Celebrating the Resilience of Black Queer Relationships
A Guide to Multidynamic Relational Therapy
The First Queer Model of Therapy:
Multidynamic Relational Therapy (MRT) is a groundbreaking theoretical approach born from the resilience of Black Queer relationships. It is not an adaption but a model built from the ground up centering the unique experiences and strengths of Black and Queer peoples.
In a clinical landscape where traditional therapy models have historically been researched, constructed from, and designed for white heterosexual couples, this book offers an innovative framework to address the challenges, nuances, and strengths of diverse identities and relationships.
Drawing from Attachment Theory, Structural Family Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and the rich history and resiliency of Black LGBTQIA+ communities from the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary Ballroom culture, Multidynamic Relational Therapy (MRT) transforms centuries of wisdom and resilience into a practical five-step framework. This model specifically addresses issues of rigidity, power dynamics, and attunement in loving relationships while helping client systems break free from society's limiting scripts about love and connection. Through compelling clinical examples, Dr. Pennant demonstrates how this framework helps individuals navigate intimate relationships and generational trauma, moving beyond merely solving problems to achieve "Radical Emancipation"— the complete rewriting of relationship rules to create partnerships that are authentically their own.
This pioneering book provides clinicians with a versatile framework applicable to individuals, couples, families, and various relational constellations. It is an essential resource for therapists, counsellors, and mental health professionals committed to culturally responsive practice and helping clients develop relationship patterns that honour their full humanity and unique relational needs.
About the Author:
Anthony G. Pennant, PhD, CST is a licensed marriage and family therapist, systemic therapist, and is a certified sex therapist credentialed through the American Association of Sexuality of Educators, Counselors and Therapists. He is also an Approved Supervisor through the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists. Dr. Pennant is an international speaker and skilled in working with neurodiversity, LGBTQ+ relationships, and foster care communities. As a passionate educator, his focus is on training couple and family therapists in the theory and practice of systemic intervention.
