Addressing Colorism Inside Families (Not just racism broadly) (3 CEU's)

TRAUMA, CULTURE & RELATIONAL DYNAMICS
Addressing Colorism Inside Families (Not Just Racism Broadly) – 3 CEUs

Overview:
Colorism can profoundly shape identity development, family relationships, self-worth, and psychological wellbeing in ways that are often overlooked in clinical training. Unlike broader experiences of racism, colorism frequently occurs within families and communities themselves, where differences in skin tone may influence perceptions of beauty, desirability, intelligence, social value, treatment by caregivers, and opportunities for acceptance or belonging. Clients may describe experiences of favoritism, criticism, comparison, rejection, teasing, invisibility, or pressure related to skin tone within family systems. Because these experiences often emerge from within loved and culturally significant relationships, clients may struggle with confusion, grief, shame, loyalty conflicts, and difficulty naming the impact of these experiences.

In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, participants will examine culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches for understanding and addressing colorism within family systems. Attendees will explore the historical, cultural, and systemic roots of colorism and how these experiences influence attachment patterns, identity formation, self-esteem, sibling dynamics, intergenerational messaging, and relational functioning. The course will address common clinical presentations including internalized shame, beauty-based identity wounds, cultural belonging struggles, family conflict, comparison trauma, and difficulties discussing painful experiences involving loved ones. Participants will learn practical strategies for facilitating emotionally safe conversations, recognizing intergenerational patterns, supporting identity repair, and helping clients process complex feelings surrounding family loyalty and cultural narratives. Through case examples and applied discussion, attendees will gain practical tools for treating an important and often under-addressed area of clinical practice.

Objectives:

1. Identify historical, cultural, and family-system factors that contribute to colorism and its psychological impact within families.

2. Recognize common emotional and relational consequences associated with family-based colorism experiences.

3. Apply culturally responsive and trauma-informed interventions that support identity development, emotional processing, and family dialogue.

Scope and Limitations Disclosure
This course provides licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with an overview of culturally responsive approaches for addressing colorism within family systems. Participants will learn practical assessment and intervention strategies relevant to outpatient clinical practice. This training does not provide comprehensive multicultural specialization or certification in family systems or racial identity treatment models. Participants are expected to apply course material within their professional scope of practice, ethical standards, 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 cultural frameworks, trauma theories, interventions, or resources are included solely for educational purposes. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials to complete this course.

Refund Policy – Live CE Trainings (Virtual & In-Person)
All registrations for live CE trainings are subject to this refund policy. By enrolling, participants agree to these terms. Cancellations made 7 days or more prior to the scheduled training date are eligible for a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee, or participants may elect to receive a full credit toward a future training. Cancellations made less than 7 days before the scheduled training are non-refundable; however, registrations may be transferred to another eligible training or another attendee with prior written approval. Participants who fail to attend a scheduled live training, do not complete attendance requirements, or fail to satisfy course participation requirements are not eligible for refunds or CEUs. If a training is canceled or rescheduled by the provider, registrants will be offered either a full refund or the opportunity to transfer to another training. Refunds will not be issued if participants are unable to earn CEUs due to incomplete attendance, failure to complete required evaluations, or licensing board eligibility restrictions.