TIRA

An Interview with Kathryn McCormack-Chen, LCSW

VV: How long have you been a TIR trainer?

Kathryn: I have been assisting Ragnhild Malnati as a trainer-in-training since 2002. I became a certified trainer in 2004.

VV: What inspired you to become a TIR trainer?

Kathryn: I had been working with survivors of domestic violence and alcoholic families for several years, plus teaching Neuroscience, so when I read about TIR and the other Power Therapies for PTSD I knew this was for me. I picked TIR because it made the most sense.

VV: What do you find rewarding about it?

Kathryn: It has been an absolute pleasure to see long-term clients finally get to the root of their problems and begin to have a more joyful life; it has also been rewarding to see students learn the techniques and have success, too!

VV: Are you willing to travel to deliver training, if so under what conditions?

Kathryn: Absolutely, as long as we are all safe and adequately reimbursed.

VV: Do you have a private practice?

Kathryn: Yes, my private practice in Virginia has been in place since 1993.

VV: Besides TIR, what other things are you interested in?

Kathryn: I enjoy teaching college and graduate students, giving trainings and consultations, and providing consultations for difficult cases. For fun I love to dance, knit, and run.

VV: Describe your professional background?

Kathryn: I have been a registered nurse for 35 years (and, not surprisingly, I was a trauma nurse for most of my nursing life); I got my MSW in 1980, my LCSW in 1990, and my Licensed Substance Abuse Practitioner in 2001, having had an advanced certification prior to that. I have been working with survivors since 1985.

VV: What other courses are you currently teaching?

Kathryn: I am currently co-teaching the TIR Facilitator course and the Life Stress Reduction course with Ragnhild Malnati, LCSW.