Joan Atwood, Ph.D. (Professor)

Dr. Atwood holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social psychology, and a master’s degree in social work. She earned a Ph.D. in social psychology from Stony Brook University. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, a licensed clinical social worker, a member of the National Academy of Social Workers, a certified sex therapist, and a certified Imago therapist.

Dr. Atwood is the past president of the New York State Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and was awarded the Long Island Family Therapist of the Year Award for outstanding contributions to the field. She is a clinical member and approved supervisor of AAMFT. She holds diplomate status and is a clinical supervisor on the American Board of Sexology. In addition to being professor of marriage and family therapy at Hofstra, she is also adjunct professor of psychology at SUNY New Paltz.

Dr. Atwood has published nine books and more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles. She serves on the editorial boards of most journals in the field. She has also served on The President’s Commission for Domestic Policy. Among her many projects, she is the co-developer of the P.E.A.C.E. (Parent Education and Custody Effectiveness) Program, a court-based educational program for parents obtaining a divorce.

Dr. Atwood has made numerous TV appearances and has given several radio and newspaper interviews. She is the president and clinical director of Marriage and Family Therapists of New York, a private practice and professional training corporation with offices in Rockville Centre, Manhattan, and Kerhonkson, NY.