With a particular focus on Black and Black Multiracial emerging adults, couples, and families, my clinical interests are heavily influenced by the multicultural and relational psychodynamic theories of psychology. That is, the interaction and socialization of parents, peers, teachers, and other non-parental adults within the broader socio-political context motivate behavior and influence an individual’s successful adjustment and coping against discrimination and oppression. Similarly, my research interests are correlated and focus on exploring the influence of racial socialization on identity development and psychosocial outcomes of adolescents and emerging adults. I apply my personal and professional knowledge to working with Black and Multiracial individuals and interracial couples and families to reduce distress within the individual (monoracial and Multiracial) and family unit utilizing trauma-informed and evidence-based practices of psychotherapy.

Additional interests also include:

• Attachment and early caregiver relationships on interpersonal functioning

• Dimensions of belonging and privilege as aspects of racial-ethnic identity

• Racism-related stress and coping processes

• Racial-ethnic protective factors (e.g., racial identity, racial socialization)