Research has demonstrated the significant impact of discrimination on mental and physical health. These findings have implications at the individual level, for those who are struggling to cope with their daily experiences. They also have important implications at the structural level in understanding how organizations can make decisions that promote anti-biased and anti-oppressive environments.

Much of my personal research has been focused on internalized racism with Black/African Americans, Asian Americans, and transracial adoptees. Internalized racism is the ways in which individuals internalize negative messages about their racialized self learned through their community, society, and culture. These negative messages lead to beliefs that impact day to day functioning in how people think about themselves and the world around them. This has an impact on overall well-being, productivity, and day-to-day functioning.

Identity development is not often something that happens spontaneously. It has be to nurtured with intention and dedication. However, for many individuals growing up in environments where there identities are seen as “other” or “outside the norm,” this process of building an identity becomes very challenging. I can help build understanding around identity development and how it may be impacting your work.

We often feel fear and anxiety in approaching difficult conversations around race, discrimination, gender, sexuality, etc. However, by having these conversations, we are able to learn, grow, and change. Helping others create a space in which they are able to address important issues, feel heard and valued, and take steps towards change is an important aspect my work.

Many of the evidence-based treatments that are offered in therapy were not developed with minority groups in mind. Recognizing aspects of therapies that can be problematic for clients and providing specific tailored changes in therapy can be crucial to enhancing outcomes.