Naomi Drakeford, Ph.D.

I view the therapeutic relationship as essential to the healing process and strive to create an atmosphere of safety and trust with clients. I utilize an integrative approach in my clinical work, primarily drawing from psychodynamic, emotion-focused, and multicultural theories. I consider the impact of early relationship experiences for clients, which often become a template for later relationships. As such, my work with clients often includes exploration of relationships and examination of interpersonal patterns—including dynamics present in the therapeutic relationship, with the aim of helping clients learn and practice adaptive relationship behaviors and have corrective emotional experiences. I value the utility of emotions and the functions they play in our lives. I emphasize emotions in my clinical work through assisting clients in identifying, processing, and managing emotions. Importantly, a multicultural approach serves as the foundation of my work and the lens through which I view clients and their presenting concerns. I recognize that sometimes mental health concerns are the result of oppressive systems and one’s attempts to navigate living in an oppressive society. My multicultural perspective informs my conceptualization of clients and is incorporated into sessions through addressing cultural identities and experiences with clients. I consider it a privilege to join clients in their pain and journey alongside them in their healing process.

I enjoy working with a variety of presenting concerns, but have particular interest in working with multicultural and identity-related concerns, family of origin issues, relational issues, trauma, and group therapy.

I love providing supervision and having the opportunity to support supervisees in their personal and professional development. I work to cultivate a strong supervisory relationship built on safety, respect, and trust as I believe these elements are essential to allow for supervision. I utilize a developmental and multicultural approach in my supervision. As such, I strive to meet supervisees at their current stage of development while working with them to maximize their strengths, improve areas of growth, and meet their training goals. I value helping supervisees explore the impact of their sociocultural identities, worldview, and biases in their clinical work.

Outside of work at SCS, I enjoy investing in relationships with family and friends, taking walks and hikes, reading for pleasure, watching movies, and any activity that includes enjoying good food.