She has been involved as an activist for various progressive causes since the mid 1960's, with her focus in the past decades on LGBT civil rights, women's rights, and anti-racism alliance work. She has written extensively on the topics of cultural competence, trauma treatment, feminist therapy, and ethics. Her service to psychology has included membership on APA's Committees on Women and LGBT Issues, and in the presidency of Divisions 35 (Women), 44 (LGBT Issues), and 56 (Trauma Psychology). She is a student of aikido, a martial art dedicated to the harmonious resolution of conflict.