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Phoebe K. Lewis, Psy.D., is a 2025 graduate of the Psy.D. Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, New England

Dissertation Committee:

Theodore Ellenhorn, PhD, ABPP, Chairperson

Karen Fondacaro, PhD, Committe Member

Rachel Chickarella, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

refugee, post-migration living distress, suicide, Interpersonal Theory of Suicide

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

The study of refugee psychology and suicidal distress is a comparatively nascent field when compared with the body of research concerning non-refugee populations. Over the past fifty years, however, the post-migration refugee experience has been the subject of growing clinical interest. In particular, the construct of post-migration living distress (PMLD) has been identified as a salient factor contributing to psychological distress in refugee populations. This dissertation explores the relationship between PMLD and suicidality in a sample of refugees resettled in a New England city. Guided by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS), this dissertation considers how elements of the post-migration experience may correlate with increased psychological distress. Implications for clinical assessment and intervention are considered, as well as areas for future research. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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ORCID No.: 0009-0003-0228-449X

Bio:

Phoebe Lewis, PsyD, conducted her pre-doctoral internship at the White River Junction Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and will complete a post-doctoral fellowship on the PTSD track at the Albany Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2025-6. She enjoys working with culturally diverse populations and is trained in conducting psychotherapy and forensic asylum evaluations with forcibly displaced populations. She completed predoctoral training in pediatric neuropsychological assessment and college psychotherapy at Dartmouth College and the University of Vermont. Phoebe is particularly interested in the intersections between psychological functioning and culture, race, and identity. She is passionate about the roles of psychological research and practice in furthering equity, increasing social cohesion, and expanding access to care.

Publications and Presentations:

Lewis, P. (2025, April 3). Cognitive Processing Therapy and Refugee Mental Health: A Review of the Current Evidence Base. [Research presentation at the Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture.] Albuquerque, NM, United States.

Lewis, P. (2025, April 3). Cognitive Processing Therapy for Refugees: A Review of the Current Evidence Base. [Paper presentation at the Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture.] Albuquerque, NM, United States.

Lewis, P. (2024, November 21). The Effects of Religiosity, Spirituality, and Sense of Purpose on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Outcomes among Veterans [Journal Club paper presented to Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Services at WRJ VAMC] White River Junction, VT, United States.

Lewis, P. (2024, November 1). Socio-Economic Status and Political Identity in Veteran

Lewis, P. (2024, November 21). Impact of PTSD symptoms on postconcussive symptoms in veterans: A comparison of sertraline, prolonged exposure, and their combination [Journal Club paper presented to National Center for PTSD.] White River Junction, VT, United States.

Lewis, P. (2023). Double trauma: Post-migration living distress and refugee suicidality. Trauma Psychology News, 18(3), 26-29. https://traumapsychnews.com

Lewis, P. (2023, August 28). Care Coordination as a Trauma-Informed Intervention: Working a Survivor of Torture. [Clinical presentation to the Vermont State-Wide Community of Practice for serving Refugees and Survivors of Torture.] Burlington, VT, United States.

Lewis, P. (2023, June 21). The CTS Model: TF-ACT and TF-CBT in the Treatment of a Torture Survivor. [Clinical presentation to the Vermont State-Wide Community of Practice for serving Refugees and Survivors of Torture.] Burlington, VT, United States.

Lewis, P. (2023, April 25). Conducting a Forensic Asylum Evaluation for Torture Survivors. [Clinical presentation to the Vermont State-Wide Community of Practice for serving Refugees and Survivors of Torture.] Burlington, VT, United States.

Lewis, P. and Ellenhorn, T. (2021, November 6) Atmosphere as Treatment: Toward Therapeutic Affordances [Paper presentation]. NEPA 2021, Bridgeport, CT, United States.

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