Results. Experience. Compassion.
Dr. Mary Jo Vasquez has earned the reputation in the greater Fairfield region as one of the premier mental health providers. With years of expert training, supervision, clinical experience and research behind her, she has a proven track record of providing skilled care to each of her valued clients.
From her foundations at Trinity College, to seven years of graduate training at one of the most revered programs in Clinical Psychology at the George Washington University in D.C., she has trained with the leaders in field.
About Dr. Vasquez
Dr. Vasquez is a licensed psychologist based in Fairfield, Connecticut. She has over two decades of experience working in the field of clinical psychology. Although born and raised in Connecticut, Dr. Vasquez has previously lived and practiced up and down the east coast, and has held professional licenses in Pennsylvania, New York and Connecticut.
Dr. Vasquez, a Connecticut native, obtained her BA in Psychology and Spanish Studies from Trinity College (Hartford, CT) and her M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She completed her clinical internship at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, and soon after, relocated to New York State. Fast forward several years, and Dr. Vasquez finally landed and settled in Fairfield County, CT.
Dr. Vasquez has extensive experience working with both inpatient and outpatient populations in a variety of settings (rehabilitation, crisis residential, and multidisciplinary centers). Her early career experiences at the National Cancer Institute/National Institutes of Health and The Psychiatric Institute of Washington helped solidify her interests in chronic illnesses and psychological trauma, two areas that have been mainstays of her clinical work.
In addition to providing individual and group psychotherapy, Dr. Vasquez has experience in grant-writing, designing research protocols, program evaluation, developing treatment interventions, crisis intervention, and psychological evaluation and assessment. Among her clinical strengths are crisis management skills, the ability to rapidly develop rapport with patients, and the ability to provide individually-tailored approaches to treatment adapting cognitive-behavioral, solution-oriented, or psychodynamic psychotherapy as needed. She has specialized experience in managing individuals exposed to trauma and/or struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Upon moving back to her home state, Dr. Vasquez took several years off from professional work to raise her family. She opened a private practice in Trumbull in 2013, and soon after, moved to Fairfield, where she now provides services in two locations: on the Black Rock Turnpike and at the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center.
Practice Philosophy
It can be difficult to find a psychologist who will best serve your needs. Rest assured that Dr. Vasquez not only has the experience and clinical training to expertly navigate a wide range of issues, but she also treats you as a whole person with unique needs. Her understanding and compassion makes you feel as though you are truly being heard. Dr. Vasquez's comprehensive training and experience coupled with her doctoral degree ensure that she is treating you in the most compassionate, efficient, scientifically-sound manner, using evidenced-based practices, as well.
Practice Focus
My practice specializes in the treatment of adults, adolescents, and children struggling with stressful life events. I am uniquely qualified to provide both individual and small group psychotherapy to a variety of individuals. I especially enjoy working with those dealing with past or recent traumas, diagnoses of illness, infertility, parenting struggles, pre-and post-partum depression, chronic pain, social or relationship issues, anxiety, depression, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
Because everyone is different and presents with differing needs and expectations, my goal is to develop an individualized treatment plan that uniquely fits you and evolves with your progress in therapy.
Constant learning is my passion, and I spent a number of years focusing on various schools of psychology throughout my training. Never one to fit into one certain area, I spent most of my actual graduate school years focusing on cognitive behavioral (CBT) approaches to psychotherapy. At the same time, I had numerous supervision and clinical experiences from another school of psychotherapy entirely, the psychodynamic school of treatment.
As a result of my extensive training and experience, I am able to rely on a variety of approaches and am better equipped to help people reach their goals in therapy, as I can utilize both CBT and psychodynamic schools of thought while we work together to help you manage your struggles.
A Note from the Doctor...
Making the call for the first appointment with a new therapist is almost like a “first date.” I prefer to use the first phone call and our initial session as a primary way to see how we work with one another. I am a firm believer that psychotherapy is a collaborative process, not one where the therapist simply listens passively, and not one where a therapist provides advice. Instead, I want to use our initial session to learn about you – what brought you to seek treatment, what your strengths are, what your current coping mechanisms are – and most importantly, what your goals are. Together, in therapy, the goal is to enable you to draw on your existing strengths and current support systems, as well as to develop new ones. When we work together, the therapy becomes more meaningful to you and by making it more meaningful, the progress you make becomes long-lasting.
Curriculum Vitae
Education
1996 - 2002 The George Washington University, Washington, DC -- Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology
Ph.D. conferred 8/02 – Dual Child and Adult Concentration, Community Psychology
Master’s of Philosophy in Psychology (M.Phil.) conferred 8/99
1988 - 1992 Trinity College, Hartford, CT
Bachelor of Arts with Honors, May 1992
Major: Psychology Minor: Spanish Studies
1990 Universidad de Córdoba: Facultad de filosofía y letras
Córdoba, Spain
Academic Honors
1998 - 2002 National Cancer Institute Research Training Award (CRTA), National Institutes of Health
1997 - 1998 Pre-doctoral Intramural Research Training Award (IRTA), National Institutes of Health
1997 Pediatric AIDS Foundation-Student Intern Award
1996 - 1997 University Fellow/Graduate Teaching Assistant, (Psychology) GWU
1992 Phi Beta Kappa
1990 Psi Chi (National Honor Society in Psychology)
1988 - 1992 Trinity College Faculty Honors
1992 Trinity College Faculty-Student Grant recipient
Licenses and Certifications
2011 – present Psychology License: State of Connecticut: 3188 (active status)
2006 – 2008 Psychology License: State of New York: 016768
2003 – 2005 Psychology License: State of Pennsylvania: PS 015450
Clinical Experience
3/13 – present Clinical Psychologist – Private Practice: Fairfield County, CT. Provide psychotherapy and
consultation to adults, adolescents and children. Interventions include crisis-oriented, brief,
and long-term treatment. Specialties include CBT-oriented treatment for phobias, anxiety, and
depressive disorders associated with education and employment, life events (marriage, divorce,
infertility, loss, bereavement) and psychodynamically-informed psychotherapy for issues as
indicated.
3/07 – 8/08 Staff Psychologist – Zucker-Hillside Hospital, North Shore/Long Island Jewish Medical
Center, Glen Oaks, NY. Medical Board appointment to the Allied Health Professional Staff at
Long Island Jewish Medical Center / The Zucker Hillside Hospital in the Department of
Psychiatry; joint appointment in the Department of Pediatrics. Fulltime staff
psychologist for adult inpatient population serving severely mentally ill individuals and
families ranging from late adolescents to elderly individuals. Responsible for full scope of
psychological duties on two distinct inpatient psychiatric units, including development and
provision of daily supportive individual sessions and CBT-oriented group therapy services,
patient evaluation/assessment, and consultation. Developed hospital-wide inpatient behavioral
intervention projects (i.e. crisis intervention, aggression reduction, suicide prevention) and
training seminars for all levels of interdisciplinary staff. Supervised psychology interns,
externs and medical students on assessment, evaluation and treatment of inpatient
populations.
10/04 – 8/05 Staff Psychologist – Rehabilitation Psychology, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital,
Allentown, PA. Served as fulltime staff psychologist in large department of psychology
serving patients and families recovering from the effects of traumatic spinal cord injury,
stroke, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain and related conditions. Provided services for all
levels of care; inpatient, day hospital, and outpatient. Conducted individual, group and family
therapy, performed crisis intervention services, provided psycho-educational information,
materials, lectures, and groups, collaborated with other health care practitioners in delivering
highly specialized pain management services for a multidisciplinary Pain Management
Program. Supervised undergraduate and graduate level students performing internships and
externships within the department.
2/03 – 10/04 Director of Staff Education and Training/Staff Psychologist–Wrap-Around/BHRS Program, Lafayette
Hill, PA. Completed comprehensive biopsychosocial evaluations of children and adolescents
referred for Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services; made appropriate community referrals
and recommendations to treatment team members. Coordinated, developed and provided
ongoing training schedule and varied training opportunities for staff of 300 BA, MA and
doctoral level mental health professionals in accordance with national, state, local, and
managed care regulations. Served as liaison with local area providers, schools, and on-line
resources. Maintained database and records of attendees. Coordinated and distributed
quarterly training newsletter and monthly calendars of training opportunities.
11/02 – 2/03 Clinical Supervisor, Wordsworth Academy Residential Treatment Facility, New Britain,
PA. Functioned as leader of multidisciplinary treatment team providing residential
treatment for children and adolescents. Involved in program development, oversaw program
implementation and supervised nine member clinical staff. Provided individual, group and
family therapy, case management services; engaged in all aspects of treatment planning and
intervention, and conducted administrative meetings and group supervision sessions on a weekly
basis. Involved in training and on-going education of staff at various levels of intervention.
Supervised by Curt Ladley, Ph.D. and Maria Pena-Ariet, MD.
7/02 – 11/02 Psychology Resident/Fee-for-Service Clinician, Bethlehem, PA. Worked as contract
employee for psychology group practice; performed neuropsychological evaluations,
competency evaluations, consultation-liaison evaluations, and provided individual therapy for
adults and children under supervision of licensed psychologists Scott Blozinsky, Psy.D. and
Thomas Sugalski, Ph.D.
7/01 – 6/02 Psychology Intern, Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Completed APA-approved
internship in clinical psychology. Conducted diagnostic assessments, psychological
evaluations, individual and group therapy for adult and adolescent outpatients, inpatients and
partial hospital patients in various settings, including community mental health center,
outpatient clinic, and inpatient psychiatric unit. Therapeutic interventions included
psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, object relations, insight-oriented, crisis
intervention, and supportive modalities. Co-facilitated weekly psychotherapy group for
women with histories of abuse/trauma. Attended and presented at weekly academic and
didactic seminars and case conferences. Supervisors: Michael J. Kowitt, Ph.D., Peter
AuBuchon, Ph.D., Susan Adelman, Ph.D., James Pedigo, M.D., Richard Cornfield, M.D., and
M. Jay Moses, Ph.D.
7/00 – 6/01 Program Director, Salisbury House Crisis Stabilization Residence, Allentown, PA. Responsible for
the overall operation, program management, staff supervision, and administrative and fiscal duties
associated with directing a short-stay 9-bed psychiatric crisis residential program. Evaluated the
need for inpatient level of care, completed intake assessments, performed psychological diagnostic
testing and evaluations, developed behavioral interventions and treatment plans, conducted
individual therapy, and facilitated groups for adults with chronic and persistent mental illness
under the supervision of licensed psychologists. Supervisors: David J. Smock, Ph.D. and Paul
Volosov, Ph.D.
8/99 – 5/00 Psychology Extern, The CENTER, Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Washington,
DC. Conducted diagnostic assessment interviews and tri-weekly individual
psychotherapy with adult inpatients with a history of trauma, including sexual abuse and
violence; co-facilitated educational and therapy groups for patients attending day treatment
program. Therapy modalities included didactic, object-relations, psychodynamic, insight
oriented, and cognitive behavioral techniques. Attended daily rounds and weekly
treatment planning conferences and supervision. Conducted research with data collected
from inpatient population. Supervisors: Catherine Anderson, Ph.D. and Christine
Courtois, Ph.D.
5/98 – 5/00 Graduate Psychology Assistant, Wake, Kendall, Springer, Isenman, Schwiekert,
and Associates, Washington, DC. Conducted psycho-educational evaluations and
personality assessments of children, adolescents and adults for educational placements,
suspected learning disabilities, attention disorders, and/or behavioral difficulties.
Supervisor: Anne P. Wake, Ph.D.
9/98 – 7/99 Psychology Extern, Jewish Social Service Agency, Child and Adolescent
Services, Rockville, MD. Conducted weekly individual psychotherapy with children
and adolescents, co-facilitated two social skills training/therapy groups for adolescents,
attended weekly training seminars, and conducted psycho-educational and personality
assessments of children and adults. Research responsibilities included maintaining data
bases and conducting analyses for two investigations: social support group efficacy and
depression outcomes. Supervisor: Elizabeth Singer, Ph.D.
6/97 – 6/98 Psychology Extern, Child Guidance Clinic, Superior Court of the District of
Columbia, Washington, DC. Assessed intellectual, educational, emotional and
personality functioning of juveniles in the criminal justice system. Determined
competency to stand trial, recommended appropriate placement, and assisted with
treatment planning. Informed parents and legal guardians of evaluation results in both
English and Spanish. Supervisor: Michael E. Barnes, Ph.D.
9/96 – 5/97 Psychology Extern, O.A.C.E.S (Outpatient Alcohol Counseling and Education
Services), Rockville, MD. Administered, scored, and interpreted the Bender Gestalt
Test, DAP (Draw a Person), MMPI-2 (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory),
Rorschach Inkblot Technique, TAT (Thematic Apperception Test), WAIS-R (Wechsler
Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised), WRAT3 (Wide Range Achievement Test) and mini
mental status exams. Served adult dual diagnosis, vocational rehabilitation, and alcoholic
population. Supervisor: Michael B. Kaiser, Ph.D.
5/94 – 5/96 Clinical Research Assistant, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New
Haven, CT. Administered, scored, coded and interpreted various structured clinical interviews
and psychological and educational/intelligence assessment meaures. Wrote summary reports for
clinicians and presented evaluations to staff members. Supervisor: Jacob K. Tebes, Ph.D.
8/93 – 2/94 Crisis Counselor, Hartford Interval House, Hartford, CT. Counselor for a domestic
violence shelter crisis hotline; advised clients on issues of domestic violence and provided
referrals to area shelters.
Teaching Experience
8/99 – 5/00 Interim Adjunct Faculty: Instructor, Department of Psychology, The George
Washington University, Washington, DC. Taught Abnormal Psychology courses to
90+ undergraduate psychology majors. Didactic experience included interactive lectures,
special seminar focus classes, weekly office hours, monthly review sessions, and
preparation, administration, and grading of examinations and written assignments.
8/96 – 5/97 Graduate Teaching Assistant, Department of Psychology, The George Washington
University, Washington, DC. Maintained active database of undergraduate subject pool
volunteers for psychological research. Served as liaison between experimenters, faculty
and participating students. Assisted in proctoring examinations. Supervisor: Steven
Karp, Ph.D.
1/91 – 5/91 Teaching Assistant, Trinity College Psychology Department, Hartford, CT.
Assisted in teaching two courses: Social Psychology and Altered States of Consciousness.
Organized and led class discussions, devised exams, graded assignments and exams, and
conducted review sessions. Supervisors: David Reuman, Ph.D. and Etzel Cardena, Ph.D.
Publications
Wiener, L., Vasquez, M.J.P., and Battles, H.B. (2001). Brief Report: Fathering a Child Living with
HIV/AIDS: Psychosocial Adjustment and Parenting Stress. Journal of Pediatric Psychology.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (1999). Comparison of the Apperceptive Personality Test and the Apperceptive
Questionnaire: A Criterion Validation Study. In: S.A. Karp (Ed.). Studies of Objective/Projective
Personality Tests. Brooklandville, MD: Objective/Projective Tests, Inc.
Wiener, L.S. and Vasquez, M.J.P. (1999). Issues of Disclosure in HIV and AIDS. In: S. Zeichner &
J.S. Read (Eds.). Handbook of Pediatric HIV Care. Philadelphia: Lippincott - Raven
Publishers.
Wiener, L.S. and Vasquez, M.J.P. (1999). Psychosocial Issues of Bereavement in HIV and AIDS. In:
S. Zeichner & J.S. Read (Eds.). Handbook of Pediatric HIV Care. Philadelphia: Lippincott -
Raven Publishers.
Tebes, J.K., Irish, J.T., Vasquez, M.J.P., and Perkins, D.V. (1998). Cognitive transformation as a marker
of resilience. Journal of the Addictions.
Weeks, M.R., Grier, M., Romero-Daza, N., Vasquez, M.J.P., and Singer, M., (1998). Streets, drugs, and
the economy of sex in the age of AIDS. Journal of Women and Health, Vol.7(2), pp. 205-229.
Presentations
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2017). Incorporating Mindfulness in Every Day. Presented to various professional organizations
through the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center At Yale-Smilow Cancer Center Wellness and Health Fair.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2016). Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies. Presented to various professional organizations through
the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center at Yale-Smilow Cancer Center Wellness Fair.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2015). Sleep Solutions: Regaining Your Rest. Presented to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Norma
F. Pfreim Breast Care Center Community Lectures.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2015). Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies. Presented to various professional organizations through
the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center Evening of Wellness Lecture Series.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2014). Sleep Solutions: Regaining Your Rest. Presented to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Norma
F. Pfreim Breast Care Center Community Lectures.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2013). Sleep Solutions: Regaining Your Rest. Presented to the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Norma
F. Pfreim Breast Care Center Community Lectures.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2007-08). Trauma Reduction and Intervention Project (TRIP). Presented to staff of Long
Island Jewish Medical Center/Zucker Hillside Hospital Inpatient Units.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2007-08). Reducing and Managing Self-Injurious Behaviors. Presented to staff of Long
Island Jewish Medical Center/Zucker Hillside Hospital Inpatient Units.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (2007-08). Assessment and Management of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviors. Presented on a
rotating schedule to staff of Long Island Jewish Medical Center/Zucker Hillside Hospital Inpatient
Units Service Staff.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (February, 2003). Developmental Psychopathology and Implications for Intervention.
Presentation to new staff during orientation program at Wordsworth Academy: Elkins Park, PA.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (January, 2003). Overview of DSM-IV-TR Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents:
Effective Interventions. Presentation to Mental Health and Clinical Staff at Wordsworth Academy:
New Britain, PA.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (December, 2001). Self Injurious Behavior – Discussion of its Causes and Consequences.
Presentation at University of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Hospital Hall Mercer Case Conference
Series: Philadelphia, PA.
Vasquez, M.J.P. & Volosov, P. (May, 2001). Computerized Treatment Planning for Crisis Residential
Settings. Presentation/Panel Discussion at State of Pennsylvania Crisis Residential Conference:
Johnstown, PA.
Wiener, L.S. and Vasquez, M.J.P. (July, 1999). The Role of Fathers: Psychosocial Correlates Associated
with Fathering an HIV-infected Child. Poster presented at the NIMH Conference: The Role of
Families in Preventing and Adapting to HIV and AIDS: Philadelphia, PA.
Wiener, L.S. and Vasquez, M.J.P. (May, 1999). Psychosocial Correlates of Fathering a Child Infected
with HIV. Panel discussion presented at the National Social Work Annual Conference on AIDS
and the Family: Chicago, IL.
Allison, S.M., Vasquez, M.J.P., & Wiener, L.S. (April, 1999). Child Illness Variables and Paternal
Psychological Distress and Coping in a Sample of Male Caretakers of Children Infected with HIV-
1. Poster presented at the Florida Child Health Conference: Gainesville, FL.
Vasquez, M.J.P., Wiener, L.S., and Allison, S.M. (1999, March). Psychosocial Correlates Associated
with Fathering an HIV-infected Child. Poster presented at the George Washington University
Psychology Student Research Conference: Washington, DC.
Silber, D.E., Karp, S.A., Holmstrom, R.W., Vasquez, M.J., & Mesquita, M.L. (1999, March).
Preliminary Report on the Apperceptive Questionnaire: A Failed Enterprise? Poster presented at
the Society of Personality Assessment: New Orleans, LA.
Vasquez, M.J.P., Wiener, L.S., and Allison, S.M. (1999, March). Parenting Stress in a Sample of Fathers
Caring for HIV-infected Children. Poster presented at the Society for Behavioral Medicine
20th Annual Conference Proceedings: San Diego, CA.
Vasquez, M.J.P., Allison, S.M., and Wiener, L.S. (1998, October). Parenting Stress, Coping Behaviors,
and Service Needs of Fathers Caring for HIV-infected Children. Poster presented at the National
Institutes of Health Research Festival: Bethesda, MD.
Vasquez, M.J.P., Allison, S.M., and Wiener, L.S. (1998, October). An Exploratory Study of the
Psychosocial Correlates Associated with Fathering an HIV-infected Child. Poster presented at
The Kansas Conference in Clinical Child Psychology: Lawrence, KS.
Vasquez, M.J.P. (1998, September). Preliminary Findings from An Exploratory Investigation of Male
Caretakers of Children Infected with HIV-1. Presentation to the Pediatric Branch of the HIV and
AIDS Malignancy Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health: Bethesda, MD.
Vasquez, M.J.P, Battles, H., and Wiener, L.S. (1998, March). Transitions: The Progression from Childhood to Adolescence
in HIV+ Youth. Poster presented at the Society for Behavioral Medicine, New Orleans, LA.
Anselmi, D., Puglisi, M.J., and Sachs, J. (1993, March). Mothers’ and Children’s Language Use in Bilingual Homes. Paper
presented at the Society for Research in Child Development, New Orleans, LA.
Puglisi, M.J. (1992). Language Use in Bilingual Homes. Poster presented at the Trinity College Honors
Science Fair, Hartford, CT.
Professional Affiliations
2006 – 2008 Member, New York State Psychological Association
2006 – 2008 Member, Nassau County Psychological Association
2002 – 2006 Member, Pennsylvania Psychological Association
2002 – 2006 Member, Lehigh Valley Psychological Association
1996 – present Member, American Psychological Association
1997 – 2005 Member, Section on Clinical Child Psychology/APA Division 12
1999 – 2005 Member, Section on Child Maltreatment/APA Division 37
1999 – 2005 Member, Society of Pediatric Psychology/APA Division 54
1990 – 1992 Student Affiliate, Connecticut Psychological Association
1989 – 1992 President, Trinity College Psychology Club
1991 – 1992 Adult Literacy Volunteer, Trinity College Community Outreach Program