Donna Kimmel, PhD: Psychologist, Physical Therapist (retired), Actress
As a PSYCHOLOGIST (PhD), I provide:
Couples & Marriage Counseling
Discernment Counseling
Communication Therapy
Counseling for Seniors
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Adult ADHD, Anxiety & Depression Diagnosis & Therapy
Strengths-based Positive Therapy/Self-Esteem Reassessment
Emotional Pain & "Trigger" Management
Conflict Management for Personal Relationships
As a PSYCHOLOGIST and PHYSICAL THERAPIST (M.S. PT, retired),
I automatically consider the mind-body connection as well as:
Emotional Strength
Behavioral Flexibility
Task Coordination
Balance of Perceptions
Pain Reduction (psychological)
As a PSYCHOLOGIST and ACTRESS (MFA),
’I've developed Relationship & Response-focused Communication (RRfC).
RRFC is a quick communication “fix” for people who have been trying – unsuccessfully – to
engage in amicable dialogue with another person. Since, as an actress, I know how to
communicate - verbally and non-verbally - with clarity and purpose, RRfC replaces automatic, ineffective and conflict-perpetuating statements and responses with thoughtful and benign
expressions designed to achieve what you’ve wanted all along - amicable, productive dialogue. When I role-play, I can help you improve emotion-control, immunity to ‘triggers,’ communication effectiveness, and more.
Certifications:
Positive Psychology
Discernment Counseling
Coaching
In essence, I do this work because I love helping people optimize their functioning!
My Style
I am direct and educational as I encourage and support learning and personal growth. I have been told that I’m like an athletic coach. I strive to make my work positive, educational, creative, tailored for each client’s unique needs, and research-based. I read research in, and take continuing education courses on: the brain and neuroscience, psycho-neuro immunology, behavioral medicine, health psychology, mental health diagnoses and treatment; as well as interpersonal relationships and interpersonal communication related to couples, marriage, discernment counseling, & divorce mediation and negotiation skills.
My Goals for Each Client:
I seek to promote:
Self-Awareness and Self-Respect,
Authenticity,
Courage,
Intentional Communication: "Relationship & Response-focused Communication (RRfC),
Emotion Control,
Thoughtful behavior, and
Competence in Conflict Management
Related Activities Outside the Clinic:
- Taught continuing education courses to psychologists, physicians and physical therapists,
- Former university faculty teaching Psychology of Health, and
- Mediated marital and parenting matters.
Academic Degrees:
- Ph.D. Psychology
- Dissertation: Relationships Between Perception of Control, Anticipatory Anxiety, Fear of Pain from Work Injury, Muscle Tension & Pain During Work & Outcome of Work-related Diagnosis, Dysfunction in Daily Activities, and Work Loss in Interpreters for the Deaf
- M.F.A. Dramatic Arts
- M.S Public Health/Physical Therapy
- B.S Physical Therapy (Highest Academic Honors)
Other Proficiencies:
- Acting Coach
- Creator of Acting Method: “Personality-based Acting: Integrating Personality Science with Actors’ Imagination”
- Author of The Back Comfort Book: What To Do While Your Back Is Healing, $5.95 + s/h
- Producer/Writer of the back care DVD: “How To Do It…Without Hurting Your Back”, $9.95 + s/h
- Producer/Writer of cable TV program: “Mental Health Minutes: Psychotherapy Dramatized”
- Winner of multiple acting and ballroom dancing competitions.