About Deborah

Deborah Buckwalter, PhD

Director of Wellbeing at The Center for Connection & Clinical Psychologist

Neuropsychology Specialization

Dr. Deborah Buckwalter is an accomplished clinical psychologist with advanced training and over two decades of experience in psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment. She brings a life dedicated to ongoing personal and professional growth, quality care, and respect for the uniqueness of each individual into every interaction. Her skillfulness, warmth, attentiveness, and sense of humor are focused on helping individuals make the most of their lives. 

Deborah has used her education, training and experience as a guest lecturer, teacher, supervisor, mentor, and business consultant, including at eHarmony. And she currently enjoys a leadership role at the Center for Connection (CFC) as the Director of Wellbeing. In this role, she and her team are dedicated to supporting and encouraging our large team of therapists and staff in the essential work they do at the Center for Connection. 

While Deborah has enjoyed a robust clinical practice at CFC working with adults, she is retiring from much of her clinical work, including psychotherapy and psychological/neuropsychological assessment. She remains available for consultations.

Deborah attained a M.S. in Marital and Family Therapy at the School of Psychology at Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California, where she went on to complete a M.A. in Integrative Studies and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Pre-internship at the V.A. in West L.A. deepened her understanding of trauma and its impact on personal health and well-being, as well as on interpersonal relationships. Internship at Loma Linda University Medical Center expanded her experience in health psychology, behavioral health, and neuropsychology. She completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropsychology at the UCLA Department of Neurology, where she was able to delve deeper into brain functioning and corresponding experiences of individuals with neurological disorders.

Consistent with the scientific lens through which the CFC approaches all aspects of care, Deborah’s work is highly influenced by Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB), as well as by Polyvagal Theory, the cutting-edge understanding of the role our nervous system plays in personal and interpersonal stress versus well-being.  IPNB is the scientifically-informed proposal that a person’s brain, mind, and relationships interact to create who that person is. And that interpersonal relationships throughout the lifespan shape and reshape our brains. The primary goal of IPNB is that of Integration, both within the individual and between individuals. This occurs by intentionally focusing attention on aspects of the self and aspects of relationships that result in healing and growth. 

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