Jesse J. Owen
Professor
https://www.multiculturalorientation.com/
Katherine A. Ruffatto Hall, 1999 East Evans Avenue Denver, CO 80208-1700
What I do
The Relationship and Psychotherapy (RAP) Lab at the University of Denver, led by Dr. Jesse Owen, is dedicated to advancing culturally oriented psychotherapy and relationship interventions. The lab's mission centers on enhancing therapists' Multicultural Orientation (MCO), which encompasses cultural humility, cultural opportunities, and cultural comfort—key elements that foster effective therapeutic relationships across diverse cultural contexts.
A cornerstone of the RAP Lab's work is the development and application of the MCO framework. This model emphasizes the importance of therapists being open and respectful (cultural humility), recognizing and engaging with cultural themes during therapy (cultural opportunities), and feeling at ease when discussing cultural identities (cultural comfort). Research from the lab has demonstrated that clients' perceptions of their therapists' MCO are significantly associated with positive therapy outcomes, including stronger therapeutic alliances and improved psychological well-being.
The lab undertakes a variety of projects aimed at enhancing psychotherapy and supervision practices. These include studies on deliberate practice training to improve therapists' multicultural skills, investigations into the effectiveness of psychotherapy within jail settings, and analyses of how therapists' cultural humility impacts therapy outcomes. We also are utilizing AI technology to enhance training and the evaluation of psychotherapy. In doing so, we also incorporate individuals and communities sense of flourishing and relational virtues.
In addition to individual therapy research, the RAP Lab places a strong emphasis on couples and romantic relationship interventions. Projects have evaluated relationship education programs for over 1,000 lower-income, racial/ethnic minority couples, aiming to provide culturally oriented support to underserved populations. The lab also explores factors such as commitment and alliance in couple therapy.
Through its comprehensive research agenda, the RAP Lab seeks to understand and address structural barriers to change, promote clients' cultural heritage, and improve therapeutic outcomes across diverse populations. By integrating multicultural considerations into both psychotherapy and supervision, the lab contributes to the development of more inclusive and effective mental health practices.
Professional Biography
Dr. Jesse Owen is a Professor of Counseling Psychology at the University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education. He earned his BS in Psychology from Ball State University, his MA in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami, and his PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. Prior to joining the faculty at DU, he held academic positions at Gannon University and the University of Louisville.
Dr. Owen is a licensed psychologist specializing in couple and family therapy and multicultural therapy. He maintains a private practice in Denver and serves as the lead psychologist at Lifelong, Inc. Additionally, he holds roles as the Research Director for CelestHealth, Senior Research Advisor for SonderMind, and Editor for the journal Psychotherapy.
At the University of Denver, Dr. Owen leads the Relationships and Psychotherapy (RAP) Lab, where his research focuses on psychotherapy processes and outcomes, therapist expertise, multicultural orientation (MCO), and relational interventions, including couple therapy. He has co-authored three books: Mindfulness-Based Practices in Therapy: A Cultural Humility Approach, Therapists’ Cultural Humility, and Research Design in Counseling, and has contributed to over 225 publications and book chapters.
Dr. Owen is a licensed psychologist specializing in couple and family therapy and multicultural therapy. He maintains a private practice in Denver and serves as the lead psychologist at Lifelong, Inc. Additionally, he holds roles as the Research Director for CelestHealth, Senior Research Advisor for SonderMind, and Editor for the journal Psychotherapy.
At the University of Denver, Dr. Owen leads the Relationships and Psychotherapy (RAP) Lab, where his research focuses on psychotherapy processes and outcomes, therapist expertise, multicultural orientation (MCO), and relational interventions, including couple therapy. He has co-authored three books: Mindfulness-Based Practices in Therapy: A Cultural Humility Approach, Therapists’ Cultural Humility, and Research Design in Counseling, and has contributed to over 225 publications and book chapters.
Degree(s)
- Ph.D., Counseling Psychology , University of Denver, 2005
- MA, Mental Health Counseling , University of Miami, 2001
- BS, Psychology , Ball State University, 1999
Licensure / Accreditations
- Licensed Psychologist
Research
Check out my CV