Grace M. Goodman, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist (PSY 28905)
Assessment & Practicum Coordinator
Practice Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
As the director of the Assessment program at the Institute and Flourish, I provide comprehensive individualized assessment services for children, teens, and adults who want to learn more about their cognitive profile, learning or attention differences, or psychological challenges that have been difficult to remedy. I specialize in providing strengths-based assessments and walking alongside the client as they get connected to needed supports and accommodations. I’m passionate about changing the landscape of psychoeducational assessments so that they are accessible for everyone regardless of socioeconomic status. Therefore, I work with interested clients to provide guidance and explore options for assessment—whether it be a reduced fee at the Institute, assessment services through their school district, or testing at other clinics in our community.
In addition to my work with the Assessment team, I also provide individual therapy to young adult and adult clients. I’m passionate about supporting individuals as they live through and work against the harsh systemic realities of misogyny, gender inequities, racism, ableism, and other forms of oppression. I also specialize in providing meaningful support for pregnant women and new parents as they navigate pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether you’ve experienced birth trauma, pregnancy or infant loss, or changes in mood and anxiety during or after pregnancy, I’d be honored to journey with you through this season.
Specialties:
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Anxiety
• Perfectionism
• Procrastination
• Self-esteem / self-compassion
• Highly sensitive persons
• College transitions
• Perinatal and postpartum support / maternal mental health
• Racism-related stress and trauma
• Racial/ethnic identity development
• Parent coaching
Additional Information about my Specialties:
I have significant experience working with clients with anxiety and panic attacks. My approach is CBT-based (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), in which I help clients recognize and break the connection between bodily symptoms and catastrophic thoughts. I also use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help clients give up the struggle with initial panic symptoms (which tends to make the anxiety and panic worse), and instead ride the wave of the attack.
Perinatal and Postpartum Program Coordinator:
As the Institute’s Perinatal and Postpartum Program Coordinator, I have the privilege of walking alongside new mothers and mothers-to-be as they navigate this major life transition with wisdom and resilience. Mothers may face myriad pressures and expectations from society, family members, health care providers, fellow mothers, and even a self-critical inner voice. They may also notice that hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and childbirth are impacting their moods, anxiety levels, and relationships. My goal is to support these mothers as they access their inner strength, self-compassion, and wisdom so that they and their families may flourish and thrive.
Program Evaluation & Advancement Coordinator:
As the Program Evaluation and Advancement Coordinator, my goal is to support our clinicians so that we are even more effective and helpful in our work with clients and their families. I coordinate staff trainings, facilitate reading and research groups, and gather valuable feedback from therapists and clients about our strengths and areas of growth. After carefully considering how we may best support our clinicians to serve clients effectively, I help our team to implement thoughtful and impactful change.
Presentations and Workshops:
• Stand Up! Speak Out!™ Summer Workshop for elementary girls
• Get Social Media Savvy for middle school girls and their parents
Articles:
• Self-Compassion: The New Alternative to Self-Esteem
• Embracing Gratitude
• Gratitude Journals
Advanced Training:
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Maternal Mental Health
• Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM)
• Seeking Safety
Prior Experience:
• Adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary’s School of Psychology
• Centerstone Kentucky
• San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health
• Augustus Hawkins Community Mental Health
• Hubert Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center
• Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services
Education:
• Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary
• Master of Arts in Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Amherst College
Mission:
My mission is to empower girls and women to face life’s opportunities and challenges in ways that foster resilience and compassion and enrich their interpersonal relationships and communities.
Email: GGoodman@IFGD.care
Phone: 626-585-8075 ext. 105
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