ABSTRACT
This chapter aims most directly at training couple counsellors. However, it is also relevant for those working with individuals and families, as couple issues often emerge as part of the work with individuals and families. Although life cycle or developmental changes may be challenging for any couple and family, perhaps the differences become particularly pronounced when the couple is from different cultural and religious backgrounds. Stories from one or both partners of an intercultural couple often include a description of losses. Sometimes the losses are in previous generations, like the loss of home for migrant and refugee families. Second and third generation migrants will often talk about the imbalance in their couple relationships where one member of the couple is from the dominant culture. Although working with intercultural couples involves, at many levels, the same processes as when working with monocultural couples, the chapter outlines particular areas that the professional could focus on.
