Biography

    Anita Jones Thomas, Ph.D., is a counseling psychologist with specializations in multicultural counseling and family therapy.  Dr. Thomas received her bachelors degree in human development and social policy from Northwestern University, and a masters degree in community counseling from Loyola University Chicago.  Her doctorate in counseling psychology was received from Loyola University Chicago.  Dr. Thomas is associate professor at Northeastern Illinois University, where she teaches courses in multicultural issues, family therapy, professional identity, and ethics.  Her research interests include racial identity, racial socialization, and parenting issues for African Americans.   She has also conducted training seminars and workshops on multicultural issues for state and national professional organizations in counseling and psychology, hospitals and corporations, as well as served as a consultant for human service organizations.  Dr. Thomas has served as a governor for the Illinois Counseling Association, president of the Illinois Association for Couples and Family Counseling, and corresponding secretary for the Association of Black Psychologists, Chicago chapter.

Publications

Thomas, A. J. (2001). African American women's spiritual beliefs: A guide for treatment.  Women and Therapy, 23(4), 1-12.
 
Thomas, A. J. (2000). Impact of racial identity on African-American child-rearing beliefs.  Journal of Black Psychology, 26, 317-329.

Kempa, M., & Thomas, A. J.  (2000). Culturally sensitive assessment and  treatment of eating disorders.  Eating Disorders: The Journal of Treatment and Prevention, 8, 17-30.

Thomas, A. J. & Speight, S. L. (1999).   Racial identity and racial socialization attitudes of African-American parents.  Journal of Black Psychology, 22, 152-170.

Stevens, P., Baltimore, M., Birdsall, B., Erikson, S. H., Miller, C. P., Thomas, A. (1999).  The ethical code illustrated.  In P. Stevens (Ed.) Ethical Casebook for the  Practice of Marriage and Family Therapy, (pp. 43-70).  Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

Thomas, A. J. (1999).  Racism, racial identity, and racial socialization: A personal reflection.  Journal of Counseling and Development, 77, 35-37.

Thomas, A. J. (1998). Understanding worldview and culture in family systems:  Use of the multicultural genogram.  The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 6, 24-32.

Thomas, A. J. (1998).  Ethical mandates for multicultural sensitivity for family counselors.  The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 6,  49-51.

Witherspoon, K., Speight, S. L., & Thomas, A. J. (1997).  Racial identity attitudes, school achievement, and academic self-efficacy among African American high school students.  Journal of Black Psychology, 23, 344-357.

Speight. S. L., Thomas, A. J., Kennel, R. G., & Anderson, M. E. (1995). Operationalizing multicultural training in doctoral programs and internships.  Professional  Psychology: Research and Practice, 26(4), 401-411.

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