Susan James

Susan James is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia, affiliated with the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education. Her research integrates cultural psychology, psychotherapy, and spirituality, with a focus on immigrant mental health and culture-specific syndromes.

• Educational Background: No explicit degrees listed, but holds post-doctoral fellowships from Harvard Medical School and the University of Chicago.

Her scholarly work examines:

• Cultural influences on symptom expression and diagnosis
• Mindfulness-based family systems therapy
• Acculturation impacts on mental health
• Ethical dimensions of relational psychotherapy
• Portuguese immigrant experiences of 'agonias'
• Religious/spiritual supports in health contexts

Key research grants include funding from SSHRC, CIHR, and MSFHR for studies on immigrant health disparities and cancer survivorship. Awards include the Michael Smith Society for Health Research Fellowship and multiple early career honors. Publications span theoretical psychology, clinical research, and cultural psychiatry, emphasizing cross-cultural therapeutic practices and systemic approaches.

Selected Scientific Awards

• Gender & Health Research Award (2003)
• Early Career Scholar Award (2003)
• Scholar Award (2003)
• Grace Anderson Fellowship (2000)
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships at Harvard Medical School (1997) and University of Chicago (1998)
• Livingston Fellowship (1996/97)

Currently on leave, she continues to contribute to multicultural and integrative mental health frameworks.