Rupture Resolution Strategies and the Impact of Rupture on the Working Alliance After Racial Microaggressions in Therapy

Abstract

Despite a growing literature on racial microaggressions, little is known about the racial microaggression experiences of people of color in therapy, nor the effectiveness of strategies used by therapists to repair the harm of therapy racial microaggressions and cultural ruptures. This study used a mixed methodology to examine the occurrence of racial microaggressions in therapy and their potential impact on the participants’ relationship with their therapist. Participants included 128 self-identified people of color who have had at least 1 counseling session and were recruited from across the United States. Results suggested that experiencing racial microaggressions negatively impacted the client–therapist relationship and that clients of color had more positive therapeutic alliances when their therapists engaged in active cultural repair strategies.