Dr. Thema Bryant: APA President Leading Transformative Change and Shattering Barriers

Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD who supports children and adolescents sharing similar neurodiverse identities. She holds certifications in TF-CBT and telemental health.

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The mental health landscape has evolved dramatically in recent years, with growing conversations around mental wellness and the fight against entrenched therapy stigma. The field has also begun confronting systemic racism, highlighted by the American Psychological Association’s (APA) official apology acknowledging its historical role in oppression.

Despite progress, significant work remains to advance these dialogues and implement meaningful reforms. At the forefront is Dr. Thema Bryant — psychologist, professor, ordained minister, author, and APA’s 2023 president — who is spearheading transformative initiatives.

Dr. Thema Bryant ranks among the top 25 thought leaders and advocates revolutionizing mental health.

Explore the 2023 Honorees

Introducing Dr. Thema Bryant

Dr. Thema generously shared insights about her impactful work amid her busy schedule.

Alongside leading her clinical practice, Oasis Wellness Services, and fulfilling her APA presidency, Dr. Thema is a tenured professor at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She is also an advocate, ordained elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and accomplished author.

Her clinical expertise centers on trauma and healing, supporting clients in overcoming personal trauma and the psychological toll of systemic oppression.

Dr. Thema authored Homecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self to empower individuals with psychological tools for hope and recovery. The book blends educational content with practical exercises to guide readers on their healing journeys.

Inspired by her podcast, Homecoming, which disseminates accessible mental health information, she uses “homecoming” as a metaphor for trauma recovery: reconnecting with one’s body, voice, feelings, and true self as a path to liberation.

Driving Change at the American Psychological Association

Dr. Thema’s longstanding involvement with the APA culminated in her 2023 presidency, where she advances ongoing goals and launches new initiatives.

Reflecting on the APA’s apology for past racism, Dr. Thema emphasizes the importance of tangible follow-through. Over the past year, the organization has developed actionable plans to translate apology into impact, with measurable outcomes prioritized over symbolic gestures.

This year, she is leading efforts to present the apology directly to Indigenous communities, addressing both overt racism and cultural erasure. She will participate in the Society of Indian Psychologists’ annual convention to formally issue the apology and outline forward-looking recommendations.

Beyond acknowledgment, Dr. Thema implements strategic programs targeting trauma, grief, and systemic oppression within APA:

• In October, APA will host a free public conference at Howard University focusing on trauma recovery and survivor support. Complementing the event, Dr. Thema is developing culturally-informed trauma recovery kits featuring videos and written resources to enhance accessibility.
• The American Psychologist Journal will release a special edition on decolonizing and liberation psychology, aiming to dismantle oppressive structures. Additionally, APA will debut a documentary, Representation Matters, showcasing interviews with 30 psychologists from historically marginalized backgrounds to inspire future mental health leaders.
• Dr. Thema is conducting research to foster a stronger sense of belonging within APA, identifying barriers and promoting both individual and institutional change.
• She has established a task force to examine social media’s effects on children and youth, providing parents and caregivers with informed guidance on digital impacts on developing brains.

Ministry and Community Engagement

Dr. Thema integrates mental health advocacy within community settings, particularly through her work with First AME Church’s health ministry. Recognizing mental health’s frequent omission in health dialogues, she conducts educational workshops at Pepperdine on topics such as healthy relationships, grief, and stress management.

She also supports pastoral teams and congregations in responding compassionately and affirmatively to mental health disclosures, fostering holistic care that honors both spiritual and psychological well-being.

Promoting Public Awareness and Combating Stigma

Beyond pastoral roles, Dr. Thema leverages her podcast and social media presence to disseminate accurate mental health information to a broad audience.

She highlights the challenge posed by misinformation and disinformation, urging mental health professionals to engage responsibly on social platforms—whether publicly or anonymously—to provide credible insights.

Dr. Thema advocates for clear professional boundaries online, discouraging negative client commentary and advising thoughtful personal disclosure to maintain trust and professionalism.

Her influence extends globally, having spoken on trauma-informed care in the Middle East and scheduled to present in Auckland. She also mentors emerging professionals through the Global Psychology Alliance.

Current Mental Health Landscape

Addressing 2023’s mental health challenges, Dr. Thema acknowledges ongoing crises including suicidality, depression, anxiety, and addiction—symptoms rooted in collective trauma from the pandemic and societal unrest.

She notes compounded grief from pandemic-related losses without closure, alongside racial trauma and hate crimes, emphasizing both visible and invisible losses such as lost time and opportunities.

Despite these hardships, Dr. Thema remains optimistic, aspiring toward liberation, flourishing, and thriving beyond mere survival. Her presidential theme, “Let’s Thrive,” underscores a vision where individuals not only heal but live purposefully with love, connection, and community.

Personally, Dr. Thema nurtures well-being through supportive sister circles, dance, walking, yoga, and movement.

Concluding, she shares a powerful reminder from Dr. Jaiya John: “When you see someone shining brightly, thank them—it helps keep their light glowing.” Such affirmation fuels resilience and progress.

Read more:

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By Amy Marschall, PsyD
Dr. Amy Marschall is an autistic clinical psychologist with ADHD, specializing in supporting neurodiverse youth. She is certified in TF-CBT and telemental health.

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