Date
6-17-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Mollie Boyd
Keywords
African American therapists, African American clients, childhood sexual trauma, adult survivors, post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD, therapeutic relationship, therapeutic alliance, racial congruence, shared racial identity, trust, cultural understanding, phenomenology, lived experiences, trauma-informed counseling, mental health counseling
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
Warren, Patrice Ann, "Demographic Congruence on the Therapeutic Relationship Among African American Therapists and Trauma Survivors" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8573.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8573
Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of African American therapists in forming therapeutic relationships with African American adult survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Although the therapeutic alliance is recognized as a critical component of trauma treatment, limited research has examined the role of demographic congruence in therapeutic relationships among African American trauma survivors. Guided by homophily theory, this study explored therapists’ perspectives regarding the influence of shared racial identity on trust, safety, cultural understanding, and therapeutic engagement. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 African American therapists who had experience treating African American adult survivors of childhood sexual trauma. Interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns and shared meanings across participants. Findings revealed that therapists relied on intentional relationship-building strategies, trauma-informed approaches, and culturally responsive practices to foster trust and emotional safety. Participants reported that shared racial identity often enhanced rapport, trust, and perceived understanding; however, demographic congruence alone was not sufficient to establish an effective therapeutic relationship. Therapists emphasized the importance of authenticity, empathy, cultural competence, and clinical skill in supporting positive therapeutic outcomes. The findings contribute to the literature on culturally responsive counseling and highlight the importance of sociocultural considerations when working with African American survivors of childhood sexual trauma.
