Cultural Considerations in Couples Therapy (2 CEU's)

COUPLES, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS

Cultural Considerations in Couples Therapy 2 CEUs

Overview:

Culture plays a significant role in shaping relationship expectations, communication styles, gender roles, expressions of emotion, and beliefs about conflict, intimacy, and family structure. In couples therapy, cultural dynamics often influence how partners interpret each other’s behaviors, navigate power, and define relationship success. Without intentional cultural awareness, clinicians may misinterpret behaviors, impose their own values, or overlook critical factors that impact relational functioning and treatment outcomes.

In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, will guide participants in integrating cultural considerations into couples therapy in a way that is thoughtful, responsive, and clinically effective. Attendees will explore how culture—including race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, immigration experiences, and family-of-origin values—shapes relationship dynamics and influences presenting concerns. The course will address common cultural differences in communication, conflict resolution, and expectations within relationships, as well as the impact of systemic factors such as discrimination and acculturation stress. Emphasis will be placed on developing cultural humility, asking informed and respectful questions, and adapting interventions to align with clients’ cultural contexts. Participants will leave with practical tools to enhance cultural responsiveness, reduce bias, and support more effective and inclusive couples therapy.

Objectives:

• Identify key cultural factors that influence relationship dynamics and presenting concerns in couples therapy.

• Explain how cultural differences impact communication, conflict patterns, and expectations within relationships.

• Apply practical strategies to integrate cultural humility and responsiveness into assessment and intervention in couples therapy.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure

This course provides licensed mental health professionals with an overview of cultural considerations in couples therapy. Participants will learn to recognize and incorporate cultural factors into clinical assessment and intervention. While culturally responsive strategies are introduced, this training does not provide comprehensive training in multicultural counseling or specific cultural competencies for all populations. Attendees are expected to apply the material within their professional scope of practice, ethical guidelines, and ongoing commitment to cultural humility and learning.

Financial and Commercial Disclosure

The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic models, interventions, or resources are provided solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Pre-Recorded (Self-Study) CE Courses

All purchases of pre-recorded (self-study) CE courses are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, you agree to these terms. Participants who have not accessed any portion of the course may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase. Once a course has been accessed, streamed, or downloaded, refunds are no longer available due to immediate access to course materials. Refunds will also not be issued to participants who do not complete the course, fail the required post-test, or do not meet participation requirements, as certificates are only awarded upon successful completion. If you experience verified technical issues that prevent access, we will make reasonable efforts to resolve the problem; if it cannot be resolved, a full or partial refund may be issued. If you believe the course did not meet its stated learning objectives, you may submit a written complaint within 7 days of completion for review, and a partial or full refund may be granted at our discretion. All course purchases are non-transferable and may not be shared, resold, or assigned to another individual.