What is Kniffley Racial Trauma Therapy?
Meet the Creator of The Kniffley Racial Trauma Therapy Model
Steven D Kniffley Jr.
Psychologist. Scholar. Racial Trauma Expert.
Steven D. Kniffley Jr., PsyD MPA ABPP HSP is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Associate Professor, and Higher Education Administrator.
Dr. Kniffley's area of expertise is research and clinical work with Black males and the treatment of race based stress and trauma.
Dr. Kniffley has written numerous books, book chapters, and articles on Black male mental health, Black males and the criminal justice system, racial trauma treatment and training, and academic achievement.
He is also a Past President for the Kentucky Psychological Association. Additionally, Dr. Kniffley was recently selected as one of Louisville’s top 40 under 40 for 2020, a recipient of the 2020 MediStar Healthcare Advocacy Award, a 2021 Louisville Healthcare Hero, and the inaugural recipient of the University of Louisville Diversity Leadership Award. Dr. Kniffley is a 2024 inductee into the Hampton University Black Psychologist Hall of Fame.
Understanding Racial Trauma
Racial Trauma
Persons of color experience racial trauma due to consistent exposure to racism or discrimination. This exposure can lead to feelings such as sadness, anxiety, worry, anger, frustration, and hopelessness. Additionally, persons of color can become stressed and worried because they feel that they can’t control or respond to racism and discrimination in ways that feel helpful to them and will keep them and the people they care about safe. The experience of these feelings can contribute to difficulties in relationships with friends and families, challenges on the job, and a general lack of mental wellness
Kniffley Racial Trauma Therapy
Rooted in Liberation and Afrocentric psychology, Kniffley Racial Trauma Therapy believes that persons of color can experience a reduction in the negative effects of racial trauma through three main steps: (1) developing racial identity, (2) processing experiences of racial trauma, and (3) building and practicing skills for future racially traumatic events.
Kniffley Racial Trauma Therapy Training
The Kniffley Racial Trauma Therapy Model (KRTTM) training program addresses three areas important to supporting BIPOC individuals who have experienced race-related stress and trauma: (1) content knowledge concerning the physiological, psychological, and relational impact of race-related stress and trauma, (2) the utilization of evidence-based assessment tools for racial identity development, quantifying discriminatory experiences, and determining the physical and emotional impact of racially stressful events, and (3) the application of culturally relevant therapeutic techniques rooted in racial identity exploration/development, racial trauma processing, and skill development.