Dr. Carpenter is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Gottman Certified Therapist. She’s also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional available to help you improve your relationships in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. Dr. Carpenter specializes in mood disorders and behavioral addictions to focus on issues of sex dysfunctions, infidelity, infertility, and grief.
Education for Dr. Carpenter is integral to her success as a psychologist. Dr. Carpenter completed her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida and a Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at Miami University in Oxford, OH. She completed a pre-doctoral residency as well as a post-doctoral fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Following this training in behavioral medicine and community psychology, Dr. Carpenter spent two years at a University Counseling Center and later worked on the faculty of a major university.
Dr. Carpenter is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Kentucky, Virginia, and Maryland with professional memberships in the American Psychological Association, Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists, Northern Virginia Clinical Psychologists and Maryland Psychological Association. In addition, her PsyPact certification allows telehealth practice in over 39 different states.
As a psychologist, Dr. Carpenter is a scholar with an array of experience in research and program evaluations. She teaches several undergraduate and graduate courses. She has also conducted research in pediatric psychology and community psychology. Thus, Dr. Carpenter is an active proponent of continued education and the use of valid and reliable interventions.
Dr. Carpenter has extensive training in research-based interventions to treat trauma, and anxiety and mood disorders. She has a particular specialty in couples therapy and working with behavioral/process addictions, including sex addictions and gambling among others. Consequently, Dr. Carpenter utilizes the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), evidenced based models that help individuals and couples learn to establish deeper, more satisfying and meaningful connections. These models are effective for helping couples to work through issues such as addictions, infidelity, infertility, trust, and communication to build and maintain healthy, lasting relationships. Dr. Carpenter also uses Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to treat issues related to trauma. Her use of EMDR and DBT has been effective for EMT personnel, firefighters, and other therapists alike who experience different forms of trauma on a frequent basis.
Across all roles, Dr. Carpenter strives to work effectively and personally with a diverse population. She has a passion for the field of psychology and a firm belief in doing a job ethically well. As a result, she is able to connect with clients to create meaningful changes. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending eventful, quality time with her husband and children.
Dr. Carpenter welcomes the opportunity to earn your trust and join you on a path of optimal wellness for a healthy, enjoyable life.