Our Experts

J.C. Hall, LCSW, EXAT is a Hip Hop artist and clinical social worker who runs a Hip Hop therapy studio program at a “second chance” high school in the South Bronx. Due to the impact of his work over the years, J.C. won the 2020 Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the New York Community, as well as the 2024 Psychotherapy Networker Vanguard Award.

Bessel van der Kolk, MD, a leading figure in trauma research, focuses on treatments stabilizing physiology and enhancing executive functioning for individuals with traumatic stress. He pioneered studies on EMDR, yoga, and neurofeedback to improve attentional systems and neural tracks. His work established the Trauma Research Foundation, revolutionizing trauma treatment and training.

Dr. Amber Elizabeth L. Gray is a Dance/Movement Therapist, Somatic & Human Rights Psychotherapist, and yoga teacher with extensive experience in trauma recovery. As an activist, artist, and advocate, she focuses on promoting reciprocity and empowerment in her work, utilizing a survivor-centered, Polyvagal-informed approach. Founder of Body of Change retreats, she shares her somatic human rights framework globally since 2003.

Sue Marriott, LCSW, CGP, and Ann Kelley, PhD co-host Therapist Uncensored, a top-rated mental health podcast. They have also recently authored the upcoming book Secure Relating: Holding Your Own in an Insecure World. Kelley, a licensed psychologist for 30 years, focuses on relational work, while Marriott, a clinical social worker for 30 years, specializes in attachment and neuroscience.

Richard Hill, MA, MEd, MBMSc, PhD(c) a multifaceted professional in psychotherapy, arts, and academia, blends diverse expertise, from linguistics to brain sciences. With a rich background in creative arts, he delves into the client-responsive approach in his ongoing PhD. Richard is Science Director for CIPPS, Clinical Science Director, and an accomplished author and educator in psychotherapy.

Dr. Scott Lyons is an innovator in transformative wellness, combining his work in holistic psychology, mind-body medicine and embodied education with progressive design. He is the author of the upcoming title Addicted to Drama: Healing Dependency on Crisis and Chaos in Yourself and Others published by Hachette Book Group.

Ruth Cohn, MFT, a therapist since the 1980s, specializes in relationships, trauma, and sexuality. Passionate about neuroscience and trauma's impact on the brain, she became a certified sex therapist. With undying hope and optimism, she continues her psychotherapy work and shares knowledge through writing. She enjoys bicycling, baking, and making artisan cheese.

Janina Fisher, Ph.D., a Trauma Research Foundation Board member and former Harvard Medical School instructor, is a global authority on trauma treatment. Co-author of Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (2015) and author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors (2017) and Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma (2021), she specializes in merging neurobiologically-informed approaches with traditional psychotherapy.

Monnica Williams, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist and Associate Professor at the University of Ottawa. A mental health disparities expert, she's known for her work in cognitive-behavioral therapies, cultural competence, racial trauma, OCD, and the inclusion of people of color in psychedelic medicine. Dr. Williams has extensive media contributions and over 150 peer-reviewed publications.

Rehman Abdulrehman, Ph.D., C. Psych., a clinical psychologist, specializes in sustainable change in leadership and diversity equity & inclusion. With an international client portfolio including Google, he hosts the podcast "Different People" on racism conversations. Recognized for D&I consulting excellence, he's a TEDx speaker and professor advocating for anti-racist cultural competence.

Frank Anderson, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist specializing in trauma and dissociation treatment. He integrates neuroscience with the IFS model, teaching brain-based psychotherapy. An IFS Institute Lead Trainer and Trauma Center affiliate, he contributes to trauma professionals' associations and has authored notable works, including Transcending Trauma (2021).

Linda Thai, LMSW, ERYT-200, CLYL, a trauma therapist and educator, specializes in brain and body-based approaches for complex developmental trauma. She provides sought-after training in trauma-informed care and compassion fatigue resilience. Linda's engaging teaching style is cherished by students, and she collaborates with Dr. Bessel van der Kolk in healing attachment trauma workshops. She holds a Master of Social Work focusing on neurobiology of attachment and trauma.

Dafna Lender, LCSW, a family therapy and attachment expert, is an international trainer and supervisor for child and family practitioners. With 25 years of experience in diverse family settings, she's certified in Theraplay, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy (DDP), and EMDR. She is the author of Integrative Attachment Family Therapy (2023) and co-author of Theraplay the Practitioner’s Guide (2020). She offers her expertise across 15 countries and in 4 languages.

Deran Young, LCSW is a licensed therapist and retired military officer, co-authored a New York Times Best Seller, "You Are Your Best Thing." She founded Black Therapists Rock, a non-profit uniting 30,000+ mental health professionals to combat systemic oppression and trauma's psychological effects. She holds a social work degree from the University of Texas and initiated a counseling center in Ghana during her studies.

Edy Nathan, MA, LCSWR, is an author, public speaker, and licensed therapist with expertise in grief therapy. She combines psychotherapy with breathwork, imagery, and storytelling to address trauma, abuse, and grief. Edy aims to help clients find emotional balance and live fully by embracing and understanding their grief.

Dr. Maryann McEvoy, EdD, is a Children’s Rights Activist with 20+ years of experience in advocacy, humanitarian leadership, and strategic planning. Notably, she led the Blue Heart Campaign at the UNODC and founded Pennsylvania's Office of Child Advocate. She also leads Pennsylvania’s Prevent Child Abuse America chapter and HEAL PA.