NGAERE BAXTER, PhD: BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

EDUCATION

BSc (Hons), Psychology, University College, London
MA, Psychology, Columbia University, New York City
MSc Psychology, Columbia University, New York City,
Certificate in Psychoanalysis (Four Year Program), Manhattan Institute for Psychoanalysis, New York City
Certificate in the Supervision of Psychoanalysis, (One Year Program), Manhattan Institute, New York City

EXPERIENCE

Dr. Ngaere Baxter is a clinical psychologist who has extensive experience in treatment and research topics in depression and manic depression. After her undergraduate degree, while pursuing graduate studies in cognitive functioning in depressed patients, she collaborated in some of the first investigations of the biological, genetic and familial roots of mood disorders at the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons/New York State Psychiatric Institute. After her PhD research, Dr. Baxter obtained post-doctoral training in associated clinical fields including substance abuse disorders. In 1981 she became the Clinical Services Director of the Foundation for Depression and Manic Depression in New York City, where she coordinated an outpatient research clinic and established trials of new medications. While in this post Dr. Baxter joined with concerned patients and family members as a co-founder, officer, and for 22 years, board member of the Mood Disorders Support Group (“MDSG”), a very successful lay organization which provides services to thousands of patients and their family members through chat groups, a newsletter and regular lectures. Dr. Baxter opened her private practice in 1989 but continued to teach and supervise in the Psychology Internship Program at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons until recruited in 1989 to the faculty of the New York Hospital, Payne Whitney Clinic (now Weill/Cornell Medical College) where she is an Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, supervising psychology interns and psychiatric residents, and teaching a seminar in the techniques of supervision in psychotherapy education.

CLINICAL AND RESEARCH INTERESTS

While she maintains a general practice in individual and couples therapy, Dr. Baxter has continued her specialty of studying psychotherapeutic approaches to depression and manic depression, including established techniques such as Cognitive Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy and working with lifestyle factors such as social and psychological rhythms. She is a member of the Zen Studies Society of New York and is interested in assessing meditation or “mindfulness” approaches in mood disorders. Joining the Lucio Bini Center she is continuing these research interests, including recognizing the treatment needs of spouses and other family members involved in patient care.