Dr. Tiffany R Williams
I’m from Inglewood, CA but grew up in Cleveland, OH! I’m an Assistant Professor at Tennessee State University. I serve as faculty for the counseling psychology graduate programs. I’m also a clinician in private practice. I obtained a PhD in Urban Education: Counseling Psychology, an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and a BA in Psychology and Sociology from Cleveland State University.
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I have several roles that I enjoy fulfilling all of which culminate into how I live, breathe, and enact social justice! For example:
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As a researcher, I investigate HEALTH-WORK for BIPOC. As for “health,” I examine factors that exacerbate and promote mental and physical health. As for “work,” I examine vocational psychology concepts, specifically, the utility of the Psychology of Working Theory.
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As a licensed psychologist, I work in private practice where I serve as a clinician. I’ve been working with clients of all ages for 10+ years in a variety of settings. I use an integrative therapeutic approach that encompasses multicultural and strengths-based perspectives, systems theory, cognitive-behavioral, and relational cultural therapies. I help with a range of mental disorders and presenting problems.
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As a supervisor, I provide supervision to master’s or doctoral psychology students in practicum training or postdoctoral trainees who need supervision for licensure as a psychologist. My supervision style encompasses developmental, multicultural, and relational cultural theories that guide me in building professional relationships with my supervisees. I love supervision, and so, connect with me if you are interested in working with me!!
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As an advocate, I provide psychoeducation workshops and accept speaking engagements about various topics such as reducing stigma related to mental health; the effects of discrimination or oppression on mental and physical health; and coping and healing for BIPOC people. Check out my curriculum vitae below for more examples! I also love mentoring students, and so, should you be interested in working with me send me a message!!
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Mental and physical health as well as work-life-family balance are essential to me. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me in the gym, yoga studio, or movie theater trying to unwind and unplug with my significant other, family, or friends.
Meet the Research Team!
Active Members
Reniece Martin
I’m from Louisville, KY. I'm a third-year student in the counseling psychology doctoral program. I have a MA in Psychology from Touro University. My research interests include spirituality, ancestral healing practices, risk factors in marginalized communities, radical healing in BIPOC communities, and identity development as it relates to Black people. Self-care includes spending time with friends and family, creating art, cooking, and anything related to spending time outside.
Taeja Mitchell
I'm from New Orleans, LA and a third-year student in the counseling psychology doctoral program. I obtained a MS in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. I have a passion for treating intergenerational trauma in BIPOC communities. My research interests include intersectionality, relational theory, social class, anxiety, and trauma among Black women and BIPOC communities. Self-care includes reading, spending time with family and friends, and binge watching mystery thriller movies and tv shows.
Rickey Leachman
I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. I am second year doctoral student in the Counseling Psychology program at Tennessee State University. I received both my B.A. and M.A. in Psychology from Seattle University and A.A. in Criminal Justice from Everett Community College. My research interests include clinical health issues in the Black American community, HIV prevention and counseling in MSM, Health Disparities and Attitudes towards AI & AI uptake.
Rhea Harrison
I am a second-year student in the counseling psychology doctoral program. I am from Lafayette, Louisiana. I received my BS in Psychology from Xavier University of Louisiana and obtained a MA in Clinical Psychology from Fisk University. My research interest include understanding and healing racial trauma in POC populations, internalized racism among Black women, access to and perceptions of mental health resources in the Black community. Self-care includes cooking traditional Creole dishes, walks in the park, and journaling.
Kiara Tookes-Williams
I am first-year doctoral student in the counseling psychology program from Atlanta, Georgia. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, both from LaGrange College. My research interests include intergenerational trauma, child abuse, minorities in higher education, suicide, barriers in receiving counseling services, social justice, and women infertility in BIPOC communities. Self – care includes spending time with those that are close to her, attending sporting events, traveling, and engaging in adventurous activities.
Alumni
Taylor Roberts
Megan Derisse
Jeffery Bass
Dana Jennings
Whitney Wyatt
Henry Benton (23)
Chomba Muwele (24)
Fanchen Gao (24)
Roneisha Simpson (24)
Collaborators
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Kelsey Autin, PhD
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Educational Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Research Interests
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Psychology of Working Theory
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Work fulfillment & well-being
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Sociopolitical contexts effects on work volition
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Richard Garvin Jr., PhD
Psychology
Tennessee State University
Research Interests
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Mental health
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Racial identity development
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Race-based traumatic stress
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Africultural coping
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Black/African American health
Christy L. Erving, PhD
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Sociology
University of Texas-Austin
Research Interests
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Medical Sociology
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Mental health
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Race-Ethnicity-Immigration
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Social Psychology
Lisa de la Mothe, PhD
Psychology
Tennessee State University
Research Interests
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Neuroanatomical & neurochemical organization of auditory system
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What happens in the brain when we hear something?
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Research mentoring
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Esther Lynch, PhD
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Psychology
Tennessee State University
Research Interests
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Relationship issues
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Integrated Behavioral Health
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Trauma in marginalized populations
Steven Sanders, PhD
Psychology
Oregon State University
Research Interests
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Coping strategies of marginalized individuals
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Validation of psychological measurements on minorities
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Racism & interventions to ameliorate effects of racism