Throughout history and in most societies, interracial relationships have been viewed negatively.  Interracial couples may have a tough road to navigate; culture, ethnicity, and race impact the way children are raised, how gender roles are negotiated, how relationships with extended family are managed, and much more. Not only are there personal differences to overcome, but cultural and societal ones as well. 

Some interracial couples have to manage their different racial experiences.  They may have to attend to cultural attitudes regarding their relationship.  Additionally they may have to deal with racism and prejudices, and may even risk being ostracized by their own racial group. 

Therapy can help work through ambivalence and value conflicts, clarify racial identity confusion, and validate the unique strengths of the relationship.

Interracial couples in distress show how partners can be driven apart by differences, whereas successful interracial couples demonstrate how even the greatest differences can be overcome.