Navigating Race,Trauma,and Tradition: A Relational-Cultural Case Study with a Biracial Tradwife

Abstract

This clinical case study explored the psychotherapy journey of Serena, a composite client representing the experience of a 25-year-old biracial woman who embraces a tradwife lifestyle within the context of her marriage and religious community. Using relational-cultural theory and a trauma-informed framework, this case study describes the course of Serena's therapy over 12 sessions and highlights key decision points, interventions, and outcomes. Sessions included values clarification, exploration of anxiety, relational ruptures, and interventions allowing Serena to grow in her authentic expression and self-compassion. Serena's therapist, Belle, an amalgamated White clinician with different worldviews and belief systems from Serena, attended to these differences from a relational-cultural, culturally humble, and ethical practice while using consultation in difficult moments. The case study format illustrates the interventions that were applied, why they were chosen, what shifted, and continued needed work. These interventions, along with the therapeutic relationship, led to a decrease in Serena's anxiety symptoms, stronger sense of self, and a better understanding of systems of power. Clinical implications for working with those who hold traditional gender roles, such as those identifying as tradwives, are provided. The case study of Serena underscores the importance of considering tradwife identity as a culture, connecting its complex intersections with trauma, faith, power, and race. Moreover, the case study challenges clinicians to examine their biases when working with clients with ideological differences.