A critical-cultural-relational approach to rupture resolution: A case illustration with a cross-racial dyad

Doris F. Chang, Jordan J. Dunn, Maryam Omidi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Ruptures are common in any therapeutic relationship and their successful resolution is associated with positive outcomes. However, therapist and client differences with regard to power, privilege, identity, and culture increase social and cultural distance, contributing to alliance ruptures and complicating the repair process. Informed by critical race theories, cultural psychological perspectives, and relational principles, we highlight how power, privilege, identity, and culture shape the development of ruptures and thus, how analyses of these dynamics should inform the process of repair. We present an expanded critical-cultural-relational approach to rupture resolution that emphasizes essential skills of critical self-awareness, wise affect, and anti-oppressive interpersonal engagement, and extends Safran and Muran's (2000) general rupture resolution model to emphasize a critical analysis of the rupture and repair processes. We illustrate our approach through a case presentation involving a rupture in a cross-racial dyad with themes of racism and classism.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)369-383
Number of pages15
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology
Volume77
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • alliance
  • anti-oppressive practice
  • critical race theory
  • multicultural psychology
  • ruptures

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Arts and Humanities (miscellaneous)

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