At the core of my work, and much of my life, is a concern for the well-being of others. I offer my clients respect, acceptance, and compassion in a setting that is safe and supportive. My goal is to make therapy a trusting, collaborative effort, helping people to create the change they seek in their daily lives.
After studying psychology and education at Clark University, I completed my Masters and Doctoral training in the Clinical Developmental Psychology Program at Bryn Mawr College.
My training has focused on understanding people throughout their lifespan, as well as learning multiple approaches to address the challenges and concerns that so many face. I also provide education and supervision to advanced psychology graduate students and those studying in the healthcare field.
My particular areas of research, expertise and interest include: relationships and communication; grief and loss; the impact of chronic illness; gender and sexuality; and coping with transitions in life.
Education and Training:
Ph.D. in Clinical and Developmental Psychology, Bryn Mawr College 2006
M.A. in Clinical and Developmental Psychology, Bryn Mawr College 2001
B.A. in Psychology, Clark University 1997
Elementary Education Teaching Certification, Clark University 1998
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Psychology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Oncology 2007
Pre-Doctoral Internship, Gary Cannon Psychological Services Center, CA 2005
Work and Relevant Experience:
Psychologist working with families and children, Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2007-present)
Coordinator/supervisor for pre-doctoral psychology intern group supervision, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (2008-2013)
Drexel University Counseling Center, Philadelphia, PA (2002-04)
Psychology Private Practice, Newtown, PA (2002-04)
JFK Community Mental Health/Mental Retardation Center, Philadelphia, PA (2001-02)
Bryn Mawr College Child Study Institute Family Therapy Team, Bryn Mawr, PA (2001-02)
Parent Support Group Facilitator, Division of Oncology, CHOP, (2006-present)
Clinical Supervisor for practicum in pediatric psychology, Division of Oncology, CHOP (2007-present)
Coordinator and Facilitator of Process Meetings to provide support for Oncology staff and faculty, CHOP (2007-present)
Program coordinator for psycho-educational materials for newly diagnosed families in oncology, CHOP (2008-present)
Developer for educational materials to support staff in oncology, CHOP (2009-present)
Coordinator and Clinical Supervisor for intern group supervision, CHOP (2008-2013)
Lectures and Presentations:
June 1, 2006 “Distress in pediatric hematology-oncology patients undergoing intravenous procedures: Evaluation of a CD-ROM intervention,” Division of Oncology Journal Club, CHOP
Oct 23, 2006 “Holistic Intervention Behavioral Program,” Research presentation for Bryn Mawr College Pediatric Psychology course, Bryn Mawr, PA
Jan 3 & 4, 2007 “Caring for the Autistic Child in the Pediatric Setting,” presentation for nurses in the Perianesthesia Care Unit (PACU), CHOP
March 8, 2007 “The impact of newly diagnosed chronic paediatric conditions on parental quality of life,” Division of Oncology Journal Club, CHOP
March 20, 2007 “The Impact of Increased Precautions,” Division of Oncology Psychosocial Rounds, CHOP
May 15, 2007 “Addressing Procedural Distress,” Division of Oncology Psychosocial Rounds, CHOP
Sept. 7, 2008 “Social and Emotional Issues Associated with Neurofibromatosis,” Seminar for Parents, CHOP
Nov 21, 2008 “Grief and the Hospital Community,” Division of Psychology, Psychology Seminar, CHOP
Feb. 11, 2009 “The Psychosocial Impact of Childhood Cancer on the Family,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
Nov. 4, 2009 “Pediatric Psychology Clinical Case Presentation,” Clinical Developmental Psychology Program, Bryn Mawr College
April 14, 2010 “Working with Families and Patients in Pediatric Oncology,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
April 23, 2011 “Working with Families and Patients in Pediatric Oncology,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
March 21, 2012 “Difficult Conversations with Families and Patients in the Pediatric Setting,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
November 2012 Invited professional panelist: “Creating the Ideal Patient Experience: Serving our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender Patients & Families.” Pride at CHOP Staff Training Seminar Series
March 9, 2013 Invited Guest Speaker for St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser
March 20, 2013 “Difficult Conversations with Families and Patients in the Pediatric Setting,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
July 11, 2013 “Mental Health Issues in Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Illness,” Department of Counselor Education, West Chester University
August 3, 2013 “Helping Families Cope with Cancer from Diagnosis through Treatment and Beyond,” Presentation co-lead with Lisa Schwartz at the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Symposium on Childhood Cancer. Philadelphia, PA
June 2013 Kaplan, L.M., Kane, J. “Maintaining resilience: Do as we say, and as we do.” Workshop presented at the Annual Convention of the Pennsylvania Psychological Association. Harrisburg, PA.
September 2013 Henning, J., Connell, B. & Kaplan, L.M. “Communication to staff of patients’ passing in a therapeutic and timely process.” Poster presented at the Annual Conference and Exhibit of the Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses. Louisville, KY.
October 2013 Kaplan, L.M. Pajak, S. First Steps Toward Healing Webinar Series: Supporting Siblings of Childhood Cancer Patients
April 16, 2014 “Difficult Conversations with Families and Patients in the Pediatric Setting,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
June 1, 2014 “Helping Families Cope with Chronic Illness,” Presentation at the Symposium on Neurofibromatosis. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
March 2015 Invited professional panelist: Serving our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and/or Transgender Patients & Families. CHOP Family Centered Rounds
March 2015 “Difficult Conversations with Families and Patients in the Pediatric Setting,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
March 2016 “Difficult Conversations with Families and Patients in the Pediatric Setting,” School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania
Publications
Kaplan Lynne M, Kaal K Julia, Bradley Lauren, Alderfer Melissa A. Cancer-related traumatic stress reactions in siblings of children with cancer. Families, systems & health: the journal of collaborative family healthcare. Vol 31(2). 2013 Jun: 205-17.
Contributed to: Alderfer, M.A. et. al. (2008). Evidence-based assessment in pediatric psychology: Family measures. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 33(9), 1046-1031.
Kaplan, L.M. (March/April 2009). Helping the child without cancer. Coping with Cancer. (Invited article)
Kaplan, L.M. (July/August 2013). How to help your children cope with a sibling’s cancer. Coping with Cancer. (Invited article)
Ogle, S., Santucci, G., Kaplan, L. (2014/2015). Is there a risk of caring too much: Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) and compassion fatigue. APHON Counts. (Invited article)