DEGREES

Doctor of Psychology                          2022

California Southern University, School of Behavioral Sciences

Field of Study: Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology

Dissertation: Religious violence and attachment issues: Is there a connection?

Honors: cum laude

Master of Social Work                         2009

Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service

Field of Study: Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods

Thesis: The influence of organizational respect on job satisfaction in the human services: findings from a New York State multi-site job satisfaction cross-sectional survey.

Bachelor of Arts                                       2006

Thomas Edison State University

Field of Study: Social Sciences

Honors:  Arnold Fletcher Award for exceptional achievement in online learning.

CERTIFICATIONS

LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker).

New York State Department of Education. 2013

Virginia Board of Health Professions.            2017

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY  (IFS)

Internal Family Systems Therapy Institute (IFSI)

IFS Online Circle | Fall 2023

The Art of Negotiation in IFS Sessions - Challenging Protectors and Workable Agreements.

Richard Schwartz, PhD, (Harvard Medical School), Chris Burris, LPC, LMFT, Senior Lead Trainer

IFS VIA PESI, INC.

IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) Across Clinical Applications.

Frank Anderson, MD, Senior IFS Trainer (Harvard Medical School), Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., & Founder of IFS.

Internal Family Systems (IFS): Development, Application and Transformational Model to Effectively Help Clients Improve Well-Being. Dr. Frank Anderson with IFS Founder Richard Schwartz, PhD.

Integrative Somatic Parts Work Certification - Level III.  Frances D. Booth LICSW., The Embody Lab.

COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)

TEAM-CBT certified: Core Skills for Effective Therapy

Feeling Good Institute, Dr. David Burns, Emeritus Adjunct Professor of Clinical Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. 2023

TRAUMA, SHAME, AND ADDICTION

M-RAS: Masters Level – Registered Addiction Specialist                   

Breining Institute - College for the Advanced Study of Addictive Disorders. 2021

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 Certification (CCTP-II)

PESI. 2023

Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP) 

PESI. 2023

Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist (CSTS)

PESI. 2023

COUPLES COUNSELING

Service Marriage Counselor Certification Program. Baylor University Continuing Education.                                                                         

Relationship Checkup for Military Couples. Arammu, LLC / R. Cassidy Seminars.  Dr. Jonathan Green, Dr. Tatiana Gray

Evidence-Based Non-Medical Counseling Strategies for Military Populations.

Acceptance and Change in Couple Therapy: Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy

APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology with Andrew Christensen, PhD



ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)

ACT Foundations for Behavior Analysts, with Dr. Steven Hayes, ACT FounderPraxis CET

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Do I have or Do I Do Depression? Jim Lucas, ACT Peer-Reviewed Trainer, and Supervisor, Openforwards. 2023

MEDIUMSHIP

Mediumship Certification – Level 1 

James Van Praagh: The JVP School of Mystical Arts, a division of Spiritual Horizons, Inc.  10/2023.

JVP Spiritual Healer Certification Course

James Van Praagh: The JVP School of Mystical Arts, a division of Spiritual Horizons, Inc.

Opening Your Psychic Portals

James Van Praagh: The JVP School of Mystical Arts, a division of Spiritual Horizons, Inc.

Answering the Sacred Call of Mediumship with Suzanne Giesemann, with The Shift Network.

Forensic Mediumship: 7-Lesson On-Demand Video Program by Lisa Williams School, forensic mediumship expert.

The Science of Medical Intuition Training Program, by Caroline Myss & Dr. Norm Shealy. Sounds True

MEMBERSHIP

Member of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

ACT for Military Special Interest Group: Member At Large (ACBS)

AWARDS / RECOGNITIONS

Honors:  Cum Laude Doctor of Psychology, Master of Social Work, Bachelor in Social Science. 2022, 2009, 2006.

Certificate of Excellence in Reviewing from the Journal of Education, Society, and Behavioral Science in recognition of an outstanding contribution to the journal's quality. 2020

Certificate of Appreciation from OMICS International and the Editors of the Journal of Psychiatry for outstanding Leadership, Commitment, and Engagement towards moderating the Euro-Global Summit and Medicare Expo on Psychiatry, Barcelona, Spain. 2015

Certificate of Recognition from OMICS International and the Editors of the Journal of Psychiatry for phenomenal and worthy oral presentation at the Euro-Global Summit and Medicare Expo on Psychiatry, Barcelona, Spain. 2015

Arnold Fletcher Award for exceptional achievement in online learning,

Thomas Edison State University. 2006     

TRAINING (by category)

                                                                                              INTUITION

The JVP Mediumship Certification – Level 1

James Van Praagh:  The JVP School of Mystical Arts, a division of Spiritual Horizons, Inc.

JVP Spiritual Healer Certification Course

James Van Praagh: The JVP School of Mystical Arts, a division of Spiritual Horizons, Inc.

Opening Your Psychic Portals

James Van Praagh:  The JVP School of Mystical Arts, a division of Spiritual Horizons, Inc.

Answering the Sacred Call of Mediumship with Suzanne Giesemann

The Shift Network

Forensic Mediumship: 7-Lesson On-Demand Video Program by Lisa Williams School.

The Science of Medical Intuition Training Program

Caroline Myss & Dr. Norm Shealy

Sounds True

ATTACHMENT

Doctor of Psychology   2022

California Southern University, School of Behavioral Sciences

Field of Study: Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology

Dissertation: Religious violence and attachment issues: Is there a connection?

Dr. Sue Johnson's Intensive Course in Emotionally Focused Therapy: Attachment-Based Interventions for Couples in Crisis.

Dr. Sue Johnson, PESI, Inc

The Healing Power of Emotion.

Dr. Sue Johnson, PESI, Inc

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) Introductory Workshop. 

APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology.

Dr. Guy Diamond

INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS THERAPY (IFS)

IFS Online Circle | Fall 2023

Online learning program designed to give a comprehensive overview of the core IFS principles and techniques. This program offers a foundational understanding of the IFS model along with essential skills and insights.

IFS Institute

Intimacy from the Inside Out; How Internal Family Systems (IFS) can be applied to relationships. 

Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFIO) is an experiential model combining intra-psychic work with interpersonal exploration. IFIO uses intimate relationships as a vehicle for growth and healing of both the individual and the couple. 

IFS Institute

Continuity Winter 2024 | Values & Beliefs in the Therapy Room—Through an IFS Lens

with Einat Bronstein and Dick Schwartz

The therapy room is a place where we explore our clients’ inner worlds, and their internal and external relationships. This exploration inevitably touches on the moral values and beliefs that govern their lives.

IFS Institute

Integrative Somatic Parts Work Certification - Level III

Frances D. Booth LICSW., The Embody Lab.

The Art of Negotiation in IFS Sessions - Challenging Protectors and Workable Agreements.

IFS Institute

Richard Schwartz, PhD, (Harvard Medical School), Chris Burris, LPC, LMFT, Senior Lead Trainer

IFS Immersion: Integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) Across Clinical Applications.

Frank Anderson, MD, Senior IFS Trainer (Harvard Medical School), Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., & Founder of IFS.

Internal Family Systems (IFS): Development, Application and Transformational Model to Effectively Help Clients Improve Well-Being. Dr. Frank Anderson with IFS Founder Richard Schwartz, PhD.

TOPICS:

Attachment & IFS: Healing Trauma and Attachment Wounds that Befriend the Body 

Treating Complex PTSD with IFS

IFS & Addictive Processes: Healing Wounds and Restoring Balance to the System of Parts

IFS & Disordered Eating: Heal the Relationship Between Food and Body

IFS Approaches to Shame, Anxiety, and Depression

IFS & Couples Therapy: Using Intimacy from the Inside Out (IFCO) to Heal, Improve, and Provide Relationship Help

IFS with Children & Adolescents: Using Parts Work to Help Young People Heal

IFS Approaches with LGBTQ2IA+ Clients

The Future of IFS

A Therapist’s Guide to the Psychopharmacology of Trauma and Dissociation

Jay Earley, PhD

Presence and Capacities: Unpacking the Power of the IFS Self

Inner Child Work & Protectors: Parts Work Internal Family Systems

Capacity Development Program (CDP): IFS Basic Course

Self-Therapy Journey (Transformation Level). 

Self-Led Sexuality: An IFS Based Approach (Internal Family Systems).

Patricia Rich, LCSW, CST-S

An introduction to the Internal Family Systems Model: Step-by Step Procedures for Healing Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction & more.

Alexia Rothman, PhD., PESI UK, Inc

CBT

ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)

ACT Practitioners Community:  A place for providers to become highly skilled in ACT.  Hosts & Moderators:  Jim Lucas and Louise Bradley

Weekly Case Conceptualization Clinics:  Weekly clinical guidance to clearly define the problem using Functional Contextual principles to pick the best treatment targets. 

ACT Practice Groups:  Weekly clinical guidance to deepen ACT knowledge and skills, using observation, role play, and targeted intervention feedback.

ACTivating Your Supervision: How to become a more effective ACT Supervisor

Sally Bradley and Jim Lucas

Contextual Consulting: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Specialists

ACT in focus: navigating processes, procedures, and future directions with Dr. Richard Bennett

Contextual Consulting: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Specialists

ACT Foundations for Behavior Analysts

Dr. Steven Hayes

Praxis CET

ACT Practice Lab

Dr. Andy Santenello

Association for Contextual Behavioral Science

ACT for Insomnia Therapist Training

Dr. Guy Meadows, The Sleep School

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Do I have or Do I Do Depression?

Jim Lucas, Openforwards

ACT for Perfectionism and People Pleasing

Dr. Russ Harris

Psychwire

ACT for Beginners (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

Dr. Russ Harris

Psychwire

TEAM-CBT: Core Skills for Effective Therapy.

Feeling Good Institute, Dr. David Burns, Emeritus Adjunct Professor of Clinical Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Certified Addictions-Informed Mental Health Professional (CAIMHP)

Certified Shame-Informed Treatment Specialist (CSTS)

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level 2 (CCTP-II)

TRAUMA 

Treating Trauma Master Series

The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM)

The Neurobiology of Trauma – What’s Going On In the Brain When Someone Experiences Trauma?

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Bessel van der Kolk, MD; Pat Ogden, PhD; Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD; Dan Siegel, MD; Stephen Porges, PhD

How to Work with Traumatic Memory That Is Embedded in the Nervous System

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Peter Levine, PhD; Pat Ogden, PhD; Bessel van der Kolk, MD

How to Help Clients Tolerate Dysregulation and Come Back From Hypoarousal

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Stephen Porges, PhD;

Bessel van der Kolk, MD; Pat Ogden, PhD; Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD

How to Work with the Limbic System to Reverse the Physiological Imprint of Trauma

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Pat Ogden, PhD; Peter Levine, PhD; Bessel van der Kolk, MD; Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD

How Trauma Impacts the Major Brain Networks (and How This Affects Our Clients)

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD

How to Work with Emotional and Procedural Memory in the Case of Preverbal Trauma

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Peter Levine, PhD

How to Help Clients Who Are Stuck in a Trauma Response

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD

The Neurobiology of Attachment (NICABM)

Ruth Buczynski, PhD with Dan Siegel, MD; Pat Ogden, PhD; Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD; Allan Schore, PhD; Bessel van der Kolk, MD

Synthesize Key Concepts So You Can Use Them Immediately

Ron Siegel, PsyD and Ruth Lanius, MD, PhD

Discover Concrete Strategies That Will Work in Your Life (and with Your Patients)

Joan Borysenko, PhD and Bill O’Hanlon, LMFT

Compassion Imagery for Shame and Trauma

Deborah Lee, DClinPsy Laura Silberstein-Tirch, PsyD Paul Gilbert, PhD

How to Help Trauma Patients Establish a Sense of Safety and Repair Attachment Using EMDR

Laurel Parnell, PhD

Serving Military Veterans: Understanding Their Experiences & Clinical Implication

APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology

Dr. John E. Mundt

Dr Frank Corrigan’s Master Class in Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR).

Frank Corrigan, MD.

PESI, Inc

The Ultimate Trauma Treatment Certification (CCTP/CCTPII) Course: A Blueprint for Greater Therapeutic Success for Clients with Complex Trauma.

PESI, Inc

Polyvagal Theory: Neural Exercises for Safety and Connection.

Dr. Stephen Porges

Adapting to Potential Trauma with Flexible Responding.

APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology.

George Bonanno, PhD

THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE (NICABM) 

How to Work with Shame

The neurobiology of shame (and how to work with it)

How to Identify and Treat Dissociation (Even When It’s Subtle)

Working with the Fear of Rejection

Working with Core Beliefs of ‘Never Good Enough

Practical Skills for Working with a Client's Anger

Practical Strategies for Working with Deep-Seated Resentment

Helping Clients Understand Resentment (and Why It’s So Easily Triggered)

Anger and Grief: From the Expression of Resentment to Its Roots

Practical Strategies for Helping Clients Process Resentment

The Secret to Preventing Resentment from Developing: Failsafe Strategies for Helping Clients Manage Expectations

How to Help Couples Heal Resentment

How to Help Clients Manage Resentment within Their Family

How to Work with Resentment Expressed as Righteous Indignation

Working with Resentment When Trauma Is a Factor

Skills for Working with the Complicated Issue of Forgiveness Versus Reconciliation

Integrating Mindfulness to Help Clients Dissolve Resentment

Working with Resentment That Stems from Social Injustice

How to Work with a Client Who is Resentful Towards You

How to Work with the Nervous System to Mitigate Resentment

Three Writing Exercises to Help Your Client Work Through Resentment

A 5-Step Mindfulness-Based Process to Help Clients Release Anger and Neutralize Resentment

How to Work with Clients Who Blame

The Neurobiology of Blame

How to Work with Clients Who Externalize Their Blame

How to Work with Blame That’s Protecting a Client From Shame

Practical Strategies to Help Clients Break the Patterns of Blame

Blame and Relationships

How to Help Clients Shift from a Blaming Mindset to a Growth Mindset

Working with Blame in Clients Who Have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

An Interactive Strategy to Help Couples Detach From Blame

A Step-By-Step Approach to Restore the Mentalizing Lost to Blame

How to Avoid Enacting the Same Blame Pattern You’re Trying to Change

How to Work with a Client's Emotional Triggers

The Neurobiology of an Emotional Trigger

How to Keep a Triggered Emotion from Overwhelming the Client

How to Prevent Vulnerabilities from Turning into Painful Triggers

How to Break Habit-Trigger-Reward Loops

How to Work with a Highly-Triggered Nervous System

How to Help Triggered Clients Who Dissociate from Their Bodies

How To Work with Emotional Triggers Connected to Trauma

How to Help Clients Build Powerful Self-Regulation Skills

How to Work with Triggers Fueled by Negative Attachment

How to Neutralize a Reactivity Pattern

How to Help Clients Shift from Reactivity to Healing

Working with Highly-Triggered Couples

Working with the Pain of Abandonment 

How to Work with Clients Who Are Hypersensitive to Rejection

Ways to Change Fearful Behavior That Sets a Client Up for Further Abandonment

How to Help Clients Stop Sacrificing Their Boundaries to Avoid Being Abandoned

How to Recondition a Nervous System Damaged by Abandonment

A 3-Step Strategy to Expand a Client’s Tolerance of Rejection

How to Read the Abandonment Story Your Client’s Body Is Telling

How to Repair Abandonment Wounds from Early Life Attachment

How to Treat A Fear of Abandonment Linked to Betrayal 

Powerful Skills to Disrupt Rigid Patterns of Abandonment

How to Approach Shame That Drives a Fear of Rejection

Key Strategies for Working with Abandonment and Trauma

How to Work with Separation Anxiety and Children

How to Establish Strong Doctor-Patient Boundaries with Clients Who Have Been Abandoned

How to Repair Early Life Abandonment Through EMDR

PSYCHOANALYSIS

Working with Personality Disorders in Psychoanalytic Supervision: The Object Relations View.

Dr. Susan Kavaler-Adler, ORI’s Co-founder and Executive Director, Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis.

Application of Fairbairn's Structural Metaphors for Diagnosis and Treatment of Personality Disorders: Hysteric, Obsessive, Narcissistic, and Borderline.

Dr. David Celani. Object Relations Institute for Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. A New York State Chartered Educational Institute.

NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER (NPD)

Narcissistic Abuse and Gaslighting Treatment Course: Help Clients End Emotional Manipulation and Reclaim Their Lives from Toxic Relationships.

PESI, Inc

Psychoeducation and Narcissistic Abuse: Different Types – Different Experiences.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, PhD, LCP

PESI, Inc

After Self­Betrayal: Strategies to Help Clients Find Their Authentic Selves.

Amy Kempe, LPC, NCC, CSA

PESI, Inc

Gaslighting: Recognition and Recovery for Manipulated and Controlled Clients.

Stephanie Sarkis, PhD, NCC, DCMHS, LMHC.

PESI, Inc

Ready, Set, Connect. Strengthen your relationship skills, and live authentically.

Dr. Les Carter
 

COUPLE'S COUNSELING

Acceptance and Change in Couple Therapy: Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy

APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology

Andrew Christensen, PhD

Relationship Checkup for Military Couples.               

Arammu, LLC / R. Cassidy Seminars.

Dr. Jonathan Green, Dr. Tatiana Gray

Service Marriage Counselor Certification Program - 2021.

Baylor University Continuing Education.

Evidence-Based Non-Medical Counseling Strategies for Military Populations - 2018.

WRITING

Storytelling with Alan Moore.                   

BBC Maestro course

Hay House Writer's Community.           

Hay House.

Immersed in Story.                       

Anne Helmstadter