Background
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for learning from people of diverse cultures. My interests led me to seek work and education in places where I knew I would be challenged by new languages, customs, and beliefs. My first destination was New Mexico, where I obtained a B.A. in psychology at New Mexico State University. Next came a year at the University of North Wales (U.K.), followed by a certificate in French at La Sorbonne in Paris, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Hawaii, then a postdoctoral fellowship in geriatric psychology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. During the latter year, I became closely involved with the Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian communities of Rochester for a project aimed at addressing needed mental health services. I also lived in my former husband’s home country of Tunisia where I conducted a research project on the impact of rapid social change on Bedouin, village, and urban women’s lives.
After my last relocation, I decided I’d had enough moves and settled into a full-time faculty position in the graduate psychology program at Antioch University in Seattle where I worked for 11 years. In late 1999, I returned to my hometown of Soldotna where I’ve since worked for the local community health center, the Kenaitze Tribe’s Nakenu/Dena’ina Wellness Center, and private practice. In addition to teaching, I love writing and have published books for therapists and general audiences. The American Psychological Association has made several training videos of my work with clients (available to licensed therapists only). Although I’ve retired from direct clinical practice with clients, I now provide supervision and training for mental health providers. I am enormously grateful to be back in beautiful Alaska, where I am continually inspired by nature, people, and thoughtful authors and artists.
Background
As long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for learning from people of diverse cultures. My interests led me to seek work and education in places where I knew I would be challenged by new languages, customs, and beliefs. My first destination was New Mexico, where I obtained a B.A. in psychology at New Mexico State University. Next came a year at the University of North Wales (U.K.), followed by a certificate in French at La Sorbonne in Paris, a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of Hawaii, then a postdoctoral fellowship in geriatric psychology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine. During the latter year, I became closely involved with the Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian communities of Rochester for a project aimed at addressing needed mental health services. I also lived in my former husband’s home country of Tunisia where I conducted a research project on the impact of rapid social change on Bedouin, village, and urban women’s lives.
After my last relocation, I decided I’d had enough moves and settled into a full-time faculty position in the graduate psychology program at Antioch University in Seattle where I worked for 11 years. In late 1999, I returned to my hometown of Soldotna where I’ve since worked for the local community health center, the Kenaitze Tribe’s Nakenu/Dena’ina Wellness Center, and private practice. In addition to teaching, I love writing and have published books for therapists and general audiences. The American Psychological Association has made several training videos of my work with clients (available to licensed therapists only). Although I’ve retired from direct clinical practice with clients, I now provide supervision and training for mental health providers. I am enormously grateful to be back in beautiful Alaska, where I am continually inspired by nature, people, and thoughtful authors and artists.