Dr. Leslie Lebowitz, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist who consults extensively in forensic contexts.  Her research and academic writing focused on the psychological impact of, and recovery from, trauma with a focus on sexual violence and combat exposure/moral injury. She has written about trauma in academic writing and has co-written the book Adaptive Disclosure: A New Treatment for Military Trauma, Loss and Moral Injury. Dr. Lebowitz developed the psychological portion of the curriculum for training Air Force Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and taught at the Air Force for ten years. Since the early 1990s she has worked closely with legal teams to evaluate men and women facing the death penalty, work which includes a consideration of complex developmental trauma, community violence, intergenerational trauma and the impact of poverty, and racism among other factors. Dr. Lebowitz has also participated in civil litigation against institutions and individuals. She is currently participating in a class action suit on behalf of residents of Flint MI, poisoned by lead tainted water. Most recently she served as an expert witness in E. Jean Carroll’s civil trial against Donald Trump testifying to the psychological harm caused by Donald Trump’s rape. 

Dr. Lebowitz’s visit to our community is prompted by work she is performing on death row at McAlister State Penitentiary. B’nai Emunah board member, friend and colleague, Elana Newman, will moderate the interview with Dr. Lebowitz about her experiences and perspectives on death row and the death penalty.

This event will be rescheduled for another date / time.