Joe Persinger, PhD

	Joined Dec, 1995 Department: Chronic Pain Title: Psychologist Degree: PhD Interests: On my off hours, I enjoy exploring the wine country and the coast with my wife, dining out, movies, reading good fiction, playing my guitar, experimenting with audio recording, riding our motor scooter and acting in community theater. Practitioner Homepage
Bio I am a clinical psychologist and have been on the staff of the Chronic Pain Department since 1995. My roots are in Virginia and extend back nearly 300 years on my father's side. When I was 14, we went to Panama to live for two years. While there, I gained an appreciation for another culture, quite different from the one I grew up in. After graduating from University, I spent four years working at various jobs and considering my life path. I finally decided on the study of the human psyche and attended graduate school. In 1983, after finishing my post-doctoral internship, I opened a general outpatient private practice at the Erickson Institute in Santa Rosa and have been there ever since. I joined the Kaiser Permanente Chronic Pain Program in 1995 and have enjoyed working with the team here for the past ten years. Our work is challenging but can be highly rewarding. I'm impressed by the professionalism and dedication of our team members and am happy to be part of the program. My credentials: 1967: BA, University of Virginia. 1977: PhD, California School of Professional Psychology (Alliant University), Los Angeles. 1979-1982: Post-Doctoral Internship, Sonoma County Department of Mental Health. 1982: California Psychologist license, PSY7366.
My Medical Specialty
More details about my specialty: The human psyche is infinitely complex and endlessly fascinating. I can study ways to alleviate pain and suffering for a lifetime and never exhaust the possibilities. My specialty interests and affiliations within my field: I have particular interests in hypnosis and trauma therapy. Current projects or research: I'm currently co-developing a research proposal to study the effects of brief maternal-infant bonding therapy upon symptoms of childhood asthma. Great health resources that I refer to: My most valued health resources are my colleagues, with whom I consult regularly.
Interests
On my list of things to do is to create a series of self-hypnosis CDs addressing various issues: sleep, chronic pain management, performance anxiety, surgery preparation and recovery, and others. Currently reading: The Master and Commander Series. My favorite book or author: Charles Frazier, Jane Smiley, Annie Proulx Great movie: Truly Madly Deeply
Family & Friends


Travel
An adventure I've had: Mountain climbing and hiking in the back country of the Grand Teton National Park when I was 17 and worked for the National Park Service. Marvellous country, incredible vistas.