My name is Dr. Joan Cook. I’m a clinical psychologist and an Associate Professor at Yale University. Since earning my Ph.D., I’ve published nearly 100 research publications in the areas of traumatic stress, geriatric mental health and implementation science. I have served as the principal investigator on six grants -- four from the National Institute of Mental Health, one from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and one from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute.

In addition, I’m a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) Guideline Development Panel for PTSD, the 2016 President of APA’s Division of Trauma Psychology, and the Consulting Editor, of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies newsletter, Clinician’s Corner.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve worked clinically with a range of trauma survivors, including combat veterans and former prisoners of war, men and women who have been physically and sexually assaulted in childhood and adulthood, and survivors of the September 11th terroristic attack on the former World Trade Center.

For many years, I’ve wanted to write for a wider audience and finally decided to take a chance and try. Since October 2015, I’ve written and published over 30 op-ed’s for media outlets like Time, CNN, and Ms. Magazine. These pieces range from why people react to terrorism news differently to sexual assault on college campuses.

I feel it’s important to help make the world a better place -- in my small way and how I can. I’m sharing some of my favorite professional and public resources for those interested in trauma and mental health.

On a personal note, I’m married and have three amazing children. I tell them every day how lucky I am to be their mother.