William R. Emerson, Ph.D. is a teacher, writer, lecturer, and pioneer in the field of pre and perinatal psychology. Dr. Emerson's involvement in Pre and Perinatal Psychology includes the recovery and transformation of problems stemming from prenatal and birth traumas. He is a pioneer of treatment methods for infants and children, a renowned expert in treatment methods for adults, and is recognized world-wide for his contributions. He conducts treatment and training seminars throughout the U.S. and Europe. He is a former University Professor for the California State Universities and a European lecturer for the University of Maryland. He has published dozens of articles and 7 videos in the field of psychology and birth. Among his professional affiliations and presentations Dr. Emerson is a frequent key note speaker at psychology conferences, a radio and television personality, and a member of and keynote speaker for ATTACH (an organization of professionals who treat bonding and attachment disorders). He is a member in long standing of the American Psychological Association, a member of the board of directors for both the Association of Pre- and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH) and the International Primal Association (IPA). He has been named an honorary fellow for the National Institute of Mental Health for his scholarly excellence and his contributions to the field of Psychology.
Infant and Child Birth Re-Facilitation (a booklet) Institute for Holistic Education (Guildford, England) & Human Potential Resources (Petaluma, CA)1984a.
Infant and Child Birth Re-Facilitation : A Videotape. Institute for Holistic Education (Guildford, England) & Human Potential Resources (Petaluma, CA) 1984b.
Family Sexuality: Transforming Crisis. Self and Society, European Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Vol. 12, #6, Nov./Dec. 1984
Infant and Child Birth Re-Facilitation. Transcription of presentation given at the 2nd Int'l Cong. on Pre & Perinatal Psychology,San Diego, 1985
The Betrayal of Children. In The California Therapist, Aug. 1985
Primal Therapy with Infants. In Aesthema, Journal for the International Primal Association, 1987a.
Psychotherapy with Infants and Children: Prevenative/Psychology. Transcription of presentation given at the 3rd Int'l Cong. on Pre and Perinatal Psychology, San Francisco, 1987b.
Psychotherapy With Infants. Pre and Perinatal Psychology News, 1987c.
Psychotherapy with Infants and Children. Journal of Pre and Perinatal Psychology,1989a.
Healing Birth Trauma: A video tape. Petaluma, Human PotentialResources, 1989b.
Prenatal Learning. Pre and Perinatal Psychology News, 1989c.
Birth Oriented Psychotherapy with Infants and Children. Transcription of presentation given at "The Power of Pre and Perinatal Experience", Newport Beach, CA 1989d.
Treatment Techniques and Research Outcomes: Pre and Perinatal Trauma in Infants and Children. Transcription of presentation given at the 4th Int'l Cong. on Pre and Perinatal Psych., Amhurst, MA 1989e
Healing Birth Trauma in Children: A Seminar for Parents & Professionals. (A videotape) Univ. of Surrey, Human Potential Resources Group, 1990.
1980-1990 Director of Inner Resources: Petaluma, CA
Inner Resources is a clinic. Its purpose is to facilitate the research
and treatment of disorders which result from pre and perinatal trauma.
During these years Dr. Emerson completed fifteen years of research on the
effects of pre and perinatal trauma on infants and children, and developed
treatment techniques to remediate these traumatic antecedents. In addition,
he and his staff provided treatment facilities for infants, adults and
children who experienced psychopathological and dysfunctional symptoms
eminating from pre and perinatal trauma. During the period of years from
1980 to 1990 Dr. Emerson has been a prominent member of the International
Primal Association and Pre and Perinatal Psychology Association of North
America, has acted as a speaker/chair, has been on organizing commitees,
and been a plenary speaker for the annual congresses. He is recognized
worldwide for his pioneering work in the treatment of pre and perinatal
trauma for infants and children.
1979-1989 Private Practice: Petaluma, CA
Did long term depth psychotherapy with adults utilizing primal and
regression techniques. Researched and pioneered the treatment of prenatal
and birth trauma in infants and children. Conducted professional trainings
worldwide, lectured interna-tionally and domestically, and published related
articles (see publications).
1977-1979 Private Practice: London & Amsterdam.
Conducted workshops for European psychiatrists and psychologists in
clinical and developmental theories, and related mental health techniques.
Conducted public workshops in personal effectiveness training, stress management,
co-counseling, regression, and other topics through Quaesitor, Stichtung
Center, and other public health facilities.
1975-1977 International Lecturer, University of Maryland.
Taught undergraduate courses in psychology in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Consulted for American primary and secondary schools, and lectured publicly
through USAF Department of Psychiatry and AFN radio.
Clinical Director and Staff Therapist, Center for the American Family:
Bitburg, Germany.
Established a private and educationally consultative Center to meet
the needs of the American USAF community overseas. Dealt mostly with family
conflict, child abuse, child drug abuse and alcoholism, sexual deviations,
and learning disabilities.
1971-1974 Director of Counseling & Guidance Program, Dominican College:
San Rafael, CA.
Organized and initiated a graduate program leading to an M.A. in Counseling
and Guidance. Primary thrust was the education of primary and secondary
teachers in psychological theories and techniques applicable within a classroom
setting, and secondarily on the training of potential school counselors
or MFCC counselors. Had administrative and teaching reesponsibilities.
1973-1974 Staff Therapist, The Goodfield Institute: San Anselmo, CA.
Did training in Video-Gestalt Therapy and worked as a staff therapist,
mostly in personal and family therapy.
1970-1972 School Psychologist, San Anselmo School District, CA.
The main functions were: (1) Devising and running a testing and referral
system, placing students into special learning groups or classrooms, and
consulting with teachers about students having behavior and/or learning
problems; (2) Organizing peer and community aids to assist classroom teachers;
(3) "Preventative" techniques training.
1968-1969 School Psychologist, The Child Center: Kentfield, CA.
Worked with a team of specialists (psychiatrist, neurologist, special
education teachers, educational psychologist, pediatrician, and speech
therapist), travelling in a mobile unit to various schools for up to a
month's time, providing substitute teachers, and training for the regular
classroom teachers.
1965-1968 Doctoral Candidate, George Peabody College at Vanderbilt University.
1963-1965 Psychometrist, Counseling Office, California State University:
Hayward, CA.
Primary responsibilities were: (1) Running the college-wide testing
program; (2) Assisting faculty in devising valid and reliable classroom
tests; and (4) co-leading counseling groups for students interested in
academic and emotional development.
1962-1964 Faculty, San Jose State University.
Instructed courses in Introductory Psychology and was T.A. for Experimental
Psychology. Completed coursework for the M.A. in Psychology.
