Where I Come From

I’m a native of Los Angeles. I have lived in Seattle. My husband and I have raised two children, one birthed and one adopted, with several adoption “miscarriages” along the way.

Professional Experience

My professional experience, about thirty years worth, includes working with high risk infants and toddlers in a mental health clinic, providing parent education at preschools, teaching elementary school, consulting with pre-school and elementary school teachers, and providing individual counseling and psychotherapy. My specialty has been working with children from birth to five years old and their families.

Education and Licensing

I did my original training and licensing hours for Marriage, Child and Family Counseling in California where I earned my license in l990. I have been licensed in Washington state since 1994.

• B.A Scripps College, l970
• Ed. D. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, l973
• M.A. Antioch University at Los Angeles, l989
• WA State Lisc. # MF 200000928

Current Activity

After my mom passed in 2007 and my book was published in 2008, I retired from consulting and psychotherapy.  I trained Laura Stone (click on Referrals for Seattle) in the First Year Home Group techniques. Laura has a background in working with adoptees and their families. She currently runs the First Year Home Group here in Seattle.

I no longer consult beyond a quick e-mail, hence the list of referrals. (Click on Referrals  for more information.)

I continue to write about parenting challenging children.  I am currently working on essays related to the “stress shaped brain,” institutional /traumatic autism,  and the pros and cons of residential treatment. Look at the box on the right side of the Home Page for new essays.

Contact Information

For additional information email: patty@pattycogen.com