Video Trailer

Dr. Lorraine R. Freedle

Lorraine Razzi Freedle, PhD is a resident of East Hawaiʻi Island, a licensed clinical psychologist and social worker in Hawai’i and New Mexico, and a passionate sandplay therapist and teacher (STA/ISST).  She lectures internationally, both in-person and online.  Deeply rooted in values of generosity, lifelong growth, and community, Dr. Freedle offers her clients and trainees compassionate attunement, supporting them in overcoming life’s challenges and reconnecting with their source of inspiration.

Dr. Freedleʻs book, When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women stems from decades of psychotherapy practice where Pele has appeared in the work of her clients. Lorraine has also been profoundly moved by her personal encounters with Pele and the resilience shown by her community during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption–the most destructive in Hawaiʻi in over 200 years.

With doctoral training in neuropsychology and a board certification in pediatric neuropsychology, Dr. Freedle’s research interests center on the areas of trauma, neuropsychology, and sandplay therapy. She has published numerous articles, including award-winning research in the evidence base of sandplay therapy, sandplay therapy with individuals with brain injury, and sandplay therapy with youth with co-occurring trauma and substance abuse.  Lorraine is the co-producer and director of the documentary film, Fire and Sand: Healing in the wake of the 2018 Kīlauea eruption– winner of “Best Hawaiʻi Film in 2019” through the Honolulu Film Awards and the “Humanitarian and Social Justice Award” at the Santa Fe Film Festival. 

Dr. Freedle is the owner/operator of Black Sand Neuropsychological Services, Inc., her private practice in Hilo, Hawaiʻi.