Welcome

Randye J. Semple, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), where she teaches and provides clinical training and supervision to psychiatry residents and graduate students. She received her doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and is licensed to practice in New York and California (see Curriculum Vitae).

Dr. Semple is co-author of the books Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Anxious Children and The Mindfulness Matters Program for Children and Adolescents: Strategies, Activities, and Techniques for Therapists and Teachers.

Dr. Semple's work in the area of mindfulness with youth has been at the forefront of growing international interest in mindfulness-based therapies in mental health care for more than a decade. The media has followed her work in radio and newspaper interviews. She presents on this topic at local, national, and international professional conferences; in scientific papers and book chapters; and through workshops, invited lectures, and other training opportunities.

Dr. Semple's research and clinical interests are in the application of mindfulness to psychological health and well-being. One current research focus is the development and integration of mindfulness-based interventions for children in clinic and school settings. Research projects include:

  • A clinical trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for perinatal women with mood disorders

  • Collaborative studies with the Pasadena Unified School District and ABC Unified School District to bring The Mindfulness Matters Program to elementary school classrooms

  • Adaptation and evaluation of MBCT-C for adolescents with bipolar disorder and prodromal psychosis

  • Development and evaluation of a brief mindfulness-based intervention to reduce PTSD in patients hospitalized with severe burn injuries

  • A collaborative study with Five Acres School to bring MBCT-C to children with behavioral or emotional problems

  • A collaborative study with Mindful Schools and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified Schools District to train K-5 teachers to create mindful classrooms.

  • Development and validation of an innovative self-report assessment tool: the Mindfulness Inventory for Children and Adolescents.

MBCTforChildren@gmail.com

Additional MBCT-C program information and research support is available at

The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare