Barbara W. Boat, PhD

As a clinical psychologist, I work with children, teenagers, adults and families. My focus is on issues related to childhood adversities, including trauma, maltreatment, exposure to violence, loss and bereavement, dissociative disorders and dog bites.

My career path was influenced by my original research on the use of anatomical dolls in sexual abuse investigations. The knowledge and insights gained from working with victims and their families and collaborating with professionals in law enforcement and legal and medical systems have been invaluable.

My work as a clinician is to provide options that help people more effectively manage the issues they bring to my office. My image of care is a canoe on a river where my clients steer the canoe from the back and invite me to join for a while to help paddle. From the front of the canoe, I can offer advice about a rock ahead or another problem so they might navigate more successfully. I return to the shore, but I can always be picked up again if needed.

My counseling setting is a unique and healing environment and located on the top floor of historic Logan Hall. I carry a limited number of cases, and I do not do evaluations for court purposes. I hope to continue offering visits through telehealth.

The most important feature of the recognitions I've received during my career is their connection to the well-being of children and families. They include:

• Kimberly F. Crews Award for Excellence in Service to Abused Children
• Special Achievement Award from the Office of the Ohio Attorney General
• American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children: Research Achievement Award
• Pro Kids, Cincinnati: Step Up For A Child Award
• Family Nurturing Center, Cincinnati: Champion for Change Award

My current research interest, consistent with eliminating violence across the lifespan, is titled “Establishing Hit Free Zones.” This project focuses on both human and animal well-being and can be applied to a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, domestic violence shelters, veterinary clinics and humane societies.