Her Story
About Patricia
Patricia Grenelle is an author and retired forensic psychologist who practiced psychology for approximately 40 years before transitioning to writing. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and business administration from Columbia College between 1999 and 2000 a master's in clinical psychology from Argosy University in 2001 a master's in counseling and human services from SUNY Oswego in 2002 and a doctorate from Argosy University in Honolulu in 2003. Grenelle served 17 years in the military on reserve status as an Army First Class Sergeant. Her current focus is on resilience and women's resilience informed by her memoir We Were a Nice Normal Family which explores childhood sexual abuse and narcissistic trauma. She is a member of the APA the Arizona Authors Association and the Nonfiction Writers Book Organization and supports initiatives including the Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Foundation RAINN Take Back the Night and Tunnels to Towers. Grenelle attributes her success to stamina and maintaining through challenges and advises aspiring professionals to pursue strong educational credentials particularly at the doctorate level for forensic psychology.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patricia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to stamina and just maintaining through everything.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
For forensic psychology, go to a good undergraduate school, get a master's, then go for the doctorate because you need doctor-level training. For the military, definitely do it if you feel you can. For being an author, be prepared because promotion of the book afterward is unbelievable and more difficult than you would expect.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The opportunity to get the word out about my book and the problems that go with adult childhood sexual abuse, encouraging people to recognize it and do something about it so they know they are not alone.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Getting across to people the importance of dealing with childhood sexual abuse and narcissistic trauma. Personally, I am loyal and resilient.
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