Interview with Dr. Danielle Drake

“Dr. Danielle Drake is one of those torch bearers, healers, her open hands offering us tools to remember that our worth, wonder, wholeness and humanity is implied. Regardless of those who lack the soul or substance to acknowledge it. Dr. Drake's scholarship and commitment reminds us that the visionary power of those who have come before us is within us and is needed now more than ever."

Danielle Drake, PhD is Associate Professor, Program Chair, and alum of the Counseling Psychology, Expressive Arts Therapy MA program at the California Institute of Integral Studies. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fielding Graduate University with her dissertation study focused on the use creativity and spirituality among African Americans. As a result of her dissertation research she developed and conducted an initial validation of the Black Spiritual Creativity Scale. Her post-doctoral internship at Rafiki Coalition focuses on holistic health and wellness in the Bayview / Hunters Point community of San Francisco. Dr. Drake’s clinical work as an Expressive Arts Therapist engages clients in creative writing, music, and visual arts processes.  She uses a liberatory informed theoretical approach that incorporates Womanist (black feminist), and Black/African-centered psychologies with Narrative Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and contemplative practices. Dr. Drake is co-author of book chapter, “Womanism, Creativity and Resistance,” published in American Psychological Association publication, “Womanist and Mujerista Psychologies: Voice of Fire, Acts of Courage.” In 2018 Dr. Drake hosted a conversation with Angela Davis for CIIS Public Programs on Dr. Davis’ life of activism. As a spoken word artist Dr. Drake is a former Oakland Poetry Slam Champion, and author of Cast Iron Life: A collection of poems and recipes.