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Power Imbalances in High-Earning vs Low-Earning Partners (3 CEU's)
COUPLES, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Power Imbalances in High-Earning vs Low-Earning Partners – 3 CEUs
Overview:
Financial differences within relationships can create complex dynamics that extend far beyond income itself. When one partner significantly out-earns the other, differences in earning power may influence decision-making, autonomy, identity, emotional security, household roles, and perceived relationship value. Therapists may encounter couples in which financial disparities contribute to resentment, dependence, guilt, control struggles, shame, role confusion, or conflict regarding responsibility and power. In some relationships, financial differences remain relatively balanced and collaborative; in others, income disparities become intertwined with emotional leverage, coercion, status, or deeper attachment and relational vulnerabilities.
In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, participants will examine practical and relational approaches for working with couples experiencing power dynamics related to significant income differences. Attendees will explore how family-of-origin beliefs, cultural values, gender expectations, attachment patterns, trauma histories, and societal messages influence the meaning couples assign to earning and contribution. The course will address common clinical themes including financial dependence, emotional inequity, resentment, role strain, invisible labor, financial control, and challenges related to identity and self-worth. Participants will learn practical strategies for assessing relational power, facilitating difficult conversations around money and contribution, recognizing unhealthy dynamics, and supporting more collaborative and emotionally balanced partnerships. Through case examples and applied discussion, attendees will gain practical tools for navigating one of couples therapy’s most sensitive and emotionally charged areas.
Objectives:
Identify relational, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to power imbalances associated with income disparities.
Recognize common patterns including resentment, control struggles, role conflicts, and emotional inequities.
Apply practical interventions that support healthier communication, relational balance, and collaborative decision-making.
Scope and Limitations Disclosure
This course provides licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with an overview of clinical approaches for addressing power dynamics related to financial disparities within relationships. Participants will learn practical assessment and intervention strategies relevant to couples and relational treatment settings. This training does not provide financial advising instruction, legal guidance, or certification in financial therapy. Participants are expected to apply course material within their professional scope of practice, ethical standards, and ongoing consultation when appropriate.
Financial and Commercial Disclosure
The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic frameworks, attachment concepts, financial dynamics, or interventions 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.
COUPLES, FAMILY & RELATIONSHIPS
Power Imbalances in High-Earning vs Low-Earning Partners – 3 CEUs
Overview:
Financial differences within relationships can create complex dynamics that extend far beyond income itself. When one partner significantly out-earns the other, differences in earning power may influence decision-making, autonomy, identity, emotional security, household roles, and perceived relationship value. Therapists may encounter couples in which financial disparities contribute to resentment, dependence, guilt, control struggles, shame, role confusion, or conflict regarding responsibility and power. In some relationships, financial differences remain relatively balanced and collaborative; in others, income disparities become intertwined with emotional leverage, coercion, status, or deeper attachment and relational vulnerabilities.
In this presentation, Dr. Zairys Feliz, Ph.D., LCSW, participants will examine practical and relational approaches for working with couples experiencing power dynamics related to significant income differences. Attendees will explore how family-of-origin beliefs, cultural values, gender expectations, attachment patterns, trauma histories, and societal messages influence the meaning couples assign to earning and contribution. The course will address common clinical themes including financial dependence, emotional inequity, resentment, role strain, invisible labor, financial control, and challenges related to identity and self-worth. Participants will learn practical strategies for assessing relational power, facilitating difficult conversations around money and contribution, recognizing unhealthy dynamics, and supporting more collaborative and emotionally balanced partnerships. Through case examples and applied discussion, attendees will gain practical tools for navigating one of couples therapy’s most sensitive and emotionally charged areas.
Objectives:
Identify relational, cultural, and psychological factors that contribute to power imbalances associated with income disparities.
Recognize common patterns including resentment, control struggles, role conflicts, and emotional inequities.
Apply practical interventions that support healthier communication, relational balance, and collaborative decision-making.
Scope and Limitations Disclosure
This course provides licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals with an overview of clinical approaches for addressing power dynamics related to financial disparities within relationships. Participants will learn practical assessment and intervention strategies relevant to couples and relational treatment settings. This training does not provide financial advising instruction, legal guidance, or certification in financial therapy. Participants are expected to apply course material within their professional scope of practice, ethical standards, and ongoing consultation when appropriate.
Financial and Commercial Disclosure
The presenter has no relevant financial relationships or conflicts of interest to disclose. Any references to therapeutic frameworks, attachment concepts, financial dynamics, or interventions 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.