About Barbara Pedalino, PsyD

Why did Dr. Pedalino become a clinical psychologist?

People sometimes wonder what drew Dr. Pedalino to want to listen to other people’s problems. Dr. Pedalino describes her answer as twofold: First, when she personally encountered adversity, she discovered how integral therapy was to develop coping skills, learn, and grow. So yes, she sat in the client’s seat and can appreciate how it feels to be vulnerable. Second, she feels enriched when she can help ease someone’s emotional pain or observe someone’s excitement from self-discovery and growth.

Dr. Pedalino’s interest in self-esteem spans all ages and involves working with adults experiencing anxiety or depression, children, adolescents, families, and schools. She also specializes in play therapy with children – “their language” – adolescent issues, parenting concerns, communication and social skills, ADHD, bipolar disorder, relationship discord, and grief and loss due to trauma, divorce, illness, or death. She has a particular sensitivity to the issues seniors may face. She is dedicated to fostering personal responsibility and has conducted extensive research on bullying behavior, which has led to published articles and presentations.

Dr. Pedalino was trained in Humanistic Psychology, a process whereby the uniqueness of the individual is respected and valued as he or she realizes a full potential through the process of change and growth. She also utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reminiscence Therapy, Play Therapy, and Humanistic Psychology. These therapeutic styles, combined with Dr. Pedalino’s creative flair, genuine interest, and belief in her clients, facilitate their ability to gain direction, clarity, and enhanced self-esteem.

After 25 years of clinical experience in the Michigan area, Dr. Pedalino relocated to the desert where she has been practicing since 2006. She is married, has 4 adult children (1 son and 3 daughters), and 4 grandchildren (2 grandsons and 2 granddaughters).

Begin where the learner is;

Not where you would like the learner to be.