Lynette Lively Cookson, Psy.D.
Pronouns: she/they
Lecturer
Department of Child and Family Development
SDSU
Bio
Professional Biography
I (she/they) earned my Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with a focus in Psychoanalytic theory with Child and Families from Alliant International University in 2022. Through Alliant, I obtained pre-doctoral training in school-based, child residential, substance use residential, private practice, and community mental health settings. Prior to joining SDSU, I provided individual and family psychotherapy to active duty military, veterans and their families in a private practice. I currently engage in various community outreach/public health initiatives to improve disparities in infant and caregiver wellness, including perinatal initiatives on Black infant mortality in Los Angeles County and birth equity initiatives for impoverished and marginalized communities in South Carolina. I am currently receiving post-graduate training in Infant, Parent, and Family Mental Health through the UC Davis Napa Fellowship to obtain endorsement as an infant and early childhood mental health specialist and reflective supervisor.
Personal Biography
I identify as an American Descendant of African Slaves and Filipinx-American. I am “neurospicy,” gender queer, and a first generation graduate from a family of mixed immigration and socioeconomic status. I continually honor my intersectionality through my passion for enhancing culturally and diversity informed services in the mental health field. I am a part of the military families community, and hold a special place in my heart for Navy milspouses and children. I enjoy cooking food of different ethnic cuisines, going on short walks with my elderly pitbull, and camping in the forests near Mt Rainier in Washington.
Education
- Postgraduate Continuing Education - UC Davis CPE: Infant Parent and Family Mental Health Napa Fellowship 2024
- Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology with Psychoanalytic and Child and Family focus at Alliant International University, California School in Professional Psychology
- B.A. in Psychology and minor in Cultural Anthropology at University of Washington, Department of Psychology
Areas of Specialization
My research interests include trauma-informed care, attachment, and somatic/holistic interventions. I specialize in infant and early-childhood attachment, reflective supervision, and trauma-informed practices with DCFS-involved families.