Pat Pernicano

Dr. Pat Pernicano is a Clinical Psychologist who uses metaphor and storytelling in her professional work. Her career has focused on trauma-informed treatment for children, families, and Veterans. She served as part-time Associate Professor at Spalding University’s for 19 years, teaching and supervising doctoral students.

Raised in Rochester, NY, "Dr. P" attended college at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana; graduated from Indiana State in 1978 with her Master's in Clinical Psychology and received the Doctor of Psychology Degree from Baylor University in 1985.

Her most recent work addresses the impact of war on children and on Veteran Moral Injury. She co-authored a book in 2025 to help Veterans process and heal from moral injury. Her previously published collections of stories were intended for use in therapy with children and adults but may also be used in the classroom or home setting. Each story targets a problem, issue, or struggle; to guide problem solving and change, and her work is in a developmental context.

Dr. Pernicano retired from the VA in 2025 after ten years, and she now writes and presents on her interests. She co-developed Acceptance and Forgiveness Therapy with Chaplain Kerry Haynes.

When not working, Pat enjoys traveling with her husband Kevin (also a psychologist) and being with her two grown children, Becky a professional violinist, and Sam an art tee-shirt designer (sjpcreations.com). The loves of her life are her two young grandsons living in Pittsburgh, PA.