About Dr. Lucas

I have a lifelong investment in creating fuller, more abundant and mindful lives. I have a core commitment to healing and growth, a commitment to which I bring my diverse and well-grounded personal, educational and clinical experiences.

I am a psychologist in private practice, providing group and individual psychotherapy for adults. The work I do often focuses on:

  • emotional growth and development;
  • relationships with one’s self and with others;
  • healthy self-understanding;
  • enhancement of physical health through psychological wellness, and greater life satisfaction.

In addition to my extensive background in Clinical Psychology, I am trained and experienced in Neuropsychology (the study of the brain-behavior relationship). I understand well the connections between physical and emotional well-being.

I have a special interest in interpersonal neurobiology, an integrative approach which cultivates mindful awareness. The practice of mindfulness is now being shown to stimulate the brain to grow new, more integrated circuits ~ and may be at the heart of well-being, including emotional balance and resilience, enhanced relationships and attachments, improved cardiac and immune function, and an enhanced sense of empathy, connectedness, and self-understanding. This dovetails extremely well with my interest in the psychology of authentic happiness (also referred to as “positive psychology”), working from a focus on using one’s signature strengths for more fulfilling relationships, better health, and more meaningful work.

Some of the researchers and writers whom I find invigorating to psychotherapy include (and these are only a few):

  • Daniel Siegel, MD;
  • Tara Brach, PhD;
  • Jon Kabat-Zinn, PhD;
  • Martin Seligman, PhD; and
  • John O’Donohue, PhD.

Professional Background

  • Ph.D., Clinical Psychology
    Emory University ~ Atlanta, Georgia
  • Internship, Clinical Psychology
    U.N.C. Medical School ~ Chapel Hill
  • M.A., Psychology
    State University of New York at Binghamton
  • B.A., Psychology (with Distinction)
    University of Virginia ~ Charlottesville

Professional Memberships

  • American Psychological Association
  • American Academy of Psychotherapists
  • International Neuropsychological Society
  • Member of the American Psychological Association

I have also written a book about mindfulness, the brain, and relationships. To learn more about this, visit www.RewireYourBrainForLove.com.