Staff Profiles

Robert W. Firestone, Ph.D.

Robert W. Firestone, PhDRobert W. Firestone, PhD, psychologist and author, has been affiliated with the Glendon Association as its consulting theorist since its inception. His innovative ideas related to psychotherapy, couple and family relationships, suicide, parenting, and existential issues have been the inspiration and cornerstone of Glendon’s research and publications. From 1957 to 1979, Dr. Firestone was engaged in the private practice of psychotherapy as a clinical psychologist working with a wide range of patients, amplifying his original ideas on schizophrenia and applying these concepts to a comprehensive theory of neurosis. Dr. Firestone’s major works, including The Fantasy Bond, Voice Therapy, Combating Destructive Thought Processes, Compassionate Child Rearing, and many other books, articles, and video presentations, outline a fully realized and comprehensive theory on neurosis and human development. His studies on negative thought processes and their associated affect have led to the development of Voice Therapy, an advanced therapeutic methodology to uncover and contend with aspects of self destructive and self limiting behaviors. Firestone has applied his concepts to empirical research and to developing the Firestone Assessment of Self-destructive Thoughts (FAST), a scale that assesses suicide potential. This work led to the publication of Suicide and the Inner Voice: Risk Assessment, Treatment and Case Management. He co-authored Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice (New Harbinger, 2002), and his latest works Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships (APA Books, 2005), Beyond Death Anxiety: Achieving Life-Affirming Death Awareness (Springer Publishing, 2009) and The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships (Karnac Books, 2009), with Joyce Catlett, MA.


Lisa Firestone, Ph.D.

Lisa Firestone , PhD, is Glendon’s Director of Research and Education. Since 1987, she has been involved in clinical training and applied research in suicide and violence. In collaboration with Dr. Robert Firestone, her studies resulted in the development of the Firestone Assessment of Self-Destructive Thoughts (FAST) and the Firestone Assessment of Violent Thoughts (FAVT). Dr. Firestone has published numerous professional articles, and most recently was the co-author of Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships (APA Books, 2006), Conquer Your Critical Inner Voice (New Harbinger, 2002), and Creating a Life of Meaning and Compassion: The Wisdom of Psychotherapy (APA Books, 2003). An accomplished and much requested lecturer, she represents the Glendon Association at national and international conferences in the areas of suicide assessment and prevention, parenting, couple relations and Voice Therapy. Additionally, in conjunction with Joyce Catlett, she conducts intensive Voice Therapy training seminars in Santa Barbara, CA. Dr. Firestone received her PhD from the California School of Professional Psychology in 1991. You can contact Dr. Firestone at [email protected]


Joyce Catlett, M.A.

Joyce Catlett, MAJoyce Catlett, MA, author and lecturer, has collaborated with Dr. Robert Firestone in writing 12 books and numerous professional articles. Most recently, she co-authored Sex and Love in Intimate Relationships (APA Books, 2005), Beyond Death Anxiety: Achieving Life-Affirming Death Awareness (Springer Publishing, 2009) and The Ethics of Interpersonal Relationships (Karnac Books, 2009), with Robert Firestone PhD. Ms. Catlett began her career in psychology in 1972, working with autistic children at the Camarillo State Hospital Children’s Treatment Center in Camarillo, CA. A founding member of Glendon Association, she has been a national lecturer and workshop facilitator in the areas of child abuse prevention and couple relations. With Glendon, she has co-produced 40 video documentaries on a wide range of mental health topics. Ms. Catlett was also instrumental in the development and training of instructors in the Compassionate Child Rearing Education Program and in training mental health professionals in Voice Therapy Methodology. You can contact Ms. Catlett at [email protected]


Nina Firestone

Nina FirestoneNina Firestone brings entrepreneurial expertise to her role as Managing Director of The Glendon Association. As Founding Partner of Karanina, an international fashion line, Ms. Firestone designed and directed the production of the Karanina line for 16 seasons. With distribution in 33 states and 10 countries, Ms. Firestone oversaw teams of up to 70 people. Prior to that venture, Ms. Firestone was Project Manager for an interior design company, where she supervised design staff, and managed high-end commercial and residential design projects. Ms. Firestone is a California native. She joined the Glendon staff in 2007.


Jina Carvalho

Jina Carvalho is Glendon’s Director of Communications and Public Relations. In this role, she is responsible for the promotion of the Association’s publications, video documentaries, and training seminars. Ms. Carvalho graduated from Antioch University in Vancouver, BC with degrees in Psychology and Theater Arts. In 1987 she relocated to Southern California and subsequently joined the Glendon Association staff. You can contact Ms. Carvalho at [email protected]


Geoff Parr

Geoff Parr, Director of Video Production, is responsible for the creation of The Glendon Association’s documentary films and training videos. Mr. Parr trained and worked with the BBC and the Australian Broadcasting Commission. In 1979, he moved to this country where his first production for Glendon, Voyage to Understanding , won the CINE Golden Eagle Award. He has produced 37 films and videos on topics ranging from adventure to psychological theory.


Maureen Sullivan

In addition to serving as Director of Finance & Administration, Maureen has contributed her talents as a writer and creative artist since she joined the Glendon staff in 2003. She has a BA in Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University, as well as business experience in a diverse range of industries, including law, publishing and education. Maureen has also written blogs and articles for Glendon’s sister website for the general public, Psychalive.org.


Carolyn Firestone

Carolyn Firestone Carolyn Firestone is a consultant for PsychAlive. She graduated with her B.A. in English from the University of California, Santa Barbara before earning her M.A. in Journalism from the University of Southern California. While studying, Carolyn held internships with several online and international print publications. After graduating, she worked as a public relations and marketing administrator for international design firm, SFA Design, before joining Glendon and PsychAlive as a freelance journalist.


Lena Firestone

Lena FirestoneLena Firestone is a consultant for PsychAlive. She holds an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of California, Irvine and is currently studying to become a certified therapist.