Meryl R Gibbel, PhD

Why I chose to pursue a career in healthcare:

After graduating from college, I moved to Germany where I worked as an au pair for a year. During that year, I was afforded the opportunity to travel to various places throughout Europe and encountered people who saw the world quite differently than I did. Upon returning home, I was drawn to return to school but was unclear about what exactly which field to move into. What I was sure about is that I was captivated by my interactions with people who had different worldviews from my own, intrigued by mental health and mental illness, and couldn't get enough of religion/spirituality (particularly in the way it interfaced with mental health). I weighed lots of options - social work, chaplaincy, psychiatry, ministry and psychology. After a process of soul searching and conversations with respected mentors, I decided to pursue the study of the psychology of religion and spirituality.

What I want my patients to know about me:

I continue to feel drawn to walk alongside people who are grappling with mental health struggles along with some of with life's biggest questions that so can often have sacred underpinnings. What is the purpose of life? How can I make sense of my suffering and the suffering of those around me? How can I lead a more meaningful life in light of suffering? I am certainly unable to offer answers, because I don't necessarily have answers for these questions – for myself let alone anyone else. However, it is an utmost privilege to support people in building inner and outer resources that allow for graceful acceptance of life's imperfections, promote resiliency and build meaning-making, courage and gratitude.
In 2010 I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Bowling Green State University (Ohio), with focused study in the psychology of religion and spirituality.

What I do when I'm not seeing patients:

In my free time, I enjoy exercise in many forms, travel and spending time with family and friends.