A Phenomenological Exploration of Black American Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Lived Experience Receiving Supportive Assistance from the Black Church

Author

• Samantha Fuchs, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy (DMFT)

Advisor

Jessica Popham

Abstract

This dissertation explored the lived experience of being an invisible minority student in a COAMFTE-accredited marriage and family therapy (MFT) program, with a specific focus on Jewish identity and the dynamics of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) education. Despite increased institutional attention to cultural competence, the literature revealed gaps in the inclusion of less visible marginalized groups, particularly Jewish students, within DEI frameworks. Using an analytic autoethnographic approach, this study explored how the researcher’s experiences intersected with broader systemic issues in MFT education. Data included memory, self-reflection, textual artifacts, and one interview, organized through Chang’s (2007) autoethnographic method. Through reflexivity and transparency, the study sought to generate insight into how invisible minority experiences both shape and are shaped by DEI discourses. Findings from this research help inform more inclusive and nuanced approaches to serving diverse client populations.

NSUWorks Citation

Samantha Fuchs. 2026. A Phenomenological Exploration of Black American Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence Lived Experience Receiving Supportive Assistance from the Black Church. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (111)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/shss_dft_etd/111.