José Giovanni Luiggi-Hernández, PhD, MPH

As a qualitative methodologist, Dr. Luiggi-Hernández is interested in the optimization of qualitative and mixed methods research design and implementation. Among his interests are the designing of new methods or modification of previously existing methods, the use of art in data collection or in the process of data dissemination, and collaborating with participants with the aim of meeting their needs and humanizing research. Being trained under the phenomenological tradition, he is particularly interested in describing novel phenomena and reconceptualizing traditional understandings and practices.

Drawing from a background in clinical psychology and public health, Dr. Luiggi-Hernández's work encompasses studies on psychotherapy and behavioral interventions for medical conditions such as chronic pain and diabetes, as well as digital mental health and clinical decision-making. Furthermore, he investigates health disparities and social determinants of health, including the impact of discrimination on health and access to services, particularly among LGBTQ+ individuals and racially minoritized groups.

Dr. Luiggi-Hernández is at the forefront of efforts to decolonize psychological theories and practices, recognizing the influence of colonialism on social structures and lived experiences. He has studied the ways in which hope and hopelessness are experienced under precarious, colonial conditions, its impact on people and communities and the resistance of oppressed groups. He explores how colonial legacies shape health outcomes, quality of life, and overall wellbeing, advocating for structurally sensitive approaches to research and practice. His contributions to landmark publications by the American Psychological Association underscore his dedication to fostering structurally sensitive therapeutic approaches. 

As a clinician, Dr. Luiggi-Hernández is invested in approaches rooted in the Psychology as Human Science tradition. He draws upon existential-humanistic, psychodynamic, and feminist therapies to provide holistic and patient-centered care for physical and mental health issues. Additionally, he is proficient in traditional cognitive-behavioral therapies, including acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation. He also has experience in interpersonal therapy and motivation interviewing. Dr. Luiggi-Hernández has experience providing individual, couples, and group therapies of various therapeutic models, offering a comprehensive range of therapeutic modalities to patients.

Dr. Luiggi-Hernández advocates for collaborative evaluation, which involves patients in the process of interpreting assessment results to promote shared understanding and informed, shared decision-making. He explores alternatives to conventional psychiatric diagnostic systems, such as the Power Threat Meaning Framework, reflecting his commitment to innovative approaches that prioritize patients' experiences and perspectives.