Lorraine R. Freedle, PhD
Dr. Freedle is a resident of East Hawaiʻi Island and passionate sandplay therapist and educator. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and social worker in Hawaiʻi and New Mexico, a board-certified pediatric neuropsychologist (ABPdN), a teaching member of the Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) and the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST). She holds additional board certifications in Social Work (ACSW) and School Psychology (NCSP).
Dr. Freedle is on faculty at Southwestern College (SWC) in Santa Fe, NM and the Trauma Research Foundation (TRF). She also serves as trainer in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT).
With over 35 years of post-graduate experience, Lorraine practices at the crossroads of depth psychology and neuroscience–contributing extensively through research, teaching and leadership.
Publications
Dr. Freedle has authored numerous research articles in the areas of sandplay therapy, trauma, and neuropsychology, and is an award-winning researcher for her studies on the evidence base of sandplay, and its applications with adults with traumatic brain injury and youth with co-occurring trauma and addiction.
Dr. Freedle recently launched,When a Goddess Erupts: Pele in the Psyche of Women (Analytical Psychology Press). Her book explores the interplay of myth, nature and psyche and the healing power of sandplay therapy. The book 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.
Film
Dr. Freedle also co-produced and directed the documentary film, Fire and Sand: Healing in the Wake of the 2018 Kilauea Eruption. The film examines community trauma and resilience, the use of mobile Sandplay Therapy in disaster relief, and the living mythology of Pele during the 2018 Kīlauea eruption in Hawaiʻi. The film earned “Best Hawaiʻi Film” (Honolulu Film Awards), the “Humanitarian and Social Justic Award” (Santa Fe Film Festival), and a media award from the Hawaiʻi Psychological Association for exceptional media contributions that promote psychological health and understanding.
Leadership and Service
Dr. Freedle is the president-elect for the International Society for Sandplay Therapy (ISST) and currently serves on the ISST Board. She is also the past-present of Sandplay Therapists of America (STA) and currently serves on the STA Board. She also supports the Sandplay Therapists of Hawai’i and the New Mexico Sandplay Society, and serves as research editor for the Journal of Sandplay Therapy. She recently earned a Lifetime Achievement Award through the NASW Hawaiʻi Chapter in recognition for her contributions to the community and her role in mentoring the next generation of psychotherapists.
Practice
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. She serves as Chief Clinical Office for TeamBuilders Behavioral Health in Santa Fe, NM which she co-founded and provides clinical oversight, training and support to other community-based behavioral health organizations. Her private practice is Black Sand Neuropsychological Services in Hilo, Hawaiʻi where she provides sandplay therapy to children and adults, disaster response, and intensive therapeutic experiences for people who travel to the Island of Hawai’i for healing and renewal.
Education
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology Concentration
Fielding Graduate Institute, Santa Barbara, CA
EdS in School Psychology
University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, CO
MSW in Social Work, Mental Health Concentration
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with High Distinction
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
www.lorrainefreedle.com
drlorrainefreedle@gmail.com