The idea behind Greenwood began in late 2019, with a training given by Dr. Dana Baerger to a small group of Chicago family law attorneys. For a number of years, Dr. Baerger had offered consultation to attorneys on how to work effectively with their most challenging clients, particularly those clients who had trauma histories that were significantly affecting the legal representation. The goals of that first training were to systematize Dr. Baerger’s consultations and teach foundational psychological principles within a legal framework, using a combination of “best practices” techniques drawn from the research on expert skill acquisition. The response to that first workshop was overwhelmingly positive.

In 2022, Dr. Baerger realized that the widespread availability of web conferencing made it possible for her to offer trainings to a much wider audience. Her vision for Greenwood is based upon the same values that inspired the very first training: to offer attorneys substantive, rigorous, psychologically-relevant training that will move their practice skills forward; to inform lawyers about the ways in which complex and acute trauma can adversely impact the attorney-client alliance; and to collaborate closely with attorneys in crafting trainings that respond to their needs, focus on their concerns, and inspire them.

Dr. Dana Baerger received her J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1993 and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University in 1999. In 2000, she established her private psychotherapy practice in order to specialize in complex trauma and developmental posttraumatic stress. In addition to providing direct patient care, Dr. Baerger maintains an active teaching schedule, training and consulting with both attorneys and mental health professionals. She is deeply invested in her audience’s learning experience, and she welcomes contacts from attorneys who are curious about Psychologically-Informed Lawyering™.

Additional information about Dr. Baerger’s private psychotherapy practice can be found at https://www.drbaerger.com/.