1994                        Doctor of Philosophy, Counseling Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
 1991                        Master of Arts, Counseling Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin
 1988                        Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Sociology, Texas Wesleyan University  

 

 1995                        Licensed Psychologist in Texas (Number 25365)
 1996                        Health Service Provider in Psychology (Certificate Number 43953) 

 

Psychologist in Independent Private Practice, 2000-present
Providing psychotherapy services to individuals with a variety of life and health issues, such as infertility, significant changes in physical ability, weight problems, chronic pain, relationship issues, and emotional difficulties.  Helping people develop coping skills to address their issues more effectively.  Evaluating personality, intellectual, and neuropsychological functioning through use of standardized psychological tests.  Providing life coaching services to help clients achieve their personal and/or professional goals.  Publishing a monthly newsletter.

Staff Psychologist, Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital, San Antonio, 1995-2000
Conceptualized, designed, and implemented a comprehensive program for provision of both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation psychology services.  Researched existing models and services, defined a role for psychology within the facility, and coordinated all administrative functions relevant to psychology, such as the development and coordination of clinical services, policies, billing procedures, marketing materials, and clinical tools.  Sole provider for all inpatient and outpatient psychological consultations with delivery of clinical services such as neuropsychological assessment and diagnostic psychological evaluation, as well as individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy.  Patient population consisted primarily of patients with neurological deficits (such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and multiple sclerosis), spinal cord injury, organ transplant, orthopedic impairment, cancer, or chronic pain.  Member of a core multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, speech pathologists, and physical, occupational, and recreational therapists.  Led a weekly outpatient Brain Injury Survivor's psychotherapy group.  Team psychologist for a multidisciplinary ALS clinic.  Coordinated and provided services in three weekly outpatient psychology clinics and also regularly educated cardiac rehabilitation outpatients about stress management techniques.  Served on various committees within the rehabilitation facility including the Clinical Management Team and Policy Review Committee.  Educated staff through inservices and consulted with team members to facilitate psychologically-sensitive delivery of patient care.  Described role of psychology to surveyors to facilitate understanding of psychology involvement in the rehabilitation process during CARF and JCAHO surveys of the facility.

 

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Community Dentistry, UTHSCSA, 2003-present
Teaching a course in behavioral dentistry to third year dental students.  Providing consultation to the department regarding integration of psychological aspects of patient care into curriculum.

Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, UTHSCSA, 2000-2004
Supervised psychology interns providing psychotherapy to long-term psychotherapy clients.  Attended supervisors’ meetings to give feedback on progress of trainees.  Delivered lectures on topics related to health psychology and cross-cultural issues.

Adjunct Faculty, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, Adult and Higher Education, The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2002.
Taught a required course in counseling theories to graduate students.  Challenged students to understand how their own development affects the therapeutic process and helped them understand the wide range of therapeutic approaches and techniques available to counselors.

Assistant Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA, 1995-2000
Taught a comprehensive course introducing rehabilitation medicine residents to research design and statistics.  Provided medical residents with an overview of rehabilitation psychology and its role in evaluating and intervening with various disorders and issues typical in the rehabilitation setting (i.e., adjustment to disability, coping with grief, anxiety, or depression, as well as evaluating cognitive dysfunction).  Developed and delivered lectures on a variety of topics related to psychological issues in patient care and appropriate use of rehabilitation psychology consultation services.  Closely supervised and trained clinical psychology trainees in appropriate clinical intervention in the rehabilitation setting.  Involved in teaching a Behavioral Science course to medical students.  Presented at conferences and served on the Selection Subcommittee of the Medical School Admissions Committee.

Assistant Instructor, The University of Texas at Austin, 1991-1992
Designed and taught an upper-level undergraduate course introducing students to individual counseling and psychotherapy.  Covered topics including:  theoretical approaches to psychotherapy; listening skills; professional and ethical issues; special populations; gender-aware and culturally-sensitive psychotherapy.

Teaching Assistant, The University of Texas at Austin, 1989-1992
Lectured on the DSM III-R, graded term papers, coded data, performed administrative functions, and assisted in the coordination of practicum placements for students in the Counseling Psychology Training Program.

Teaching Assistant, Austin Community College, 1989
Tutored students in English literature and composition.

 

POSTDOCTORAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY FELLOWSHIP
Department of Psychiatry, UTHSCSA, 1994-1995
Worked as a member of multidisciplinary teams in providing inpatient and outpatient clinical services to individuals with chronic mental illness and behavioral health concerns.  Evaluated patients through the administration and interpretation of a wide variety of standard intellectual, personality, and neuropsychological instruments.  Conducted time-limited and long-term psychotherapy with inpatient and outpatient adults, children, and families in psychiatric and health psychology settings.  Provided staff consultation regarding the design and implementation of effective behavioral interventions with patients.  Assisted in the clinical training and supervision of clinical psychology interns and medical students.

ROTATIONS

Inpatient Consultation

Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, University Hospital
Provided psychology consultative services to an inpatient psychiatric unit.  Gained extensive experience in psychodiagnostic assessment and psychological report writing.  Taught medical students and psychiatry residents about the use of psychology testing instruments in the diagnosis and comprehensive evaluation of patients.  Provided patients and treatment team with interpretation and feedback regarding the implications of test data.  Contributed psychology input into the restructuring of the inpatient program by developing unit objectives for patients and staff, writing a segment of the patient handbook, and observing/evaluating ongoing psychoeducational therapy groups.
Supervisor:  Raymond Costello, Ph.D., Director, Psychodiagnostic and Neuropsychology Lab

Long-Term Psychotherapy

UTHSCSA Psychotherapy Service
Provided interpretive, dynamic psychotherapy for one long-term case carried over from internship year.
Supervisor:  Margot Zeulzer, Ph.D., Director of Psychological Services, Laurel Ridge

Neuropsychology

Department of Clinical Psychology, Brooke Army Medical Center
September to November 1994
Administered, scored, and interpreted a wide variety of neuropsychological instruments.  Participated in writing neuropsychological reports, clinical interviews, and short-term psychotherapy of patients with traumatic head injury, stroke, and other neuropsychological complications. 
Supervisor:  Pamelia F. Clement, Ph.D., ABPP, Clinical Neuropsychologist

Behavioral Medicine/Chronic Pain Management

Behavioral Medicine Clinic, University Health Center—Downtown
Department of Anesthesiology Pain Clinic, University Clinic
December 1994 to February 1995
Worked with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate and treat patients with complaints of chronic pain, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, etc., by designing and implementing patient-specific cognitive behavioral programs and providing individual and family psychotherapy.  Observed neurological evaluations and procedures such as Lumbar Sympathetic Blocks and examination under Sodium Penethol.  Observed and administered Amytal interviews.  Assisted in supervision and training of medical students.
Supervisor:  Lawrence S. Schoenfeld, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry

Pediatric Oncology

Childhood Blood Disorders and Cancer Center, Santa Rosa Children's Hospital
March 1995 to May 1995
Interviewed and assessed psychological functioning of pediatric cancer outpatients in remission in a long-term follow up clinic.  Observed various medical procedures on pediatric cancer inpatients and learned ways to help children manage the distress associated with medical interventions.  Provided individual psychotherapy and co-led a parent support group.  Attended weekly case conference.
Supervisor:  Judith Grant, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Reeves Rehabilitation Center, Inpatient Unit, University Hospital
June 1995 to August 1995
Provided all psychological evaluation, neuropsychological testing, and psychotherapy for inpatient rehabilitation patients on a consultative basis.  Participated in team conferences to help the team integrate psychology input to facilitate positive interactions between patients and team members.  Developed patient education materials on dealing with brain injury and gave general input into the potential development of a rehabilitation psychology program within the facility.

 

PREDOCTORAL CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIP (APA ACCREDITED)
Department of Psychiatry, UTHSCSA, 1993-1994
Provided child, adult, individual, and group psychotherapy, as well as couples and family therapy, in various inpatient and outpatient settings.  Conducted psychodiagnostic evaluations using a wide variety of assessment instruments.  Attended weekly seminars and case conferences.  Received intensive supervision including on-site supervision, and supervision for long-term therapy cases and group psychotherapy.  

ROTATIONS:

UTHSCSA Psychotherapy Service
Provided interpretive dynamic psychotherapy for two individual long-term psychotherapy cases.  Also co-led an ongoing process-oriented adult outpatient therapy group.
Supervisors:  Daniel Lopez, Ph.D., Psychologist, Southwest Neuropsychiatric Institute; James Stedman, Ph.D., Professor, UTHSCSA (Individual Cases); Joseph Kobos, Ph.D., Director, UTHSCSA Counseling Service (Group)

San Antonio State Hospital, Bowie Hall
September to December 1993
Worked collaboratively with a treatment team to provide ongoing care for adult inpatient population on this acute care unit.  Provided individual and group psychotherapy.  Designed and led a psychoeducational group teaching assertive behavior.  Developed and implemented inservice training for mental health workers.  Administered, scored, and interpreted psychological tests.  Participated in a weekly conference focusing on Rorschach scoring and interpretation.
Supervisor:  David Josephs, Psy.D., Unit Director, Bowie Hall, San Antonio State Hospital

UTHSCSA Counseling Service
September to December 1993 and May to August 1994
Conducted intake evaluations and psychological testing.  Provided brief therapy and study skills consultation to students of various professional programs at the UTHSCSA.
Supervisors:  Debra Morrow, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, Counseling Service, UTHSCSA; Joseph Kobos, Director, Counseling Service, UTHSCSA

Child Guidance Center
January to April 1994
Learned a wide range of child and family evaluation techniques and provided child and family therapy in a treatment team context.  Conducted complete child psychological assessments.
Supervisor:  James Stedman, Ph.D., Chief Psychologist, Child Guidance Center

Psychodiagnostic and Neuropsychology Laboratory
January to April 1994
Completed one psychodiagnostic evaluation per week on an inpatient psychiatric unit for a total of 16 full batteries by the end of the rotation.  Administered, scored, and interpreted instruments such as the Shipley, MMPI, Rorschach, TAT, and sentence completion tests. 
Supervisor:  Raymond Costello, Ph.D., Director, Psychodiagnostic and Neuropsychology Lab

Southwest Mental Health Center
May to August 1994
Worked with a treatment team consisting of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nursing-child-care staff in conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, unit program consultation, treatment progress evaluations, and discharge and aftercare planning of inpatient child and adolescent inpatients.  Conducted individual, group, and family psychotherapy and completed up to one psychodiagnostic assessment per week.
Supervisor:  Wayne Ehrisman, Ph.D., Senior Psychologist, Southwest Mental Health Center

University Health Center--Downtown, Psychiatric Clinic
May to August 1994
Responded to consultation requests for professional opinion based on clinical interview and psychological tests.  Participated in triage screening of walk-in clients and assisted in dispositional arrangements for each client.
Supervisor:  Raymond Costello, Ph.D., Director, Psychodiagnostic and Neuropsychology Lab

 

PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS DURING GRADUATE TRAINING

The University of Texas Counseling and Mental Health Center
September 1992 to May 1993
Co-led and observed coed therapy groups and designed a theme group.  Attended weekly training seminar dealing with theoretical and practice issues.
Supervisors:  Patti Cox, Ph.D., Director, Group Services; David Drum, Ph.D., Director, Counseling and Mental Health Center

Austin Mental Health Associates, Austin, Texas
September 1991 to May 1992
Conducted diagnostic interviews and provided individual, family, group, and crisis counseling for outpatient clients ranging from ages 15 to 50.  Co-led an anxiety management group and also designed and led a six-session psychoeducational group on coping with the loss of an intimate relationship.
Supervisor:  John Watterson, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Austin Regional Clinic-MHA

Capital Area Mental Health Center, Austin, Texas
June 1990 to August 1991
Provided individual psychotherapy and assessment for outpatient clients who were eligible for psychological services at reduced rates.  A long-term model was employed with those clients exhibiting higher levels of pathology.
Supervisors:  Joan Offerle, Ph.D., Psychologist in private practice; Marilyn Wright, Ph.D., Psychologist in private practice; Alan Griffin, Ph.D., President, Capital Area Psychological Association; Frank Richardson, Ph.D., Professor, Counseling Psychology Training Program

Career Center at The University of Texas at Austin
August 1989 to December 1989
Counseled students with reference to choice of major, selection of a career, and exploration of personal values, skills, and objectives.  Critiqued resumes and provided feedback on Strong-Campbell Interest Inventory.
Supervisor:  K. Richard Pyle, Ph.D., Counseling Coordinator

 

Sharma, P. (2005).  Coping with the Holidays.  Presentation for members of Resolve of South Texas.

Sharma, P. (2003).  Psychologist as Life Coach.  Presentation for members of the Bexar County Psychological Association.

Sharma, P., & Long, J.S. (2000).  Stress Management Seminar.  Presentation for Coca-Cola Inc.

Sharma, P. (2000).  Addressing Disability Issues in Psychotherapy.  Presentation for psychology residents at UTHSCSA and Brooke Army Medical Center.

Sharma, P. (1999).  Understanding the Mental Health Needs of Asian Americans.  Presentation for psychology residents at the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital.

Sharma, P. (1999).  Beyond the Shame:  Empowering People with Disabilities.  Presentation for members of the Bexar County Psychological Association.

Sharma, P., Embry, L., & Kerl, S.B. (1998).  Psychological Interventions in the Medical Setting.  Conversation hour conducted at the annual meeting of the Texas Psychological Association, Houston, Texas.

Kerl, S.B., & Sharma, P. (1998).  Suggestions for Psychologists Working with Mexican American Patients in Medical Settings.  Poster session at the annual meeting of the Texas Psychological Association, Houston, Texas.

Heffer, R., Bajorek, E., Embry, L., & Sharma, P. (1998).  Strategies for Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety in the Medical Setting.  Symposium at the annual meeting of the Texas Psychological Association, Houston, Texas.

Peikari, C., Sharma, P., & Sharma, J. (1998). Cancer Patients Believe E-mail Lowers Access Barriers to Doctors.  Presentation at the meeting of the American College of Physicians, Dallas, Texas.

Grant, J.W., Bajorek, E., Heffer, R., and Sharma, P. (1997).  Psychologists in Medical Settings as Members of the Treatment Team.  Conversation hour conducted at the annual meeting of the Texas Psychological Association, Austin, Texas.

Sharma, P. (1997). Being Sensitive to People with Disabilities, Southwest Texas State University. 

Sharma, P., Caldwell, H.B.,  & Kerl, S.B. (1991).  A workshop on sexual harassment.  In L.Gilbert (chair), Understanding persistent factors that inhibit women's development.  Symposium conducted at the annual meeting of the Texas Psychological Association, San Antonio, Texas.  

 

Sharma, P. (2003-present).  Behavioral Dentistry.  Third Year Dental Students, Department of Community Dentistry, UTHSCSA.  Lectures included the following topics:  Etiology of Dental Fear, Assessing Dental Fear, Effective Communication during Clinical Intervention, Alleviating Anxiety, Pain and Dentistry, Stress Management for Dental Professionals.

Sharma, P. (2000 and 1997).  Statistics Module.  Resident Training Program, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA.  Lectures included the following topics:  Research Design and Statistics; Descriptive Statistics; Inferential Statistics; Inferential Tests; Correlation and Regression; Evaluating Diagnostic Procedures; Advanced Statistical Procedures; Use of Computer Statistical Packages; Integration and Application of Statistical Knowledge; and Course Review.

Sharma, P. (1999).  Use of Behavior Management Techniques in Medical Rehabilitation.  Resident Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA.

Sharma, P. (1998).  Diffusing Angry Patients and Their Families. Inservice Training at Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital.

Sharma, P. (1998).  The Mental Status Examination.  Resident Orientation Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA.

Sharma, P. (1998) Enhancing the Patient-Physician Relationship through Communication.  Resident Orientation Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA.

Sharma, P. (1998).  Managing Awareness Deficits of Patients with Brain Injury.  Inservice Training at Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital.

Sharma P., & Long, J.S. (1998).  Neuropsychological Aspects of Brain Injury.  Departmental Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA

Sharma, P. (1997).  Psychological Care of Acutely Ill Patients and Their Families.  Inservice Training at Surgical Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital.

Sharma, P. (1997).  Psychological Care of Rehabilitation Patients.  Inservice Training at Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital.

Sharma, P., & Newlove, T. (1997).  Addressing Issues of Sexuality with Patients in Rehabilitation. Inservice Training at Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital.

Sharma, P. (1997).  Substance Abuse and Traumatic Brain Injury.  Inservice Training at Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital.

Sharma P., & Long, J.S. (1997).  Psychological Responses to Injury and Illness:  Evaluation and Treatment. Departmental Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA

Sharma, P., (1996).  Psychological Adjustment to Spinal Cord Injury.  Resident Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA.

Sharma, P. (1996).  Psychological Assessment.  Departmental Lecture, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, UTHSCSA.

Sharma P., & Long, J.S. (1996).  Personal and Professional Boundaries:  Knowing Where the Patients Ends and You Begin.  Inservice Training at Reeves Rehabilitation Center, University Hospital.

Sharma, P., & Lucero-Miller, D. (1993).  Hospital Treatment of Borderline Patients.  Inservice Training at San Antonio State Hospital.

Sharma, P. & Lucero-Miller, D. (1993).  Hospital Treatment of Schizophrenic Patients.  Inservice Training at San Antonio State Hospital.

 

Sharma, P., & Kerl, S.B. (2002).  Suggestions for psychologist working with Mexican-American individuals and families in health care settings.  Rehabilitation Psychology, 47(2), 230-239.

Sharma, P. (1998). Book review, Nothing about us without us:  Disability, oppression, and empowerment (Charlton, J.I.), European Journal of Public Health, 9(3), 242.

Sharma P., & Lucero-Miller, D. (1998).  Beyond political correctness. In Teaching about culture, ethnicity, and diversity:  Exercises and planned activities.  Sage Publications.

Sharma, P. (1995).  Asian Indian attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help.  Dissertation Abstracts International, 55 (10b), 4614.

Sharma, P. (1993).  Asian Indian community survey.  Bharati.  India Association of North Texas.

Sharma, P. (1993).  New opportunities for empowerment in the transition process.  RRX Update, 2, 1-5.

 

2002-2004	Examiner, Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists
2004-present	Member, American Society for Reproductive Medicine
2004-present	Professional Member, Resolve:  The National Infertility Association
1999-2002	President-Elect, President, & Past President, Bexar County Psychological Association
2000-2002	Website Officer, Bexar County Psychological Association
2001-2002	Chair, Public Service Committee, Bexar County Psychological Association
1995-present	Member, American Psychological Association,
1995-present	Member, Texas Psychological Association.
1995-present	Member, Bexar County Psychological Association.
1998-2000	Selection Subcommittee, Medical School Admissions Committee, UTHSCSA
1997-1998	Medical School Admissions Committee, UTHSCSA
1994-1999	Women's Faculty Association, UTHSCSA
1997	Texas Psychological Association Convention Committee
1997	Chair and Editor, Texas Psychological Association Newsletter Committee
1996-1997	Chair and Editor, Bexar County Psychological Association Newsletter Committee

 

1994	Graduated with 4.0 GPA, The University of Texas at Austin
1993	Dissertation Scholarship, Lion's Club of Dallas
1989-1994	Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education
1989-1994	Phi Kappa Phi, Interdisciplinary Academic Honor Society
1988	Valedictorian of the class at Texas Wesleyan University
1987-1988	Psi Chi, Honor Society in Psychology
1987-1988	Alpha Kappa Delta, International Sociology Honor Society
1987	Outstanding College Students of America
1987	Goostree Symposium Scholar
1984-1988	Academic Honor List
1984-1988	Wesleyan Fellow Merit Scholarship, Full Tuition Scholarship