PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

In 2007, I completed my doctoral studies in clinical psychology at the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant International University (AIU) in San Diego, CA.  My research on trauma and deafness was honored with the prestigious F. Joseph McGuigan Dissertation Award at AIU.

As a clinical psychologist, I maintain active licenses in multiple states, including California (PSY 22339), Hawaii (PSY-1139), Florida (TPPY111), and Virginia (0810007417). My commitment to professional development is evident through my certifications, including being an EMDRIA certified EMDR therapist and approved consultant, as well as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). Furthermore, I am recognized as a National Health Service Provider in Psychology, highlighting my dedication to delivering high-quality psychological services. In recognition of the evolving landscape of mental health services, I also hold a Telepsychology Competencies Credential (TCC), ensuring that I am well-equipped to provide effective and ethical telepsychology services.

Having spent my formative years in Germany, I bring an international perspective to my practice. Fluent in English and German (my native language), I am dedicated to providing psychological services that resonate with a diverse range of individuals seeking support.

My journey in the field of psychology has been characterized by a commitment to academic excellence and a passion for expanding knowledge in the field. Each degree represents a milestone in my educational and professional development, shaping my expertise and approach to clinical practice and research. Below is a list of my academic achievements:

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (2007 - APA accredited) 

• Alliant International University, San Diego, CA
• Recipient of the F. Joseph McGuigan Dissertation Award

M.A. - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology (2004 - APA accredited)

• Alliant International University, San Diego, CA

M.S. - Master of Science in Psychology (2002)

• University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, MO

B.A. - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2000)

• Park University, Parkville, MO
  Graduated with highest Honor - Summa Cum Laude

I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of professional practice and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field of psychology. Below is a comprehensive list of my licenses and certifications:

• California Psychology License (PSY 22339) (issued: 12/2008)
• Hawaii Psychology License (PSY-1139) (issued: 08/2009)
• Florida Psychologist Out-of-State Telehealth License (TPPY 111) (issued: 05/2020)  https://www.flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/
• Virginia Psychology License (0810007417) (issued: 03/2021)
• Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) under the PSYPACT Commission (e.Passport issued 05/20/21; Mobility Number 7933)
• National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (issued: 12/2008)
• Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) (issued: 04/2025)
• EMDRIA Certified EMDR clinician (issued: 05/2014)
• EMDRIA Approved EMDR consultant (issued: 11/2023)
• Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) (issued: 03/2024)
• Somatic Attachment Therapy Certificate (issued: 2023)
• Telepsychology Competencies Credential (TCC) (issued: 01/2022)
• Deaf Study Certificate, Maple Woods Community College, Kansas City, MO (issued: 05/2000)

These licenses and certifications reflect my dedication to providing high-quality, evidence-based care and my ongoing commitment to professional development.

With more than 20 years of clinical expertise, I've dedicated my career to serving in diverse inpatient and outpatient mental health institutions, including:

• Private Practice, San Diego, CA (2011 to present)
• Area clinician for the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego, CA (12/2016 to 03/2018)
• Trauma Research Institute, San Diego, CA (10/2008 to 03/2011)
• The Preuss School/UCSD, La Jolla, CA (02/2009 to 06/2012)
• Deaf Community Services, Inc., San Diego, CA (05/2008 to 08/2008)
• Private Practice, San Diego, CA (12/2007 to 09/2008)
• California State University San Marcos - Student Health and Counseling Services, San Marcos, CA (08/2005 - 06/2006) 
• Sweetwater Union High School District, Chula Vista, CA (09/2004 to 06/2005)
• Bayview Hospital & Mental Health Systems, Chula Vista, CA (06/2004 to 06/2005)
• Signs of Life/McAllister Institute, San Diego, CA (06/2002 to 05/2003) 

I hold memberships with several esteemed organizations, including:

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Psychologists in Independent Practice (APA Division 42)
• Trauma Psychology (APA Division 56)
• Association for the Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBC)
• National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (NRHSPP)
• San Diego Psychological Association (SDPA)
• Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists (VACP)
• Northern Virginia Clinical Psychologists (NVCP)
• International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation (ISSTD)
• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
• Somatic Experiencing Training Institute

In 2003, I had the privilege of joining Dr. Constance Dalenberg, a distinguished professor at AIU and an internationally renowned trauma expert, at the Trauma Research Institute in San Diego. During this time, as a crucial component of my doctoral research, I successfully completed a dissertation titled "Trauma Symptoms in Deaf Adults." Following my graduation from AIU in 2007, I was invited to continue my work with Dr. Dalenberg at the Trauma Research Institute, where I dedicated several years to furthering my expertise before transitioning to private practice.

In addition to my hands-on experience, I have actively contributed to the academic discourse by publishing several peer-reviewed research journal articles exploring trauma incidence rates, PTSD, and dissociation within the deaf community. Please refer to the list below for specific details on these publications.

Furthermore, I have had the honor of serving as a reviewer for research studies on trauma, PTSD, and dissociation in various esteemed peer-reviewed journals, including "Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy," the "Educational Research Journal," and the "Springer Publishing Company."

• Schild, S. & Dalenberg, C.J. (2016). Information deprivation trauma: Definition, assessment & interventions.  Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, Vol 25(8). pp. 873-889. doi:  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2016.1145162.

• Schild, S. & Dalenberg, C.J. (2015). Consequences of child and adult sexual trauma among deaf adults.  Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, Vol 24(3). pp. 237-256. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2015.1002654

• Wilson, J., & Schild, S. (2014). Provision of mental health care services to deaf individuals using telehealth.  Professional Psychology: Research and Practice. Vol 45(4), pp. 324-331. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/a0036811

• Schild, S. & Dalenberg, C.J. (2012). Psychoform and somatoform dissociation and PTSD in deaf adults. Journal of Trauma and Dissociation. Vol 13(3), pp. 361-376. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/15299732.2011.641711

• Schild, S., & Dalenberg, C. J. (2012). Trauma exposure and traumatic symptoms in deaf adults. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Vol 4(1), pp.117-127. doi: https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021578

• Schild, S. (2007). Trauma Symptoms in Deaf Adults. Doctoral dissertation, Alliant International University, San Diego

• Schild, S. (2004). Psychometric measurement review of the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI) for the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN).

• Schild, S. (2002). Relationship of Sexual and Racial Identity Development to Attitudes Towards HIV/AIDS in Black American Men who have Sex with Men.  Masters thesis, University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg.
  

In my ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychological care, I actively participate in several professional consultation groups. These collaborative spaces bring together clinicians dedicated to providing thoughtful, evidence-based, and trauma-informed treatment.

One consultation group focuses specifically on EMDR therapy, where we engage in case discussion, deepen clinical understanding, and stay current with advancements in this powerful modality. Through structured peer consultation, we refine our skills, strengthen ethical practice, and ensure adherence to best-practice standards.

Ongoing consultation is an essential part of clinical excellence. It supports continuous learning, professional accountability, and the delivery of high-quality care grounded in both research and collaborative wisdom.