MSP is pleased to welcome Dr. Derrick Sebree, Jr. as an Adjunct faculty member this fall. Dr. Sebree was kind enough to answer a few questions below.
Where did you grow up?
I spent part of my life growing up in Detroit, followed by Oak Park, MI.
What or who influenced you to study psychology?
I began to become very interested in psychology at an early age. But what got me into studying psychology was a difficult mental health break a friend went through. Seeing the systemic failures impact him so much, along with my family’s history of mental health struggles due to systemic oppression really impacted me. I found myself saying one day, “I want to do something that helps people.”
What appealed to you most about teaching at MSP?
Some of the best parts of my graduate experience were the new relationships I made with the professors, students, and future colleagues. I wanted to contribute towards the experience of new students.
What are your research and/or clinical interests? What are you most passionate about in your professional life?
My research interests include the human-nature relationship, ecotherapy, multicultural identity, intergenerational trauma, and racial bias. Clinically, I am interested in identity development, specifically multicultural and racial identity. I often work with college students, from adolescence to adulthood, and adults from 25-65 years of age.
My passion is towards aspects of ecojustice and social justice.
What is your favorite non-academic book and why?
My favorite non-academic book would be Breaking Open the Head by Daniel Pinchbeck. It chronicles various ethnographic experiences of Indigenous spiritual practices around the world.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a DJ and have worked for various club venues such as The Orchid.
What advice would you like to share with incoming or current students?
Your classmates are a source of strength and support, so do not be afraid to reach out to one another.
