This chapter explores the trauma and challenges Black couples have faced along with the impact of Dr. Joy DeGruy’s theory of Post-Traumatic Slavery Syndrome (PTSS). The central theory of the Gottman Method for couples therapy is reviewed along with special considerations that should be given and ways it can be enhanced in work with Black couples. Specific Gottman interventions aree explored along with how they can be aligned with trauma informed/culturally responsive care. Case conceptualizations of three African American couples who have been impacted by PTSS and treated using Gottman Method interventions are also presented.

In 1989, the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child declared, “[state parties] shall take all feasible measures to ensure protection and care of children who are affected by an armed conflict.” In addition to attempting to secure the welfare of children in armed conflict, the Convention went on to ban the recruitment and deployment of children during armed conflict. Despite the vast majority of sovereign nations signing and ratifying this agreement, this treaty, unfortunately, has not prevented children and youth from witnessing, becoming victims of, or participating in political, ethnic, religious, and cultural violence across the past three decades. This chapter offers an “ecological perspective” on the psychosocial consequences of exposure to the trauma of war-related violence and social disruption.