Notes from a Frustrated Black Psychologist

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In his latest book, How I Know White People Are Crazy and Other Stories, psychologist Jonathan Mathias Lassiter pulls back the curtain on the mental health system and reveals the hurdles that Black psychologists and students are forced to endure in the field. Through a series of essays, he demands that the lived and cultural experiences of people of color, LGBTQIA+, and disabled communities are made a part of psychology practices so that we can understand, live in, and navigate this frustrating world.Join Dr. Lassiter for a thought-provoking conversation exploring his experience as a Black gay man working as a psychologist under culturally insensitive supervisors and colleagues in America. He discusses how white ideology has harmed Black patients and how it dominates America’s mental health practices. Drawing from his research, and his own therapy, Dr. Lassiter shares the benefits we can all find when we center culture in our healing practices.

Jonathan Mathias Lassiter, PhD is a polymath whose mission is to help others heal and thrive. He is a licensed clinical psychologist, author, speaker, and educator. Dr. Lassiter has been featured by NBC, PBS, Sirius XM, Forbes, and more. His psychotherapy practice is based in New York City.

Chevon Stewart (she/her), Ph.D., BC-DMT, LCSW, is core faculty in CIIS’ Expressive Arts Therapy program. She is a 2nd generation, Jamaican American of Black and Chinese ancestry. As a dance/movement therapist researcher, educator, and social justice advocate, she values the embodied experiences of those she collaborates with. Dr. Chevon uses qualitative arts-based research methods to explore embodied anti-oppressive pedagogy in dance/movement therapy education. Additional research interest are in embodied anti-oppressive clinical practices with adolescents and adults of the African diaspora.

Prior to her work in academia she worked with adolescents in middle and high school settings in the New York City public school system. In addition, she supervised dance/movement therapy and social work students. Additional settings she has worked in are community mental health and forensic hospital in California. In 2015 and 2017, she volunteered in Kenya co-facilitating creative art therapy camps for adolescent survivors of sexual violence.

She currently serves as the chairperson for the Research and Practice Committee of the American Dance Therapy Association.

We are grateful to our Bookstore Partner

Marcus Books is the nation’s oldest Black-owned independent bookstore celebrating its 60th year. Marcus Books’ mission is to provide opportunities for Black folks and their allies to celebrate and learn about Black people everywhere. Learn more about Marcus Books.

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Recording Policy

Ticket holders will have access to an ad-free replay of the event for one month after the live event, after which unlimited viewing with ads will be available. Portions of the audio will also be released on our podcast. Only registered ticket holders who choose to watch live can participate in the chat and Q&A.

Refund Policy

All tickets and add-ons purchased for this event are nonrefundable.