Culturally Speaking

Health

On Becoming a True Healer

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on November 13, 2021

The remarkable story of Dr. Jonathan Flores who bridges two worlds across eras, continents, and non-ordinary states of consciousness.

The remarkable story of Dr. Jonathan Flores who bridges two worlds across eras, continents, and non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Microaggression

Microaggressions: Misconceptions, Politics, and New Science

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on August 31, 2021

Confusion abounds over Critical Race Theory and the science of subtle racism.

Confusion abounds over Critical Race Theory and the science of subtle racism.

Friends

Real Friends are Allies Too

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on August 1, 2021

“Perhaps if people had seen what I saw, they would have compassion too...” It’s easy to support trans people from the sidelines, but what does it take to really make a difference?

“Perhaps if people had seen what I saw, they would have compassion too...” It’s easy to support trans people from the sidelines, but what does it take to really make a difference?

Health

People of Color and Mental Health Care: The Double Bind

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on June 30, 2021

Not only do people of color have limited access to mental health care, they are also subject to discrimination and social disadvantage that can be invisible to White people.

Not only do people of color have limited access to mental health care, they are also subject to discrimination and social disadvantage that can be invisible to White people.

Race and Ethnicity

How to Talk About Race, Ethnicity, and Culture with Clients

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on May 2, 2021

How can you be an effective and compassionate therapist in the era of Black Lives Matter? These tips will help you feel more confident with clients of color.

How can you be an effective and compassionate therapist in the era of Black Lives Matter? These tips will help you feel more confident with clients of color.

OCD

The Myth of the Pure Obsessional in OCD

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on April 29, 2021

Some people with OCD describe their symptoms as being purely obsessional or “Pure O.” They don't realize they are performing hidden compulsions all the time.

Some people with OCD describe their symptoms as being purely obsessional or “Pure O.” They don't realize they are performing hidden compulsions all the time.

OCD

Black American Celebrities and Notables with OCD

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on March 31, 2021

Does Kanye have OCD? Although obsessive-compulsive disorder remains a hidden problem in communities of color, Black notables and celebrities who have dealt with it speak out.

Does Kanye have OCD? Although obsessive-compulsive disorder remains a hidden problem in communities of color, Black notables and celebrities who have dealt with it speak out.

Bias

Calling All White People: Are You a Racial Justice Ally?

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on February 28, 2021

We brought White students into the lab to see how many would be racial justice allies when confronted with racism. What we learned truly surprised us.

We brought White students into the lab to see how many would be racial justice allies when confronted with racism. What we learned truly surprised us.

Sexual Orientation

Worries About Sexual Orientation Could Be OCD

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on January 1, 2021

Worries about sexual orientation may be due to OCD and not a sexual identity crisis. There are effective treatments which should not be confused with reparative therapy.

Worries about sexual orientation may be due to OCD and not a sexual identity crisis. There are effective treatments which should not be confused with reparative therapy.

Psychology

More Bias in Psychology

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on December 30, 2020

Sometimes junk science slips though peer review. This can be harmful when whole countries, ethnic groups, and races are presented as genetically inferior.

Sometimes junk science slips though peer review. This can be harmful when whole countries, ethnic groups, and races are presented as genetically inferior.

Psychology

Psychology’s Hidden History: Racist Roots and Poison Fruits

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on November 30, 2020

Undeterred by facts, race psychologists have quietly worked for decades to advance their hidden agenda.

Undeterred by facts, race psychologists have quietly worked for decades to advance their hidden agenda.

Microaggression

Microaggressions Really Are Aggressive

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on October 31, 2020

Some scholars have said we should stop using the term “microaggression” since there is no aggression involved. They were wrong.

Some scholars have said we should stop using the term “microaggression” since there is no aggression involved. They were wrong.

OCD

The OCD-Racism Connection and Its Impact on People of Color

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on September 13, 2020

People of color are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated for OCD, as symptoms may revolve around experiences of race and racism.

People of color are more likely to be misdiagnosed and undertreated for OCD, as symptoms may revolve around experiences of race and racism.

OCD

The Intrusive, Unwelcome Thoughts of Racism-Themed OCD

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on August 1, 2020

In the wake of anti-racism protests worldwide, there has been a rise in people suffering from obsessive-compulsive thoughts surrounding racism.

In the wake of anti-racism protests worldwide, there has been a rise in people suffering from obsessive-compulsive thoughts surrounding racism.

Bias

Racism in Academic Publishing

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on July 14, 2020

With the current focus on anti-Black racism, there has been a fresh look at our cherished institutions and structural racism at work behind the scenes, even in psychology.

With the current focus on anti-Black racism, there has been a fresh look at our cherished institutions and structural racism at work behind the scenes, even in psychology.

Race and Ethnicity

What Is Whiteness?

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on June 13, 2020

Whiteness in Western society confers advantages, such as status and power, but it also comes at the expense of others. It can be hard to understand what Whiteness is really about.

Whiteness in Western society confers advantages, such as status and power, but it also comes at the expense of others. It can be hard to understand what Whiteness is really about.

Trauma

From a Black College Student in Germany: It's Traumatic

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on June 2, 2020

The killing of George Floyd is felt around the world. A Black German student shares her horror at witnessing American police violence on social media.

The killing of George Floyd is felt around the world. A Black German student shares her horror at witnessing American police violence on social media.

Media

Social Media and Black Bodies as Entertainment

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on May 31, 2020

I don't need to see George Floyd die on camera. I already know it's horrible. These depictions can be traumatic for people of color.

I don't need to see George Floyd die on camera. I already know it's horrible. These depictions can be traumatic for people of color.

Microaggression

You’ve Committed a Microaggression—Now What?

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on May 23, 2020

When someone you know says you’ve committed a microaggression, you may feel shock, hurt or embarrassment—or all of the above. What do you do?

When someone you know says you’ve committed a microaggression, you may feel shock, hurt or embarrassment—or all of the above. What do you do?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Talking to Kids about Life and Death in the Age of COVID-19

Monnica T Williams Ph.D. on April 16, 2020

When my son’s hamster died, I told him it was only sick. Was this the best approach to understanding death as we now face illness and loss on a global scale?

When my son’s hamster died, I told him it was only sick. Was this the best approach to understanding death as we now face illness and loss on a global scale?