The Hidden Weight of Systemic Trauma: How Oppression Shapes Our Relationships with Akilah Riley-Richardson (306)

What if your relationship struggles aren’t just personal—but shaped by the systems you live in?

Akilah Riley Richardson returns to explore how systemic trauma quietly shapes our relationships, nervous systems, and sense of self. Drawing from her work with marginalized couples, she introduces the concept of relational privilege and explains why healing cannot be separated from the social systems we live in. Together, Akilah and Sue challenge traditional Western therapy models, discuss the importance of “responsible externalizing,” and explore how therapists can create space for grief, imagination, and genuine connection instead of trying to fix what cannot simply be solved.

“The experiences of marginalized people are often devalued even by helping professionals, and this text is my dedication to carving a space where we, as practitioners, can ensure that we are of service in a way that is rooted in the realities of our people. It is also a reflection of my obligation to marginalized couples and individuals. My sincere wish for them all is that they are never harmed in therapy but instead uplifted. ” – Akilah Riley-Richardson Time Stamps for The Hidden Weight of Systemic Trauma: How Oppression Shapes Our Relationships with Akilah Riley-Richardson (306)

02:05 The systemic trauma faced by marginalized couples
04:12 Barriers for global south therapists and voices
08:00 Fear, threat, and navigating space as a marginalized person
09:57 Relational privilege and systemic influence
12:03 The role of colonial Christianity in systemic trauma
17:50 The danger of model dogmatism in therapy
20:06 Neurobiological threat and systemic trauma
22:02 Practicing responsible externalizing in therapy
26:07 The grief of systemic trauma and loss
28:04 The limitations of evidence-based models
29:58 The need for imagination and community in healing
31:47 The concept of lostness and liminality in trauma
34:06 The danger of attachment to models and frameworks
35:59 Differentiating systemic from relational reality
38:10 Yoruba and indigenous healing traditions
41:59 The influence of colonialism and imperialism on therapy
43:53 Acknowledge systemic trauma in therapist self-awareness
49:57 Habits of survival and internalized oppression
51:52 The impact of systemic trauma on body and mind

About our Guest – Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP

Akilah Riley-Richardson, MSW, CCTP is a dedicated therapist, educator, and researcher with several years of experience. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and STAIR Method Certified clinician, Akilah specializes in relational healing, focusing on the needs of couples and individuals, both in the Caribbean and internationally.Her expertise extends to supporting sexual and racial minorities, ensuring that her practice is inclusive and culturally sensitive. Akilah’s commitment to education and advocacy has led her to consult for esteemed organizations, including NASTAD, I-TECH, CARPHA, and CVC, where she has made significant contributions to healthcare training and community support. She has presented her work at various prestigious forums, such as the Psychotherapy Networker Symposium, Academy of Therapy Wisdom, Harvard Medical School, Chicago School of Psychology and the Black Mental Health Symposium. From 2012 to 2025, she served as a Social Work Educator at the University of the Southern Caribbean, mentoring future leaders in the field. Currently, she serves as a Research Supervisor and Examiner at the University of the West Indies Global Campus. As the founder of the Relational Healing Institute and the creator of the P.R.I.D.E. model, Akilah is passionate about advancing relational therapies. Her book, “Marginalized Couples in Therapy” reflects this passion.

Resources for The Hidden Weight of Systemic Trauma: How Oppression Shapes Our Relationships with Akilah Riley-Richardson (306)

Marginalized Couples in Therapy: Interventions for Healing from Systemic Trauma – Akilah’s new book, use this link for 20% off. Get your copy today!

Akilah’s website – Resources, opportunities and additional information

Beyond Attachment Styles course is available NOW!

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