People of Color in Psychology

In this episode, we explore the philosophy of the "Nothing to Fix" podcast with co-hosts Jordan Alam and Gloria Huh. As therapists and writers, they challenge the traditional clinical narrative that individuals are "broken" and need fixing. Join us for a conversation about their unique journey, the intersection of mental health and storytelling, and why this perspective is a br...

In this episode, Robin Douglas, explores a critical question posed by her paper: "In a racially unjust world, what good is mindfulness?" Robin challenges the Westernized, individualistic, and "non-extensive" application of mindfulness, which is often co-opted to serve "discriminatory and depressive logic of mainstream institutions" like schools and workplaces. Instead...

Mental health is a universal experience, but access to meaningful care is not one-size-fits-all. In this episode, we sit down with Fahad Zahid , the founder and CEO of Sukoon Cares , a pioneering platform that is truly rewriting the playbook for accessible and culturally relevant mental health support for the South Asian diaspora. Fahad shares his deeply personal journey, from grappling with a lac...

Dr. Jean discusses her vital work, "Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces," a new workbook and academic publication offering a crucial decision-making model for Black graduate students and early career professionals. Key takeaways from the conversation include: The Decision-Making Model: This framework is not an algorithm but a guide for Black individuals to a...

In this essential episode, Dr. Kelly Moore, a licensed psychologist and co-author of Racial Trauma in Black Clients , shares her insights on trauma-informed, culturally sensitive care. Key discussion points include: Dissemination of Psychology resources: Dr. Moore discusses her dual role as a Director at the Center for Psychological Services at Rutgers, providing low/no-cost mental health services...

In this episode, Dr. Natesha Smith‑Isabell reframes wellness for people of color—not as something we squeeze in when life allows, but as a strategic practice that shapes how we lead, love, and live. She explores what shifts when we stop surviving on empty and start treating our wellness like a source of power, not an afterthought. Listeners are invited to imagine a life where they are not just get...

In this episode, Dr. Ryan DeLapp, licensed psychologist and author, discusses his work creating the Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Healing Program (REACH) and his workbook, Empowering Yourself Against Racial and Cultural Stress. In this episode, you will learn about: Cultural Stress Defined: Definition of cultural stress as the questioning of whether negative judgment, mistreatment, or denial of opp...

Dr. Claire Martin discusses the critical role of educators and therapists in creating safe learning environments amidst socio-political uncertainty. She highlights how current policies, such as funding cuts to mental health services, directly impact both counselor trainees and their marginalized clients, leading to widespread exhaustion and uncertainty. Dr. Martin emphasizes the need for educators...

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Jones-Damis discusses her book Racial Trauma in Black Clients: Effective Practice for Clinicians. She explores the impact of racial trauma in different clinical settings, why it matters for mental health, and how clinicians can play a vital role in healing and advocacy. Dr. J emphasizing that racial trauma is a natural reaction to unnatural societal issues, not a diag...

Join us as therapist and emotional intelligence expert Deepika Kaushik discusses her unique approach to culturally attuned therapy. With over two decades of experience, Deepika specializes in helping individuals from collectivist backgrounds navigate identity, relationships, and major life transitions by fostering emotional honesty and challenging cultural expectations of perfectionism. She shares...

Join us as we speak with Chelsea Curlett, a licensed professional counselor, about her "growth orientation" approach to therapy. Discover how she helps clients actively participate in their own evolution, reflecting on past experiences and setting future goals. Chelsea also shares unique insights as a Black therapist, offering tips for clinicians on personal growth and supporting marginalized clie...

This episode features LeNaya Smith Crawford, a licensed therapist and holistic mental health educator. LeNaya discusses integrating holistic practices like yoga, breath work, and sound healing into therapeutic work, emphasizing the importance of self-care for mental health professionals to prevent burnout. She also delves into her private practice, Kaleidoscope Therapy and Holistic Wellness, where...

In this episode we feature Dr. Connesia Handford, a psychologist building a consulting practice to contribute her racial trauma expertise to systems invested in turning anti-racist intention into culturally responsive action. Dr. Handford explores the impact of racial trauma, discusses the inspiration behind her book Racial Trauma in the School System: Naming the Pain, and provides tips and strate...

In this episode, Dr. Nicole McKelvey, a licensed pediatric psychologist, shares her expertise on providing culturally responsive care, particularly for Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) communities. Dr. McKelvey specializes in working with children facing chronic medical issues, trauma, and neurodevelopmental concerns, and highlights the importance of a holistic approach that considers the b...

Nesreen Jaber, discusses her research on Arab American men and their experiences with mental health, emphasizing the "therapist factor." Nesreen highlights key findings from her dissertation, such as the fear of judgment among Arab American men seeking therapy and their desire for longer, more humanistic sessions with self-disclosure from therapists. She also touches upon the challenges faced by A...

Djavila Ho, a licensed associate clinical psychologist and executive director of Kahle Journey shares her work in creating trauma-informed treatment for Caribbean societies, by culturally adapting the Community Resilience Model (CRM) for Jamaica. Djavila discusses the importance of making mental health resources accessible and relevant, highlighting the use of local dialect, popular personalities,...

In this episode, Dr. Staci Bullard, a licensed industrial and organizational psychologist and founder of Becoming Point , discusses leadership behavioral health, particularly for clients of color. She redefines leadership beyond C-suite roles, highlighting "hidden leaders" and the opportunity gap in executive coaching for up-and-coming professionals. Dr. Bullard introduces her "plus one" concept,...

We feature certified EFT therapist and LPC supervisor, Charisse Ferrer, who explores the vital role of the "self of the therapist" and Emotionally Focused Therapy especially for therapists of color. Drawing on her experience as a Filipino therapist, Charisse discusses how integrating her cultural identity enhances attunement and prevents the replication of past dismissals in therapy. She...

Dr. Moussa, a Lebanese American psychologist, shares her unique insights from years of practice in individual, couples, and family psychotherapy, as well as psychodiagnostic therapy. With her research focused on psychoanalytic and psychodynamic practitioners, and extensive experience conducting psychological assessments for religious leaders, Dr. Moussa illuminates how psychodynamic principles can...

We speak with Dr. Ezra Lockhart, a distinguished Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy and founder of Easy Does It Counseling . As a Native Hawaiian, Dr. Lockhart challenges the conventional view of telehealth as "placeless" by introducing powerful indigenous land-based frameworks and practices. He shares how Hawaiian culture's reverence for ʻĀina as a sacred, relational...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Zori Paul, a counselor educator and licensed professional counselor, about her research on microaffirmations and bisexual+ people of color. Dr. Paul explains what microaffirmations are and how they may provide potential psychological buffering against discrimination for individuals with marginalized identities, such as LGBTQ+ people of color. She also highlights...

Join us for a truly special conversation with Maryam Abdallah, LCSW, a seasoned clinical director, group practice owner, and the visionary behind I AM Well Consulting. With over 20 years of experience, Maryam specializes in dialectical behavior and narrative therapy, working with a diverse range of clients. In this powerful episode, Maryam unpacks the critical concept of moral injury, a term origi...

Join us for a profound conversation with Candace Oglesby, a licensed professional counselor and a leading voice in the burgeoning field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Candace, who has served as a program director for a ketamine-assisted psychotherapy certificate program and actively participates in research clinical trials, brings a unique blend of expertise as a trainer and a diversity, equity,...

In this episode, we feature Dr. Lana Holmes, a licensed psychologist specializing in sex positivity, BDSM, kink, ethical non-monogamy, and LGBTQ+ populations, as well as trauma experienced within marginalized, oppressed, and stigmatized communities. Dr. Holmes discusses her cultural approach to EBPs. We explore subcultures rooted in personal and collective freedom, self-expression, and breaking co...

In this episode, Dr. Lydia HaRim Ahn, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, discusses her recent research on racial identity, discrimination, and mental health, specifically focusing on AAPI families and racial socialization. Dr. Ahn delves into her recent publications exploring attachment security as a buffer to racism and the impact of racial socialization on intergenerational fami...