Educational Background
B.A. Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
M.A. Educational Psychology, San Francisco State University
Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology
Certification in Psychoanalysis, San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute
Professional Affilliations
Editorial Advisory Board, Children’s Book Division, American Psychological Association
Editorial Review Board, Journal of Loss and Trauma
Member, National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology
Member, Association for Psychological Science
Member, The Tomkins Institute: Applied Studies in Motivation, Emotion, and Cognition
Member, American Psychological Association
Member, Division of Psychoanalysis, American Psychological Association
Member, Division of Quantitative and Qualitative Methods, American Psychological Association
Member, California State Psychological Association
Member, Marin Psychological Association
Board Member, Italian-American Psychological Society
Member, The Commonwealth Club of California
Awards
- 2021, Pacific Sun, "Best of Marin" Psychologist.
- 2012 Family Choice Award for Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings.
- 2012 Family Choice Award for Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings.
- 2011 Italian American Psychological Society, Distinguished Italian American Psychologist Award: “Outstanding achievements and distinguished contributions to psychology”
- 2007 San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute and Society (San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis), Distinguished Service Award
- 2004 The Northern California Psychiatric Society Media Award:"Outstanding journalist or broadcaster who has brought to the attention of the public issues related to mental health with sensitivity, objectivity, and social responsibility."
- 2003 Honorable Mention, Heart of America Award, American Legion Auxiliary: “Creative Excellence in Communications Advancing the Status of Women in America.”
Publications
- Lamia, M. (2022) Grief Isn't Something to Get Over. (APA Books).
- Lamia, M. (2010-present). Psychology Today. Invited ongoing blog: Intense emotions and strong feelings. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/mary-c-lamia-phd
- Lamia, M. (7/27/18). Your gut is smarter than you think – and it can help you make better decisions. Business Insider.
- Lamia, M. (12/30/18). In 2018, don’t be afraid to embrace your inner procrastinator. The Globe and Mail, Canada.
- Kelly, V. & Lamia, M. (2018). The Upside of Shame. New York, NY: W.W. Norton.
- Lamia, M. (2017). What Motivates Getting Things Done: Procrastination, Emotions, and Success. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield.
- Lamia, M. and Krieger, M. (2016). The White Knight Syndrome: Rescue Yourself From Your Need to Rescue Others. Echo Point Books (republication).
- Lamia, M. (2015). How to move on: Do you need to let go first? EliteDating.com.
- Lamia, M. (2015). Embarrassment is an honest response. Waiting Room magazine.
- Lamia, M. (2013). Note to parents, In Kim Joo-Kyung, A Happy Hat. American Psychological Association Magination Press.
- Lamia, M. (2013). Note to parents. In Kim Young-Ah, I'm So Lonely. American Psychological Association Magination Press.
- Lamia, M. (2012). Emotions! Making Sense of Your Feelings. Washington DC: American Psychological Association Magination Press.
- Lamia, M. (2011). “Emotions: The engine of attention, action, and amusement (andwhy every kid should learn about them).” California Society for Clinical Social Work Newsletter.
- Lamia, M. (2010). Understanding Myself: A Kid’s Guide to Intense Emotions and Strong Feelings. Washington D.C.: American Psychological Association /Magination Press.
- Lamia, M. (2010). “Feeling gloomy? How to deal.” Discovery Girls Magazine.
- Lamia, M. (2010). “Can a procrastinating child succeed? About Families Magazine.
- Lamia, M. (2010). “Emotions: The engine of attention, accomplishment, and amusement.” About Families Magazine.
- Lamia, M. (2010). Note to parents. In S. Levins, Eli’s Lie-O-Meter. Washington, D.C.: Magination Press, American Psychological Association.
- Lamia, M. and Krieger, M. (2009-2011). Psychology Today. Invited ongoing blog, The White Knight Syndrome. PsychologyToday.com.
- Lamia, M. and Krieger, M. (2009). The White Knight Syndrome: Rescuing Yourself From Your Need to Rescue Others. Oakland: New Harbinger.
- Lamia, M. (2009). Book review: “Treating the ‘untreatable’” by Ira Steinman, M.D. San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis Newsletter, April 2009.
- Lamia, M. (2009). Note to parents. In D. Wagenbach, The Grouchies. Washington, D.C.: Magination Press, American Psychological Association.
- Lamia, M. (2009). Book review: “A course in happiness: Mastering the 3 levels of self-understanding that lead to true and lasting contentment” by Mardi J. Horowitz. San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis Newsletter, March 2009.
- Lamia, M. (2007). Advice from an expert: Loss and abandonment. In M. Shepherd, 50 Best Girlfriend Getaways, National Geographic Books.
- Lamia, M. (2007). When your parents start to date. In M. Gallagher, Ginny Morris and Dad’s New Girl Friend. Magination Press, American Psychological Association.
- Lamia, M. (2006). Making psychology a household word—Just for kids. Journal of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 37, 114-118.
- Lamia, M. (2002). Preparing Psychologists for the Media. Manuscript presented to the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology.
- Lamia, M. (1997). Book review: Lesbians and psychoanalysis: Revolutions in theory and practice. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26.
- Lamia, M. (1995). Beneficial and detrimental aspects of empathy between parents and children. A View From the Ridge: A Journal for Parents and Mentors of Teen Girls. Seattle, WA: Schools of the Sacred Heart.
- Lamia, M. (1995). The defensive aspect of feminism and its resistance function in psychoanalysis. Journal of Clinical Psychoanalysis, Volume 4: 3, N.Y.: International Universities Press.
- Lamia, M. (1983). The revision of object representations in adolescent males. In S. Feinstein, Ed., Adolescent Psychiatry. Volume 10.
Presentations
- (2024) Reconceptualizing Our Understanding of Loss. Northern California Psychiatric Society Annual Meeting.
- (2023). Grief Isn't Something to Get Over. American Psychological Association, Continuing Education Program.
- (2022). Grief Isn't Something to Get Over. Mind Therapy Clinic, Continuing Education Program.
- (2022). Grief Isn't Something to Get Over. California State Psychological Association Annual Convention.
- (2019). Through the Lens of Affect Psychology: Perspectives on Narcissism, Anxiety, Grief, and Compassion Fatigue-- What is the role of shame? The Danish Psychological Society , Copenhagen, Denmark.
- (2019). Procrastination and the Stigma of Delay. American Psychological Association annual meeting, Chicago.
- (2019). Head-Talk: "Procrastinators Have Feelings, Too." California State Psychological Association Convention, Long Beach, CA.
- (2019). Presentation: "Procrastination and the Stigma of Delay." California State Psychological Association Convention, Long Beach , CA.
- (2017). Presentation: “Driven by Deadlines or Tasks: What Motivates Getting Things Done.” 10th Biennial Procrastination Research Conference. DePaul University, Chicago.
- (2014). Presentation: “Shame and Anxiety In the Learning Process: Making Sense of Feelings.” The Stanford-UC Berkeley Brain and Behavior Conference, San Francisco.
- (2011). Presentation: “The Highly Successful Procrastinator.” Faculty Forum, The Wright Institute, Berkeley, CA.
- (2011). Discussant: “Facilitating an older adolescent’s separation from a troubled family.” The American Psychoanalytic Association Annual Meeting, San Francisco.
- (2011). Panel Discussion: “The Early Years of Practice.” Marin County Psychological Association.
- (2011). Presentation: “Anxiety.” Grand Rounds Presentation, Saint Francis Hospital, San Francisco.
- (2011). Presentation: “Everyday Anxiety: The Engine of Attention and Accomplishment.” Northern California Psychiatric Society Annual Meeting.”
- (2011). Conference Presentation: “Emotions.” Marin County Community Mental Health.
- (2010). “Fact and Fiction in Psychodynamics.” Grand Rounds Presentation, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Berkeley, CA.
- (2010). “Taking your knowledge public: Writing, speaking, and media interviewing—their impact of your patients and practice.” Northern California Psychiatric Society Annual Meeting.
- (2010). Discussant, North Bay Clinical Forum, San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis.
- Lamia, M. (2009). Discussant: ”Marketing Your Practice Online: Practical Challenges & Clinical Issues.” San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis Professional Development Salon.
- (2009, 2007, 2005, 2003, 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1991, 1989,1987, 1985, 1983, 1981, 1979, 1977). “Careers in Psychology.” Presentation to the students and parents of Saint Ignatius College Preparatory School.
- (2008). Presentation: “Creating A Relationship with the Media.” Santa Barbara Psychological Association, Continuing Education Workshop.
- (2008). “When the Seduction Fails, The Treatment Begins: Technical Implications in the Handling of Erotic Transference.” Paper presented at the Northern California Psychiatric Society Annual Meeting.
- (2008). “There’s A Lot One Can Learn From A Crush: Promoting Social Competency and Emotional Intelligence in Children.” Paper presented to the parents of Marin Country Day School.
- Lamia, M.; Schaef, S.; and Tressel, M. (2008). “Working with the Media.” The American Psychoanalytic Association, Winter 2008 meeting, New York.
- (2007). Conference Presentation: “Erotic Transference.” Marin County Community Mental Health.
- (2007). “Connecting with Children and Pre-teens.” Paper presented to the parents of Marin Country Day School.
- (2006). “The Pathogenesis of Erotic Transference.” Presentation to the students and faculty of the Wright Institute.
- (2003). “Counseling Adolescents.” Presentation to the administration and faculty of the Hebrew Academy of San Francisco.
- (2002). “Who Stole Childhood?” Paper presented to the parents and teachers of the Kentfield School District.
- (2001). “Raising Children to Be Their Best.” Keynote Address, Strawberry and Tamalpais Preschool Annual Meeting.
- (2000). “Fostering the Emotional Well Being of Children and Caretakers.” Keynote Address, Community Action Marin.”
- (2000). “Women and Careers.” Presentation to the students of Adeline Kent Middle School.
- (1999). “Keeping Children Psychologically Safe.” Paper presented to the Charles Schwab Company, San Francisco.
- (1998). “Meeting the Emotional Needs of Students: Effective Discipline.” Paper presented at the Teaching Institute, Hebrew Academy of San Francisco.
- (1997). “Reclaiming Personal Power.” Keynote Address: Leadership Conference, The Junior League of San Francisco, April 1997.
- (1997). “Using Emotional Intelligence to Conquer the Anxieties of Salesmanship and Life.” Paper presented to the Equitable Life Insurance Co., San Francisco.
- (1997). Panel Discussion: “The Psychological Effects of Abuse.” The Institute For Jewish Medical Ethics, San Francisco.
- (1996). “Understanding Your Anxiety and How to Make It Work for You.” Paper presented to the Sustainers of the Junior League of San Francisco.
- (1995). “Self-esteem Issues of Young Adolescents.” Presentation to the Parent-Teacher Association, Ross School.
- (1995). “From Feminism to the Wonderbra: How Women Regulate Their Self-esteem.” Paper presented to the Junior League of San Francisco.
Media
(Full list available upon request. See Media Links page for examples. )
I have extensively provided interviews, commentary, or discussion for radio, television, internet, and print media, including Forbes, Huffington Post, ABC radio/television, Fox Network, KQED-FM, CBC Radio, KOIT radio, CBS radio, Daybreak USA, The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, Redbook, Thrive Global, Parent’s Magazine, Woman’s Day, WebMD, Real Simple, United Airlines In-flight Magazine, San Francisco Magazine, The San Francisco Chronicle, USA Today, The Detroit News, The Oakland Tribune, The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, The Contra Costa Times, Reuters News Service, The Marin Independent Journal, The Toronto Sun, The San Mateo Daily Journal, The San Jose Mercury News, The Fresno Bee, The Hartford Courant, Citizen-Times, The Halifax, NS Chronicle-Herald, Lifetime Magazine, ABCNews.com, The Seattle Times, Family Circle Magazine, Viewpoints, The Costco Connection Magazine, Scientific American Mind, CNBC.com, and Sarder TV.
For nearly a decade I hosted a weekly call-in talk show, "KidTalk with Dr. Mary," on Radio Disney stations.