Specializing in marriage counseling, couples counseling and family relationship issues.
In The Press
Outreach and public education are part of our guiding values at Family Psychology of South Bend. We make ourselves available to the media on topics of relational and emotional health, carrying on a tradition of our teachers to make psychology and counseling knowledge and wisdom accessible to the public.
All In The Press Posts
Beacon Health and Fitness Autism Training
I consulted with Beacon childcare staff at the Grainer location on creating a positive environment for their autistic members. Working with the South Bend community is something I'm passionate about.
Beacon Health and Fitness Autism Training
ABC 57 Interview: How to have an open conversation with children about tragedy
The news has been flooded with violence. In the past month alone, the United States has had 45 mass shootings. Many of these frightful situations are happening where people buy their groceries, or even just go to work...
Virtual learning can exacerbate body image issues for children
Mental health counselor Heather Blackford discusses how children's body issues can be exacerbated by remote learning. Eating disorders can be triggered by a negative body image and affect children of all ages...
Dr. Petersen interviewed by Dukes about new year
We were happy to contribute to Howard Duke's South Bend Tribune story about the new year in which we all hope to make significant strides away from COVID's hold on us...
Aftershocks of COVID crisis lead to dramatic spike in anxiety, depression in kids
View original story on WNDU: Local experts see dramatic spike in anxiety, depression in kids In March and April, we had many media inquiries about a presumed increase in mental health needs as a result of the...
Warning Signs Of Abusive Relationships
View original WNDU story Lindsay Stone came to my office for an interview on camera about abusive relationships...
Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting
Tribune reporter Lincoln Wright came to my office for an interview over my lunch break. I was particularly interested in this story because my children were at Adams High School when these threats were made...
Violent threats at South Bend area schools surge after Florida shooting
‘Getting help is the key’: Expert gives advice to parents of kids with concerning behavior
Dr. John Petersen is included in this story about children and concerning behavior.
'Getting help is the key': Expert gives advice to parents of kids with concerning behavior
We've heard stories of kids acting out and becoming problems for their parents, and a recent incident in our area involved an 11-year-old boy allegedly shooting his father. There are resources available if you notice your child has concerning behavior. One of the first steps is accepting the truth. A local child behavior expert says it's important to trust your gut. It's easy to feel guilty for not raising your child correctly, but sending them to get help is worth it before it's too late.
Ask An Expert series with Dr. John Petersen
Ask An Expert series brings together local experts to answer questions and highlight local resources. An annual favorite is the show about managing holiday stress...
Parent Guilt Is Natural. Parent Shame Is Toxic
It was a pleasure to be interviewed by Virginia Pelley about fathers' toxic shame for Fatherly.com...
Parent Guilt Is Natural. Parent Shame Is Toxic