Doctor/Author’s Profile
Dr. Joseph William Ferrara is an academically, clinically and professionally trained psychologist/scientist who is a Florida licensed psychotherapist/mental health counselor, a board certified Diplomate in psychotherapy by the American Psychotherapy Association, a member of the American Psychological Association and a Diplomate in clinical psychology by the American College of Forensic Examiners, authorized to provide comprehensive psychological and forensic evaluations, individual, marriage & family analytic mental health counseling/psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults.
Dr. Ferrara earned the degree title Doctor of Education (EdD) in Human Services, majoring in Clinical Psychology, with a minor in Administration from the University of Sarasota, Sarasota, Florida. He wrote a doctoral dissertation entitled “A Method for Improving Self-acceptance as a Component in Psychotherapy and Behavioral Change”, followed by two years of clinical residency. He earned the degree title Master of Science (M.S.) in clinical psychology with thesis entitled “The Functioning of Immediate Verbal Feedback in Paired Associative Learning with Normals and Retardates” from North Texas State University, Denton, Texas and degree title Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in general psychology with a minor in the Christian Bible writing a thesis entitled “The Dynamics of Mental Illness” from Abilene Christian College, Abilene, Texas, a member of The Frater Sodalis Men’s Fraternal Organization, completing residencies and practicum’s at state psychiatric hospitals and schools for the mentally retarded. All colleges and universities attended by Dr. Ferrara were fully licensed and accredited by the state and regional accrediting body in which they reside and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Dr. Ferrara was employed as both staff and court psychologist in state psychiatric hospitals, community mental health centers/clinics and schools for the mentally retarded. He has taught university undergraduate and graduate psychology courses and has authored and contributed articles in law, clinical and social areas of psychology. Dr. Ferrara has been invited as a guest speaker for the American Psychological Association’s National Convention, various health workshops and business association meetings. Dr. Ferrara has sixty-four (64) years of public mental health practice, has done research studies in the field of self-esteem and behavior change and has copyrighted a self-esteem training program.
Dr. Ferrara and his wife, Mary, have celebrated their sixtieth (60) anniversary and are the proud parents of Bryon Stephen and Natalie Renee and grandparents of Emma Taylor Ferrara/Mahan, the daughter of son-in-law Rick Mahan. Dr. Ferrara devotes his time to his wife, family and mental health practice in the Sarasota, Florida community. He is truly a man of family, science and psychology in the mental health industry.