ALTERNATIVES TO PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS FOR KIDS - Lisa Shaffner leads the way on psycho-social explanations of behaviour.

Lisa L. Shaffner, PhD, NCC, LPCMH, Psychology

Lisa L. Shaffner, PhD teaches in the Psychology Program at Goldey-Beacom College and is a licensed professional counselor of mental health (LPCMH). Dr. Shaffner has a dual doctorate in psychology from the Universidad Azteca/Universidad Central de Nicaragua.  She teaches students the fundamentals of psychology, assisting them in gaining access to the knowledge psychology offers in order that they might gain a better understanding of other human beings and the world in which they live. Her continued goal is to try to understand how each of us is alike or different in areas such as personality, intellectual abilities, behavior, habits, and cultural influences. Dr. Shaffner is involved in developing a new  treatment/therapy for adolescents with behavioral problems; the research will challenge the existing theories that children or adolescents are “already formed,” and; therefore, beyond any life-altering or personality-changing treatment. In addition, she is involved with alternatives to psychotropic medication including self-hypnosis, meditation, yoga, and Asian alternative medical approaches. Dr. Shaffner is also creating a manual for use by the layperson to assist him or her in mentoring troubled adolescents. Currently, she is actively involved in various documentary film projects that involve interpersonal relationships, alternative education, social change projects, and revealing issues regarding the inadequacy of providing social and mental health services to those who are most in need.