Dr. Patricia Webbink - Biography
 The Backstory Behind My “Bio”
At 79, I look back on my life and with greater clarity than ever, I can see how it was that I developed into a multi-faceted helper of others, greatly fulfilled by my work. Like so many people in our wounded world, I grew up in a family beset with abuse, addiction, and divorce. Thankfully, I was not totally lost in my wounded environment. I found my way out by turning to my teachers. School was a good experience for me, providing functional relationships, a path to achievement, and the development of a sense of self-worth.
By the age of 11, I knew that I, too, wanted to help others as I was being helped. In my passionate, young heart was born a strong, spiritual motivation to be of service.
Turning Points
I went on to study at Duke University where I found that people naturally gravitated to me for advice and support. I worked with learning disabled children as I deepened my training in psychology. Upon graduation from Graduate School at the University of Connecticut, I chose not to journey through Europe. Rather, I would get to work immediately and began my practice in the Washington, D. C. area where the Second Wave of the Women’s Movement was in full swing.
I resonated deeply with Feminism and became the first therapist to openly identify as Feminist in the D.C. area. The heady atmosphere of support for women’s growth and empowerment activated my varied interests, including Centering, The Recovery Movement, and innovative techniques in my work.
All this seemed to come together with the great inspiration of meeting Dr. Helen Bonny, the originator of Guided Imagery and Music, who became my life-long mentor and friend until her passing.
Overcoming Obstacles
My marriage to the boyfriend of my school years could not last as I grew beyond its pre-Feminism limits. In a world newly adapting to the idea of single motherhood, I prevailed against any stigma by raising my wonderful son, the great joy of my life.
As often happens to innovators, at first I was outcast and disrespected as a Feminist Therapist. However, I could not deny my Truth nor the wisdom of the Feminist approach, and so I kept on until the Fates smiled in my direction with the publication of an article in the “Outlook” section of The Washington Post featuring my work. After that article was published, I became well known and travelled around the country speaking about Feminist Therapy.
Later, some raised eyebrows at my incorporating Mindfulness Meditation into psychotherapy after I met the great, late teacher Thich Nacht Hahn, but today Mindfulness is a staple in the work of many, many therapists.
My chronic back challenges could have kept me from becoming a world traveler, but many kinds of therapeutic dance kept me moving, joyful, and healthy (and still do).
The Result
Now, after 50 years of experience and helping thousands of people, I am a trusted provider of
powerful psychotherapy, utilizing various effective techniques according to the unique needs of each client.
Clients describe me as “warm,” “open,” “kind,” “flexible,” and “knowledgeable.” I have authored four books, all helping people to have fruitful relationships. I am fluent in Spanish and French, with a working knowledge of German. I have taught around the world and assisted in many immigration cases. I have also won awards in the educational field for innovative after-school programs.
I Invite You...
...To join thousands of others who have taken advantage of my free offerings, my $1 CD sale, my writings, and psychotherapy with me. My heartfelt desire to help others, coupled with a lifetime of personal and professional experience,
has equipped me to assist your self-healing journey in a way best suited to your special needs.
More Info:
Dr. Webbink received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Duke University in 1974.
She is the author of The Power of the Eyes (Springer, 1986), and a
book on relationships called The Intimacy Dance of Stingers and Clingers (Amazon Books, 2011).
She has also
appeared on radio (Voice of America in three languages), television
(ABC, CBS, The Oprah Winfrey Show and “Good Morning America”), and in
print (The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and U.S. News and World Report).
Listed
in Who’s Who in American Women, Who’s Who in the East, Who’s Who of
American Health Care Providers, Dr. Webbink also serves as a consultant
to government, private agencies, and to various area schools.
Below is only a partial list of Dr. Webbink's professional accomplishments and associations.
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