Integrating Narrative Practices of Resilience and Hope into Clinical Practice

Hugo Kamya, PhD, is Professor and Director of the PhD program at Smith College, School for Social Work. He is licensed independent clinical social worker and a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts. Before joining Smith, Dr. Kamya was Professor and Associate Director of the Center for Innovation in Clinical Social Work at Simmons University. He also served as the Social Work Alumni Fund Endowed Chair at Simmons University. He has taught research, clinical practice and trauma, family therapy, spirituality, group work, narrative practice; and working with complex and diverse populations. He combines an interest in social work, psychology, and theology. Dr. Kamya has an active practice with individuals, families, couples and groups. His work has focused on immigrant and refugee populations as well as international efforts to assess the social service needs of people affected by HIV/AIDS and transactional sex. He practices, consults for, and develops collaborative partnerships with agencies and organizations, as well as presents nationally and internationally on multicultural, diversity, racial justice, and cultural sensitivity issues. He collaborates on Caring Across Communities, a project of community-based services for refugees and immigrants fostering resilience and examining social, cultural, and human capital toward family functioning and well-being. He is the American Family Therapy Academy recipient for the 2003 Distinguished Contribution to Social and Economic Justice Award. Dr. Kamya is a Fulbright scholar in the Fulbright Specialist Roster Program. Dr. Kamya is also a founding member of the Boston Institute for Culturally Affirming Practices (BICAP). His newest book, Narrative Practices for Resilience and Hope: Rewriting Stories of Trauma in Clinical Work, explores trauma, resilience, spirituality, and cultural idenity, and offers insights into working with diverse populations.