Joanne Perilstein

Dr. Joanne Perilstein is a practicing psychologist in the Philadelphia specializing in treating adults with depression, anxiety and stress. using a variety of theoretical orientations depending upon the need of the individual, her approach is seasoned with empathy and humor. She works closely with her clients to provide them with the tools to manage or master what was previously problematic.

Her credentials include a Ph.D. from Northwestern University and a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the center of Cognitive Therapy at The University of Pennsylvania. In the years since, she became totally blind in 2000, she has expanded her education and gained training in hypnosis, pain control, positive psychology and meditation.

Associations

• American Psychological Association,
• Pennsylvania Psychological Association
• Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists

Our Mission

One of my favorite motto’s is: “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!” My hope is that this blog will stimulate others to constantly be on the look-out for positive aspects of our collective experience of this unexpected pandemic. At a time when it would be easy for all of us to feel dispirited by the frustrations, constraints and losses of our situations, I challenge you to further develop your coping abilities. Notice what is funny, notice what is helpful and be sensitive to the inspirational! Develop your ability to adapt and be flexible. Even during these difficult and tragic times, I challenge you to take the time to smell the flowers! In 2000, I became totally blind from a degenerative eye problem. I first lost sight in one eye at age six and the surgery at the time required me to lie still in bed for three weeks with both eyes covered. At that young age, lying still in a bed for three weeks was pretty horrific. When I later lost vision in my remaining eye as an adult, I was sent to the Colorado Center for the Blind, a rehab center that insisted that blind people were perfectly capable of living active, full and relevant lives. In the ensuing years having adapted to the consequences of that childhood experience, my life with total blindness and my psychological training has given me plenty of time to learn and consider many different modes of coping with negative circumstances. I hope to share that expertise and wisdom with you here.