Courtney Cabell, PsyD (’25, MA ’21), is a faculty member in the MA program.
Where did you grow up?
Chesterfield, Michigan
What or who influenced you to study psychology?
From a young age, I was deeply aware of the power of human connection and the ways in which people carry both visible and invisible stories. My own life experiences, along with mentors who modeled compassion and advocacy, showed me how psychology could be a pathway toward healing, empowerment, and justice. I was drawn to the field not only to understand the complexities of human experience but also to be of service to individuals and communities who too often have been overlooked or underserved.
What are your research and/or clinical interests?
My work focuses on the intersections of trauma, identity, resilience, and community-centered healing. Clinically, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and somatic distress, with a strong emphasis on culturally responsive care. I am also passionate about testing and assessment and using it as a way to bridge access and advocacy for clients and families. My research interests center on racial trauma, community healing for Black women and Black Americans, Black Americans, addressing historical trauma, present-day inequities, and fostering collective well-being through safe healing spaces, creative expression, somatic practices, and ancestral connection.
What appeals to you most about teaching at MSP?
What excites me about teaching at MSP is MSP’s commitment to humanistic values, social justice, and community impact—principles that deeply align with my own work and calling. Teaching here gives me the opportunity to engage with students who are not only academically curious but also motivated by a sense of purpose and service. I love the idea of co-creating learning spaces where students feel empowered to bring their full selves, question deeply, and prepare to become practitioners who make a meaningful difference in the world.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
One of my favorite non-academic books is All About Love by bell hooks. This book offers a transformative redefinition of love—not just in the romantic sense, but as a practice of justice, accountability, and care in our relationships and communities. I connect with it because it bridges personal growth with social responsibility, aligning with my belief that healing and liberation begin in how we choose to show up for one another.
What advice would you like to share with incoming or current students?
Graduate training can be both rewarding and demanding. My advice is to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Allow yourself to grow through the challenges, lean on your peers and mentors, and remember that self-care is not optional, it’s essential. Stay connected to your “why,” the deeper purpose that brought you here, and let it ground you during moments of stress or doubt. Trust that your voice, your story, and your presence are needed in this field.