Chanequa Walker-Barnes

Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes is a clinical psychologist, theologian and ecumenical minister whose work focuses on healing the legacies of racial and gender oppression. She is a professor of practical theology and pastoral care at Columbia Theological Seminary and the author of Sacred Self-Care, I Bring the Voices of My People, and Too Heavy a Yoke.

She began her career as a clinical research psychologist, with degrees from Emory University and a master's and doctorate in clinical child and family psychology from the University of Miami. Called to ministry, she left a tenure-track faculty position to attend seminary and earned her M.Div. at Duke. That path lets her bring psychology and theology together in her writing, teaching and speaking on how racism and oppression affect mental health and spiritual well-being.

Much of her professional energy goes to writing and to ministering to clergy and faith-based activists, with particular care for women of color engaged in Christian social justice work. Her own faith has been shaped by Methodist, Baptist and evangelical social justice communities, as well as by Buddhism and Islam.

On Insight Timer, she describes herself as a two-time breast cancer survivor who credits mindfulness with helping her live with chronic illness and cultural trauma while keeping up a demanding career and her activism. She teaches mindfulness and self-care strategies to religious leaders, faith-based activists, seminary students and therapists.