People of Color in Psychology

We feature Hoor Jangda, a Pakistani immigrant specializing in trauma treatment from a mind/body/spirit lens, EMDR and psychedelic assisted therapy for individuals in marginalized bodies, particularly immigrant and LGBTQIA+ bodies. Hoor discusses the values and practices that clinicians and the field of mental health need to embody to ensure a decolonized approach to psychedelic assisted therapy as...

In this episode, we have a conversation about hoarding disorder within the AAPI community, with Julianna Chung, a professional organizer and owner of Collected Abundance. Julianna, an expert in helping individuals declutter and organize, shares her experiences working with clients facing overwhelming possessions and the unique challenges observed within the Asian community, such as shame, trauma,...

In this episode, Cynthia Pong, an award-winning executive coach, discusses her work empowering women of color leaders. We discuss differences between “glass ceiling”, “concrete ceiling” and “bamboo ceiling” faced by women and women of color. Cynthia also shares a case study and emphasizes the importance of career insurance, networking, and strategic skill development for career advancement. She al...

In this episode, we speak with Shanaz Ikonne , a licensed professional counselor, to discuss maternal mental health, specifically for women of color. Shanaz shares her own traumatic birthing experience and how it shifted her focus to advocating for birth equity and supporting women through their birthing journeys. She discusses issues like implicit bias in healthcare, microaggressions, and the imp...

In this episode, Natasha D'Arcangelo, a licensed mental health counselor and chief clinical officer, discusses the experiences of adoptive motherhood and international adoption through a personal lens in light of current sociopolitical issues. We explore the anxieties faced by adoptive families amidst changing policies. Natasha also explores the challenges therapists face balancing their own c...

We feature Moushumi Sen, a licensed clinical social worker specializing in trauma treatment, EMDR, and issues affecting adult women of color. Moushumi discusses culturally responsive EMDR, emphasizing the importance of cultural humility and addressing culturally based trauma. She also highlights the need for solidarity and support for Black communities as South Asians and AAPI allies, drawing from...

We are preparing for AAPI Heritage Series 2025! Stay tuned to the wonderful conversations with AAPI therapists and folks who are in the mental health industry share insights on their work as well as offering tips and ideas.

In this episode, we speak with Rossol Gharib, a forensic psychology doctoral candidate, about the intersection of law, psychology, and cultural understanding. More importantly, Rossol shares her perspective on ways in which supervisors and training programs can actively address Islamophobia by recognizing cultural consciousness, the importance of spirituality, and integrating diverse perspectives...

In this episode, we explore liberation psychology with Laila El-Asmar, a Palestinian-Italian American therapist who brings over 25 years of experience to the conversation. She defines liberation psychology as a focus on oppression and its impact on marginalized communities, emphasizing how therapy can help individuals free themselves from this pain. We also explore the therapist's personal jou...

In this episode, we explore with Dr. Reigna El-Yashruti the complexities of therapeutic neutrality, curiosity, fairness, and justice and when working with AMENA clients. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional experiences as valid sources of information and challenges the notion of strict neutrality in clinical practice. The conversation also explores the nuances of cultural humilit...

We speak with Dalal Musa, a licensed social worker with 22 years of private practice experience, as part of our Arab American Heritage series. Dalal shares her insights on the challenges of cultural disconnect in therapy, and the importance of creating a safe and supportive space for clients to explore and heal. She discusses her evolutionary journey of becoming a therapist and the role of persona...

We explore with Dr. Thorayya Said Giovanelli considerations of AMENA identity as part of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work and within a clinical context. Dr. Giovanelli also shares her personal experiences, including her grandfather's story, which shaped her path, hence the impact of family narratives as part of culturally responsive treatment approaches. Additionally, we also consider the...

In this Arab American Heritage Series, we discuss with Sandra Khalil, a Palestinian-American licensed marriage and family therapist, untangling the impact of colonialism on Arab American identity and that takes place in the therapy space. We explore ideas such as relational trauma within the context of the Arab American community and potential therapeutic approaches that address both the psycholog...

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time for reflection, celebration, appreciation, and for allies, a time to learn and support our MENA colleagues and friends. Here at People of Color in Psychology, throughout this month, we are proud to present a series of insightful conversations with remarkable Arab American therapists. Join us as we delve into their personal and professional journeys, ex...

In this episode, we speak with Lia Childress, a licensed associate counselor specializing in supporting young adults and families, particularly those involved in trans-racial adoptions. Leah discusses the importance of cultural competency for clinicians working with adoptees, emphasizing the need to address the inherent trauma and loss associated with adoption. She highlights the significance of r...

In this episode, we feature Jessica Thompson, a counseling psychologist and co-owner of Centred in Kingston, Jamaica. Jessica shares her experiences bringing US-based psychology practices to Jamaica and adapting them to the local culture. She discusses her focus on making mental health practical and accessible, addressing stigma, and tailoring evidence-based therapies. Jessica also reflects on her...

In this episode, we feature Kimberly Parker, a licensed professional counselor, discussing her journey of decolonizing psychotherapy. Kimberly shares her personal experiences navigating a field embedded in Eurocentric values and her evolving approach to therapy, incorporating cultural humility and ancestral healing traditions. She delves into the challenges of working in predominantly white spaces...

In this episode, Aliya Fazal, a licensed professional counseling associate, discusses her work with adolescents and South Asian clients. As a Pakistani American with a Muslim background, she offers valuable insights into the impact of cultural identity on mental health and the nuances of clinical practice with adolescent South Asian populations. Aliya discusses the importance of play therapy, navi...

Based on neurodiversity-affirming principles, there is no one "correct" way for a brain to function, think, or communicate. Listeners are encouraged to reflect upon their biases related to ableism and stigmas associated with neurodivergence--- especially if we may be enacting these harms on those who are further negatively impacted by stereotypes and medical biases associated with being...

In this episode, we explore building trust in therapy spaces with India Bradley. Trust can be especially difficult for clients who have experienced past hurt or marginalization. In this episode, we explore how therapists can incrementally encourage clients of color to safely trust in the therapeutic space. We discuss practical tips and strategies for building rapport, demonstrating empathy, and cr...

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Dorothy Hiralien, a licensed professional counselor, bilingual therapist, researcher, and adjunct professor, about maternal mental health among Black mothers. Dr. Hiralien discusses her doctoral research on the experiences of Black women during prenatal care amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. She reveals alarming disparities in emotional support and healthcare experie...

In this episode, explore the field of Sport Psychology for youth and adolescent athletes from underserved communities. Kayla Bryson is a Mental Performance Coach who shares a general overview into mental skills training and performance enhancement with both individual athletes and teams. As well as, how she supports predominantly athletes of color and the barriers to performance they experience in...

This episode features Dr. Gabrielle Jones, an award-winning licensed psychologist, author, and CEO and founder of Steady Clinical Consultation Training and Development Services. Dr. Jones discusses the importance of recognizing and crediting the work of those who came before us, and introduces her framework for culturally responsive substance use treatment. She also shares her experiences as a Bla...

In this episode, Lambers Fisher discusses the lack of diversity in the field of counseling and psychology. He shares his own experiences as an African-American therapist and offers advice on how to cultivate culturally safe environments for both professionals and clients. Lambert also emphasizes the importance of understanding and bridging cultural differences in order to provide effective therapy...

Brief announcement in honoring Black History Month and from the heart, gratitude to all the Black therapists who have taught and inspired our work. Resources: The Association of Black Psychologists - https://abpsi.org/ The National Association of Black Counselors - https://www.nabcounselors.org/ National Association of Black Social Workers - https://ym.nabsw.org/ APA Celebrating Black History Mont...