Patricia Purnell is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with extensive experience supporting children and adolescents across inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization settings. Her clinical foundation is rooted in evidence-based approaches, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness-Based CBT—each thoughtfully tailored to meet the developmental needs of younger clients. Patricia earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University, where she also minored in Child Development. She is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology through The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, with a specialized focus on Child and Adolescent Treatment.

Recognizing the unique ways children process experiences, Patricia integrates creative interventions such as play, art, music, narrative, and bibliotherapy to support emotional expression and healing. These modalities are particularly effective in helping children explore and articulate complex emotions in ways that feel safe and developmentally aligned.

A key component of Patricia’s therapeutic approach is her belief in the power of co-regulation. She uses her calm and grounded presence to help create a safe, regulated space where children and families feel supported. This attuned presence allows clients to process and regulate their emotions in a safe, connected environment.

With a strong belief in the healing power of relationships, Patricia places family involvement at the center of her therapeutic work. She partners with caregivers to build supportive, connected environments that reinforce a child’s growth and resilience.

Her approach is holistic, relational, and trauma informed, grounded in clinical science, yet enriched by a deep connection to nature, spirituality, and animals. Patricia is currently expanding her work through training in Animal-Assisted Therapy, exploring how human and animal connection can support emotional regulation and nervous system healing.

Outside the therapy space, she enjoys cooking, reading, baking, and spending restorative time in nature with her animals. These personal passions reflect the values she brings to her work: presence, nourishment, and deep connection.

Patricia is committed to creating a safe, empowering space where children and families feel seen, supported, and invited into meaningful healing.