliferation of home and community-based mental health services developed to meet the needs of families with children with severe emotional or behavioral problems as an alternative to residential or institutional placement (Macchi & O’Connor, 2010; Zarski, Pastore, Way, & Shepler, 1988). Despite this long history, home-based family therapists are still trying to define best practices for home-based family therapy (HBFT). In the literature, the management of professional roles has been defined as a practice element worthy of attention. For instance, in an analysis of home-based programs, researchers identified providers having multiple roles as …


“We’Re Together”: An Exploration Of Interracial Couples’ Perceptions Of Support And Relational Therapy, Maxine Notice Jan 2019

“We’Re Together”: An Exploration Of Interracial Couples’ Perceptions Of Support And Relational Therapy, Maxine Notice

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

Interracial couples in the United States experience disproportionate amounts of adversity throughout their relationships. Backlash for loving interracially results in denied access to supportive systems, which literature indicates occurs commonly between micro and macro systems. Using ecological systems and narrative theories, a mixed methodological study was conducted using the Fragile Families Child and Wellbeing study to explore participant’s use of relational therapy and perceptions of access support systems. Subsequently, sixty interracial couple members completed a survey expressing perceptions of relational therapy, and the influence of support systems on their usage. Results indicate interracial and same-race couples attend relational therapy at …