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Phebe Brako, PhD, is a 2025 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.
Dissertation Committee:
Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair
Porshia Daniels, PhD, Committee Member
Susan Branco, PhD, Committee Member
Keywords
phenomenology, bicultural identity integration, transracial adoption, adoption, mental health, cultural identity, cultural tension, transracial adoptee, adoptee mental health
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
2025
Abstract
This qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority (BIPOC), focusing on their bicultural identity integration and its impact on mental health. During semi-structured interviews, nine participants shared their stories of navigating cultural and racial dynamics as adoptees in predominantly White adoptive families and communities. The findings revealed six core themes: (1) the Quest for Bicultural Identity Formation, (2) Cultural Integration and Adaptation, (3) Navigating Racial and Cultural Tensions, (4) the Role of Family in Cultural Integration, (5) the Importance of Community and Support Systems, and (6) Mental Health and Therapeutic Experiences, addressing the complex interplay of identity, mental health challenges, and the healing potential of culturally responsive therapy. This study underscores the need for increased cultural competency in adoptive parenting and mental health interventions to better support the unique experiences of transracial adoptees of the global majority. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).
Recommended Citation
Brako, P. (2025). Mental Heath Experiences of Transracial Adoptees of the Global Majority (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color - BIPOC).. https://aura.antioch.edu/etds/1116
Included in
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Counselor Education Commons, Ethnic Studies Commons, Multicultural Psychology Commons
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Phebe Brako, PhD, 2025
ORCID Scholar ID# 0009-0001-7044-4999
Dr Phebe Brako, LMFT, LMHC, NCC was born and raised in Ghana. Her passion for helping immigrants build a home away from home led her into private practice in 2016, and in 2021 she founded 253 Therapy and Consult in University Place, WA to mentor the next generation of therapists. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University, Seattle and has a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hill University. Phebe’s current research interests include transracial adoption and mental health experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Her article titled “Counseling Adult Black Transracial Adoptees” was recently published in The Family Journal. She is the host of the podcast, Immistories with Phebe and advocates for mental wellness for the Ghanaian community on YouTube through her online channel, “Yɛnkasa”. Her children’s book series focusing on mental health education will be published in 2025.