Dr. Jacque Tara Washington

Pronouns: She/Her

Certifications/Degrees/Licensure:

• Doctorate degree, clinical social work
• Master’s degree, social work
• Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, musical theatre/directing
• Associate’s degree, radio/television communications/journalism
• Licensed Clinical Social Work, “R” psychotherapy privilege
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Certification

Education:

• University of Pennsylvania (Doctorate/DSW)
• Syracuse University (BFA; MSW)
• Onondaga Community College (AAS)

While Dr. Washington is a generalist, practicing in the field of social work since 2005, she tends to use aspects of strength-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma therapy, integrative psychotherapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, experiential therapy, and an integration of the Scriptures and each person’s personal faith as requested. Her interests include racism (as trauma) and she is a strong advocate for human rights and social justice. Dr. Washington's dissertation is "Examining the historical and present-age impact of racism in the United States of America through the arts, aesthetic education, and transformative learning theory: Empowering social work students to effectively discuss racism and provide best practices with African Americans and other people of Color" and offers a 15-week, 30 session academic course for social work students.

Dr. Washington is a certified trauma specialist with the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing International Association (EMDRIA) and is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). She maintains her part-time private practice, Renewing Your Mind Counseling and Psychological Services and worked at Tompkins County Mental Health and in Counseling and Psychological Services at Ithaca College before joining the Cornell Health CAPS team.

Dr. Washington is also a professional vocalist and actress and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA) and the Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA). She has performed jazz throughout the United States and globally, including her self-penned one-woman presentation on the life and music of jazz artist Billie Holiday. Among the vast number of presentations Dr. Washington has created is also “Strange Fruit: Examining the Impact of Racism in America,” which she presented for students and faculty at various colleges and universities, and which somewhat attributed to the focus for her dissertation.

“Self-concept influences our thinking, behavior, and output. I truly believe we all have the ability to uniquely, creatively, and effectively utilize our innate and learned skills to deepen our awareness and perception of ‘self,’ develop a clear understanding of our life’s purpose, and decide how these realities are to impact and guide us. In so doing, we have the potential to maximize optimum success in our lives personally, academically, and professionally. I believe that developing and implementing healthy mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and nutritional wellness is vital in being able to successfully advance in life and it is my intention to help students accordingly so that you can most effectively move forward with achieving your personal and academic aspirations and desired mental and emotional goals."

Dr. Washington is a first-generation college graduate, and is also the first of her siblings to attend and graduate from college. Therefore, having the Dr. in front of her name has very special significance and, professionally, she is happy to be called either Dr. Washington or Dr. Jacque. From successfully completing her Associate’s degree to excelling to complete her Doctorate degree, Dr. Washington has always believed in obtaining knowledge and sharing it with others. She loves spending time with her immediate family; loves to laugh, dance, play board games (Scrabble champ); and enjoys a good sense of humor. God and His principles are the foundation of her life.