Our Research Mission
My research centers on the lived experiences of Black and Brown communities, our stories, our relationships, and the ways we heal. So much of the existing research in psychology and family therapy was built without us in mind or only focused on our pain. My work aims to shift that narrative, to highlight our resilience, complexity, and love, while also naming the systemic barriers that shape our mental health and relationships.
Why Your Voice Matters
Representation in research isn’t just about data; it’s about truth-telling and visibility. When we participate in research, we reclaim the power to define our own experiences instead of being defined by others. Your voice helps expand what we know about connection, identity, and healing in communities of color. It helps build better clinical training, more culturally attuned therapy, and a stronger foundation for the next generation of mental health providers. Your participation is part of that change. It’s how we make sure our stories are studied with care, integrity, and respect.
01
Boundaries and Repair with Mothers in Adulthood
This survey explores how adult children attempt to repair attachment with their mothers. It focuses on the role of setting and holding boundaries in the repair process, and how cultural, racial, religious, and family expectations influence these experiences. This study will give you an opportunity to reflect on your own story of repair. Your responses will help researchers better understand how repair happens in adulthood and may inform both therapy practice and public resources for adult children seeking healing.
Who Can Participate:
Adults ages 21 and older who are open to reflecting on their experiences with their mothers.
Participation Details:
This is a qualitative survey hosted on Qualtrics. It is anonymous and takes approximately 15–20 minutes to complete.
02
Power, Vulnerability, and Financial Dynamics in Black Couples
This study explores how Black couples navigate power, vulnerability, and emotional safety when the female partner is the higher earner. The goal is to better understand how financial and cultural roles shape connection and identity in relationships.
Who Can Participate:
Black couples over age 21 in which the female partner earns more than her male partner.
Participation Details:
You may choose to complete confidential Zoom interviews (about 90 minutes total) or an anonymous 20–30 minute online survey.
03
Healing Language Study
This study explores how language shapes healing, identity, and connection within Black and Brown communities. It focuses on the words we use to describe pain, resilience, and relationships, and how those narratives influence emotional well-being and self-perception.
Who Can Participate:
Adults over age 21 who are interested in reflecting on how language, culture, and lived experience intersect in their healing journey.
Participation Details:
This is an anonymous Qualtrics survey that takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.