our founder

Dr. Frederick Woolverton is the founder and director of The Village Institute for Psychotherapy. Dr. Woolverton learned the art and science of psychotherapy at The Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies where he was awarded his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) in 1982. In 1990, he received his Certificate in Psychoanalysis, an advanced degree reflecting his love of and commitment to psychotherapy. Additionally, he is a licensed clinical psychologist in both New York and Arkansas and is a Certified Practitioner in Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders.

Dr. Woolverton has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 30 years.

The Trauma-Addiction Connection

Exploring the effects of trauma and the roots of addiction. A series of articles on exploring the intimate connection between early traumatic life experiences and subsequent addictive disorders.

Dr. Woolverton practices a unique form of psychotherapy that emphasizes both attention to immediate problems coupled with curiosity about and insight into the origins of these current problems. He links his professional enthusiasm and success to a deep connectivity with his personal experiences, including growing up in an abusive, alcoholic home and living 2 blocks from the World Trade Center during the 9/11 attack.

Dr. Woolverton authored a continuing education course for the American Psychological Association titled “The Development of Addictive Disorders: Theory and Treatment.” He is also the co-author ofUnhooked: How To Quit Anything, a book about substance abuse disorders.

Unhooked: How to Quit Anything is a smart, readable, and actionable guide to conquering any addictive habit. Using real patient examples as well as research and his own experience, Dr. Woolverton shows us how to thrive without self-medicating. His approach is an unorthodox blend of straight forward changes to behavior and open and honest conversation with another person.