Newswise — In the midst of news stories about the catastrophic wildfires that are destroying southern California homes and businesses, it is easy to downplay both the personal losses inherent to these natural disasters and the profound influence that media can play in the preparation and healing effort. Alliant International University, which has had three of its campuses closed due to fire, announced today that experts from its California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) are ready to assist journalists with pertinent information as to how natural disasters affect people and how they can help educate, inform and inspire those who have lost their homes, as well as potential victims of this wildfire phenomenon. "Alliant International University has called together leading experts in the field of gentle, post-traumatic stress counseling to assist journalists as to how to reach survivors, witnesses and others in the San Diego area touched by these traumatic events," said Associate Vice President of Communications Nicolette Toussaint. "The media is where people affected by this natural disaster will go when they need information that helps to make sense of what has happened and how they can move on." The list of Alliant International University experts available for media interviews are: Dr. John Preston: John Preston, Psy.D., ABPP is a professor of psychology with CSPP at Alliant's Sacramento location. He is the author of eighteen books on various topics including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and borderline disorders. An expert on the effect of loss and disillusionment, he has written a leading book on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Neil Ribner:Dr. Ribner, CSPP Director of Marital and Family Programs at Alliant's San Diego Campus, knows the effects suffered by families that have lost their homes, and those that worry that their home may be another wildfire statistic. He almost lost his house 4 years ago to a fire, and his family was evacuated yesterday due to the current wildfire dilemma. Dr. Ribner has also worked with several families who lost their home to major wildfires four years ago. Dr. Christina Zampitella:Dr. Zampitella, CSPP Visiting Assistant Professor at Alliant's San Diego Campus, is a licensed clinical psychologist and an expert on the subject of grief, especially the anticipatory grieving process and grief associated from a sudden loss. Dr. Zampitella specializes in integrative psychology, death, loss, and bereavement, and nature-based therapy. About Alliant International University
Alliant International University's San Diego flagship campus is in Scripps Ranch, one of the areas evacuated yesterday for the San Diego firestorm. Alliant also has a smaller San Diego location at Cornerstone Court and an Orange County Campus that have also suffered fire-related closures. Alliant's other campuses are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento and Mexico City.
The University focuses on preparing students for professional careers in the applied social sciences. Our faculty, students and alumni are committed to making an impact on society and to results that make a difference in the lives of individuals, couples, families, schools, organizations, companies, and nations. Our institution applies scholarship to solve social problems and has always had an abiding concern for diversity and internationalism. Formed in July 2001 by the combination of the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) and United States International University (USIU), Alliant is an independent, not-for-profit institution of higher education with a history distinguished by innovation.
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