INTRODUCTION

I am delighted that you found your way to my website. The purpose of this site is to briefly introduce myself to you. Each resource area includes links to content websites that offer useful information on specific topics.

My approach to therapy is to facilitate your growth, to support you in transitions, offer you tools, guidance and knowledge as you explore insights, evolving roles, and new feelings. My goal is to assist you in examining the obstacles which prevent you from making meaningful changes, from learning, and from living your life more fully.

I offer a variety of psychotherapy and assessment services to individuals, and groups. I have recently added Sandplay Therapy to the treatment options available. I began the study of Sandplay with Dr. Jenaii Gold in Sonoma, CA in 2005 and continue under the mentorship of Dr. Rosalind Heiko and Dr. Dan Nelson. I have the honor of having trained with a focus on Autism and Parent-Infant Mental Health including supervised research in these areas with Dr. Henry Soper, Dr. Debra Bendell and Dr. Barbara Kalmanson.

At Let's Talk, I offer social skills groups for children and psychoeducational groups for adults. Inspired by the work of Michelle Garcia Winner, Carol Gray, Tony Attwood and others, and building on a foundation of teaching experience, I lead participants through activities that have been shown to improve social thinking and social behavior.

In my new Raleigh office I see individuals, couples and small groups and offer psychoeducational presentations. I work with individuals facing a variety of challenges due to unexpected transitions or a desire for change.

The Parent-Infant Mental Health emphasis in my degree prepares me to assist families in transition as they adjust to news roles. Psychotherapy can be beneficial in helping couples cope with reproductive changes such as infertility, loss and adoption, all of which can be disruptive for families. Consulting with Moms Supporting Moms in Raleigh, I also assist mothers who are at risk for- or are struggling with postpartum mood disorders. I am available to partner with lactation consultant Cindi Freeman, IBCLC, and postpartum doula Pamela Diamond, to offer comprehensive new mother wellness care.

As a CERT volunteer, I teach Disaster Psychology through the Cary Fire Department and other regional groups.

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

I am a Clinical Psychologist in private practice currently working with Dr. Barbara Still for my post-doctoral supervised experience. I have worked with families for 25 years, and as the parent of three, including twins diagnosed with autism, I offer a unique family-centered approach that integrates developmental psychology with relationship-based psychotherapy.

After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Education (Art, Language Arts and multicultural emphasis), I taught among diverse populations in the United States and abroad (Native American, African American, Hispanic, Moslem, Jewish, and Asian). After receiving my masters degree from San Diego State University, I led design and production teams of the premiere award winning health education for Mayo Clinic, Hazelton, St, Jude Medical Hospital, Health Partners, Taking Control of Your Health, (adults) and BodyLand/Time Life (children), and McGraw Hill's electronic Heath and Biology textbooks. I hold both a doctorate and a masters degree in Clinical Psychology.

During my clinical training I have treated children and adults in community mental health agencies, schools, neuropsychological centers, clinics and hospitals. My research focused on infant development, multicultural learning, and depression and well-being among adolescents on the autistic spectrum.

My practice in Clinical Psychology builds meaningfully on my prior skills as teacher, manager, researcher, artist, massage therapist, and designer of interactive technology-based health education. I offer solution-oriented and creative problem solving approaches that combine the art of psychotherapy with the clarity of a scientist.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Board Member of NC Therapy 4 Kids
Board Member of WeBelong
American Psychological Association (APA)
Association of Sandplay Therapists of America
American Art Therapy Association
Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders
North Carolina Psychological Assocation (NCPA)
NCPA Scientific, Academic, and Student Affairs Committee Member

EDUCATION

Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA.
M.S. Clinical Psychology, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA.
M.A. Interdisciplinary: Cognitive Psychology, Instructional Design, Media

Psychology; San Diego State University, San Diego, CA.

B.S. Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN,

Double Major: English & Fine Art.

ACADEMIC ~ EDUCATIONAL ~ CONSUMER

• Designed correlational multi-state study of well-being, depression and engaging activity among children/adolescents diagnosed with autism (2006-09). The map to the right illustrates locations of participants in the Autism study (states in blue).
• Investigating sleep disturbances in targeted populations, ongoing, directed by Corrine Goodwin, PhD.
• Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders: Designed study, data collection, examination- retrospective video study in early signs of autism in infancy (2004).
• IVI of Minneapolis, MN: Usability research/product and services development for technology-based health education (1993-97).
• San Diego State University: Qualitative/quantitative study in human factors in learning (1990-94).
• Project Seed of California: Role of race of assessor in intellectual functions assessment (1984).
• Montessori of Santa Fe: Multicultural issues in preschool education (1983).
• Navajo Reservation: Designed and researched culturally specific testing among Navajo, Zuni, Hopi (1982-83).

IN PRINT

Special Difficulties of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Forensic Arena

In the Handbook of Forensic Neuropsychology, 2nd ed. New York: Springer/A. M. Horton & L. Hartlage (Eds.) Soper, H. V., & Pelz-Sherman, D. J., 2010.

Well-Being and MItigating Factors for Depression Among Adolescents with High Functioning Autism and Aspergers

Doctoral Dissertation: Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA, 2009.

Autism Assessment

In D. Sherman, Autism: Asserting Your Child's Right to a Special Education. San Francisco: Oxford Churchill Publishing, 2007.

Taking Back the Family Turf

New Beginnings, 2001.

Visual Communication in Electronic Learning Environments

Masters Thesis: San Diego State University, San Diego, California, 1994.

SUMMER PRESENTATIONS

FAMILY ACHIEVEMENT CENTER In St. Paul, MN
Autism: Basic Review & What You Didn’t Know You Needed to Know
July 14, 2010
Autism in the Movies and Real Life
July 15, 2010

PRESENTATIONS

Postpartum Mood Disorders and Breastfeeding: The Role of Family and Social Support
The 8th Annual Triangle Breastfeeding Alliance Conference
The Andrews Center
May 13, 2010
Wake AHEC, Raleigh, NC

Understanding Autism: Fundamentals for Professionals and Families
Integrative Therapy Institute, 2nd NEK Autism Conference
Lyndon State College
April 9, 2010

This workshop introduces the fundamentals of Autism, provides diagnostic clarity, examines myths, and includes research, treatment, assessment, advocacy, and forensic topics. Targeted to professionals, this workshop offers our community of psychotherapists and others, an efficient way to build on their understanding and gain resources for further study.
St. Johnsbury, VT

Autism in the Family: Basics and Beyond
Easter Seals of Vermont
April 8, 2010

This workshop targeted Easter Seals professionals and affiliates who support families with children who have autism. This 3 hour presentation supports the unique needs of those providing care and education to individuals with autism and their family members.
Berlin, VT

Talk with the Professionals: Developmental Disabilities Discussion Panel
Autism & Adolescence
March 20, 2010
A Small Miracle, Raleigh, NC

 

Sandplay Therapy for Professional Hospice Therapists
March 19, 2010
Wake County Hospice. Assisted Rosalind Heiko, PhD, ISST in a customized training in Sandplay Therapy.

 

Sandplay Therapy: Revisiting History, Theory and Fundementals of Practice
February 12, 2010
North Carolina Association for Sandplay Therapy (NCAST). Cary, NC

 

Autism, What You Didn't Know You Needed to Know
January 23, 2010
Seminar given at Clinical & Media Psychology National Session. Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California, with Dr. Henry Soper.

Professional seminar for psychotherapists and students on Autism diagnostics, treatment, neurobiology, forensic and related topics.

Introduction to Sandplay and Sandtray Worldplay Therapies: Non-verbal Therapy, Symbolism, and Healing
January 22, 2010
Seminar given at Clinical & Media Psychology National Session Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California, with S. Auguste Elliot, M.S.

Psychologists trained in humanistic, psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral orientations can all be enriched by exposure to this workshop. Sandplay is non-interpretive, client-psyche centered therapy based on the inner workings of human consciousness. This Sandplay presentation offers professionals an overview of the history, theory, practice and practicalities of Sandplay Therapy.

Sandplay: Introduction for Professionals
January 13, 2010
Regional Psychology Seminar, Chapel Hill, NC.

 

Autism: Essentials for Doctoral Students
November 15, 2009
Regional Psychology Seminar, Chapel Hill, NC.

 

Balancing Your Life and Your Life's Dream: A Project Management Perspective.
August 1, 2008
Seminar given at Clinical & Media Psychology National Session- Fielding Graduate University, Kansas City, Missouri. Pelz-Sherman, D. J., & Wise-Rankovic, A.

This presentation offered practical solutions and self-management techniques for adult learners who are pursuing higher education while working and/or raising a family.

Techniques for Training Leaders who Provide Information, Education and Support to Mothers of Multiples.
April 10, 2000
La Leche League of North Carolina Area Conference. Pelz-Sherman, D. J.

This advanced seminar was designed for trained volunteers who work with pregnant and new mothers of twins, triplets and other multiples, to assist leaders in targeted professional development.

CERT & Disaster Psychology

Disaster Psychology

Community Emergency Response Team is a federally funded program which prepares local first responders with a 20-hour program. I teach the Disaster Psychology unit. See the CERT website for training located near you.

AUTISM

My recent original research in autism examined well-being and depression among children and adolescents between the ages of 8 - 17. I am piloting extensions of this study. Contact me if you are interested in participating as a family or, if you are a community activity coordinator or teacher, and are interested in learning more.

I am thrilled to join the talented autism specialists at Let's Talk as an independent contractor and member of their treatment team of speech pathologists and occupational therapists. Contact, or visit the website of Let's Talk for more information.

Autism Presentations: I offer targeted presentations on Autism that can be customized for the needs of your group. See Presentations in the menu above for highlights of past presentations, and upcoming talks.

Autism Assessment: My chapter may be found in Autism: Asserting Your Child's Right to a Special Education. This resource helps parents to navigate both public and private assessment. The book is available through Autism Society's online bookstore.

Autism and Forensics: It is becoming increasingly important for families and for public law enforcement to become educated on the issues specific to individuals with autism. Together with Dr. Henry Soper, I co-authored Special Difficulties of Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Forensic Arena (2010). This chapter may be found in the Handbook of Forensic Neuropsychology, 2nd ed. New York: Springer edited by A. M. Horton & L. Hartlage.

As a psychologist and a parent, I have worked with and have profound appreciation for the roles and skills of speech pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, aides, play therapists, and members of the community who contribute positively to the lives of children on the autistic spectrum.

I feel my professional role in working with families and individuals, wherever they are on the spectrum, is to bring the whole orchestra of efforts into tune with the family and child's needs, abilities and goals.

To learn more about Autism, visit the Autism Society of America's website for comprehensive and credible information.

SANDPLAY THERAPY

Sandplay is creative form of therapy using the imagination - which may or may not be incorporated with talk therapy, art therapy, or traditional play therapy. Play is among of the highest functions of the brain and is not limited to the young. Through play, individuals of all ages can move closer to resolving inner conflict. Sandplay is non-interpretive, client-psyche centered therapy based on the inner workings of human consciousness. The contributions to the field of psychology include novel approaches to child and adult therapy and treatment of all aspects of mental health and well-being.

Experience Sandplay at my new Raleigh office. Call or Email for an appointment.

Together with Auguste Elliot, I presented Introduction to Sandplay and Sandtray Worldplay Therapies: Non-verbal Therapy, Symbolism, and Healing in California. In North Carolina I have presented on Sandplay history, theory and practice. This presentation is ideal for professionals or others who have an interest, but little experience with Sandplay Therapy. Please contact me if your organization is interested in learning more about Sandplay. I am in the process of becoming a certified Sandplay Therapist with the Association of Sandplay Therapists of America. Please see the STA website for a rich and in depth introduction to Sandplay Therapy and for related resources.

“The debt we owe to the play of the imagination is incalculable.” - Jung

TO REACH DR. PELZ-SHERMAN:

Phone: 919-434-1661
Fax: 732-453-1825
Email: dori@pelz-sherman.net

Full academic CV available on request.

ANNOUNCING NEW LOCATION

4904 Water's Edge Drive, Suite 285
Raleigh, NC 27606

INDIVIDUALS, COUPLES, CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS

Call or Email for fee information and to schedule an appointment.

SOCIAL SKILLS GROUPS

If you are interested in group therapy social skills for any age group contact me by phone or Email.

PARENT GROUPS

These groups are formed based on community interest and need.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

See Presentations for a review of upcoming engagements and previous presentation topics that can be customized to meet the unique needs of your organization. Please contact me to learn more.

Please let me know if you have any difficulties using this website; I designed it myself and I update the content frequently, which occasionally causes problems in some browsers.

PARENT-INFANT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR NEW PARENTS OR COUPLES

In 1999 I began working with individuals and groups to provide prenatal and postnatal information, education and support to new mothers. I provided service and training as a certified La Leche League leader for 5 years. In my graduate studies I obtained a Parent-Infant Mental Health Concentration along with a coursework concentration in Neuropsychology. This training prepares me to provide psychological services to families in transition adjusting to having become parents, or who long to do so but are facing infertility, as well as those who have experienced other changes associated with loss, adoption, birth, or the birth of multiples.

Integrated care frequently involves working closely with professionals of diverse training and talents. Many new mothers experiencing emotional distress may find relief through consulting with a lactation consultant and/or a postpartum doula. I partner with local lactation consultant Cindi Freeman, IBCLC, and postpartum doula Pamela Diamond, to offer comprehensive new mother/parent wellness care.

I recently partnered with Anne Wimer, Executive Director of Postpartum Education and Support, in presenting a parent panel at the The 8th Annual Triangle Breastfeeding Alliance Conference. Our session was titled, Postpartum Mood Disorders and Breastfeeding: The Role of Family and Social Support.

For new mothers experiencing anxiety, psychological stress or postpartum depression, in addition to individual therapy, I recommend attending the MSM peer-led support group which meets in Raleigh. "Moms Supporting Moms (MSM), is a peer-led, judgment-free support group for women struggling with issues related to pregnancy, delivery and early motherhood. The weekly support group meetings provide a confidential and safe environment for sharing stories, discussing problems and seeking solutions." The MSM website above includes useful information for all pregnant women, new mothers, their paartners and caring family members. You may also wish to obtain information from Mayo Clinic's website.