Biography
Dr. Barbara Arnold is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Western
Carolina University. She attained her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Appalachian
State University, her Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2000, and her Ph.D. in Social
Work in 2023 from the University of Georgia. Dr. Arnold has practiced in the field
of social work as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for several years working
with various populations and settings. She has over a decade of experience as a clinician
and associate director of a college counseling center. Her clinical practice integrated
a trauma-informed holistic perspective using integrative trauma-processing approaches
such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Arnold鈥檚 research
centers on trauma-informed practices, research methods, and pedagogy that honor the
whole person and integrate embodiment and a somatic focus. Dr. Arnold has a great
affinity for the western North Carolina Appalachian region and enjoys spending time
in the region outdoors with her family, friends, and sweet dog Lila as her hiking
buddy.
