Multicultural Research and Training Lab

MRTL was organized by a cohort of GSEP Psychology faculty members to provide Psy.D. students engaged in multicultural research a space to discuss and receive feedback on their clinical dissertations topics as well as engage in discourse on the clinical implications of their work.  In addition to offering dissertation support, MRTL provides students the opportunity to discuss their views on how effectively the Psy.D. program contributes to their multicultural competence, and the ways in which GSEP can offer a more welcoming experience for students from diverse backgrounds.

MRTL recently welcomed doctoral students in clinical and counseling psychology to participate in its biennial Multicultural Research Conference designed to facilitate scholarly dialogue, collaboration, and professional networking among students committed to multicultural issues in psychology. The free, one-day conference was held on Pepperdine's West Los Angeles Graduate Campus on October 11, 2008. The topic of the conference was "Practices of Healing: Using Multicultural Psychotherapy to Confront Symbols of Hate," and keynote speaker Dr. Terrence Roberts spoke on "Navigating the Racial Terrain of America." Dr. Roberts was formerly chair of the master's in psychology program at Antioch University in Los Angeles, and is CEO of Terrence J. Roberts & Associates, a management consultant firm focused on managing racial and ethnic diversity and developing multicultural awareness.

The session also included several panel presentations by students on themes such as multiculturally-based re-conceptualizations of psychological constructs and theories, culturally congruent and valid psychological assessment methods with diverse populations, best practices in providing clinical services to diverse populations, and community intervention programs for redressing prejudice against diverse populations. Dr. Joy Asamen, MRTL faculty advisor and professor of psychology at GSEP said that, "Hosting a conference that showcases the multicultural research of doctoral students in counseling and clinical doctoral programs from the greater Los Angeles area seemed a natural outgrowth given the intent of the MRTL."

Faculty Advisors

• Joy Asamen, Ph.D.
• Miguel Gallardo, Psy.D.
• Shelly Harrell, Ph.D.
• Daryl Rowe, Ph.D.

Announcements

• For the 2008-09 academic year, lab meetings are scheduled on the third Wednesday of each month. Time and location TBA.
• The biennial Multicultural Research Conference was held on October 11, 2008. The conference theme was "Practices of Healing: Using Multicultural Psychotherapy to Confront Symbols of Hate," and keynote speaker Dr. Terrence Roberts spoke on "Navigating the Racial Terrain of America."
  
  
  • 2008 Conference Program
  • Confronting Self, Confronting Hate
  • Confronting Self, Confronting Hate Handout
  • Asian American Experience of Autism and Floortime
  • Biracial Identity Development
  • Establishing Rapport with Mexican American Men
  • Getting to Know the Advanced Age
  • Iranian Culture and Religious Self-Identification
  • Journal Project: Expression of Trauma
  • Latino Masculinities
  • Multicultural Issues and Clinical Supervision
  • Serving Limited English Proficient Clients
  • Well-Being and Culture
  • Women of Color with a History of CSA

Archived Documents

• Hanging Nooses: Faculty Response
• 2006 Conference Program

Questions? Please email Dr. Joy Asamen at jasamen@pepperdine.edu