Linda Copel, PhD
Professor | M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing
Dr. Copel, PhD, RN, CNS, BC, CNE, NCC, FAPA has extensive experience providing counseling in situations of familial and domestic violence.
Media
Psychiatric and Mental Health Care
This is a pocket-sized guide to mental health nursing. It presents practical information on nursing care of patients with emotional disorders, providing the nurse with all she needs to know to care for psychiatric patients with confidence.
Areas of Expertise (7)
- Bereavement
- Domestic Violence
- Family Dynamics
- Grief
- Loneliness
- Mental Health
- Partner Abuse
Biography
Dr. Copel has extensive experience providing counseling to individuals, couples, and families, especially those affected by family violence. She has studied partner abuse in both disabled and non-disabled women, focusing on verbal abuse, physical injuries, and the process of extrication from abusive situations. Additionally, she has researched the educational needs of nurses regarding partner abuse and how nurses can be of assistance to women experiencing abuse. She is nationally certified as a clinical specialist in adult psychiatric nursing, a group psychotherapist, a certified nurse educator, a family life educator and a bereavement counselor.
Education (4)
- Texas Woman's University: PhD
- Texas Woman's University: MSMFT
- University of Texas at Arlington: MSN
- University of Delaware: BSN
Select Accomplishments (2)
Links
Affiliations (10)
- Fellow in Psychotherapy in the American Psychotherapy Association
- Fellow in Psychological Specialties and Trauma/PTSD in the American Academy of Forensic Examiners
- American Nurses Association
- National Certified Counselor from the National Board for Certified Counselors
- National Association of Clinical Nurse Specialists
- National Council of Family Relations
- American Psychiatric Nurses Association Charter Member
- American Psychotherapy Association
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American Group Psychotherapy Association
Select Media Appearances (8)
What Should We Do With Our Anger Right Now?
The Philadelphia Inquirer
9/22/2020
In the earlier stages of the pandemic, many of us were consumed with feelings of grief, despair, and powerlessness. Those emotions, explained Linda Copel, a practicing marriage and family therapist and a psychology professor at Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick School of Nursing, are at the bottom end of the continuum of emotion; they are rooted in hopelessness and fear. We feel bad because there is nothing we can do about our situation. Anger, believe it or not, is a step up. Anger is actually closer to peace, contentment, and joy because it fuels us to take the action we need to get us to a happier place. “Anger spurs us to make change,” Copel says. “It energizes us. Inspires us to make our voices heard and get things done.”
Domestic Violence an Increasing Concern in Philadelphia Area Because of COVID-19, Study Suggests
The Philadelphia Inquirer
9/10/2020
Linda Copel, who runs a domestic violence support group through her private practice as a family therapist in Malvern, said she believes there has been an increase in domestic violence based on what she’s hearing from group members. Copel, a nursing professor at Villanova University, said verbal abuse as a result of financial difficulties and being stuck at home has become a huge problem for some women. “When the frustration and anxiety increases, people are irritable and edgy and take it out on each other,” she said. “Also, the resources that people have used to cope are nonexistent or have been unavailable for a while.”
We Have to Go Back into the World Again. Here Are Steps for How to Deal With That
The Philadelphia Inquirer
5/14/2020
During our months of sheltering in place, we’ve taken a crash course in staying safe from the virus: wearing masks in public, washing our hands, wiping down counters frequently, refraining from touching our faces. Keep that up, says Linda Copel, psychotherapist and a professor at Villanova University’s nursing college. We should also be sure to continue to socially distance when we can, like opting for online banking and curbside pickups. Drive if you feel more comfortable in your car instead of using public transportation. And if you have to take a bus or train, carry hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes with you. This will help you find a level of comfort because you are doing your best to keep yourself and your family healthy. “We feel better when we are being active in our own safety and security,” Copel said. “So much of our anxiety comes from losing control, so you have to take control when you can.”
Missing Touch in Your Life? So Are We. Here's What to do About It.
The Philadelphia Inquirer
4/28/2020
You don’t have to stand on your head, Chaudhry said, but a yoga position like the eagle pose is literally a self hug designed to help you go inward. Use this touch-less time to create other rituals that ease anxiety, said Linda Copel, a professor at the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University and a marriage and family therapist. If intense balance is not your thing you can practice simple neck, shoulder, and back stretches. A good back stretch: Sit on the floor cross-legged and hug yourself while gently twisting your spine as far as you can go. “You will surprised how this simple stretch can do wonders for your well-being,” Erace said.
What You Can Do if You’re Laid Off or Furloughed During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The Philadelphia Inquirer
4/7/2020
Losing a job is always stressful, but these furloughs and layoffs are even more daunting because they are happening during an economy that’s effectively been stopped. And we really have no idea when it will start up again or how long it will take to regain steam. It’s no wonder we’re having trouble sleeping, concentrating, and living in peace. How will we take care of the people who are depending on us? How will we take care of ourselves? “This is a time of shock, disbelief, and numbness,” said Linda Copel, a professor at the Fitzpatrick College of Nursing at Villanova University and a marriage and family therapist. “This kind of shock stays with people for a while and can cause anxiety and depression. People can get stuck, and the fear and anxiety of what comes next can make it hard for people to move on. But there are ways to get through it and help prevent that."
Domestic Violence Victims Need Crucial Support During the Coronavirus | Opinion
The Philadelphia Inquirer
4/6/2020
Intimate partner violence is a broad problem. An estimated one in four women (24%) and one in seven men (14%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner. Current stay-at-home restrictions preventing the spread of COVID-19 may drastically increase these incidents.
How to Help Military Families at the Holidays
Reuters
12/19/2012
“Over the years I’ve worked with a psychiatric service dog and the response of patients who were grieving, depressed, or struggling with severe anxiety, especially PTSD, markedly improved,” says Villanova University College of Nursing Professor Linda Copel, a licensed psychotherapist who works with military families and is a PTSD expert. “There’s a huge need for training psychiatric and other types of service dogs for soldiers with disabilities.”
Organizations Attempt to Dispel Myths of Mental Health Issues in Wake of Arizona Shooting
Delaware County Daily Times
1/24/2011
Linda Copel, a nursing professor at Villanova University and mental health expert, said people often turn toward the news media for prevention tips following a tragedy. But she added that the media can contribute to the stigma of mental health. "The public stigma can lead to personal stigma where people relabel themselves," Copel said. "It can damage the recovery model, where we encourage people ... to reach out for support."
Select Academic Articles (7)
Experiences of new nurses in the United States during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic
International Nursing Review
2023
Psychological responses of hospital-based nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States: A cross-sectional study
Journal of Applied Nursing Research
2021
Invisible Bruises: The Experience of Verbal Abuse for Women With Disabilities
Clinical Nurse Specialist
2011
The lived experience of women in abusive relationships who sought spiritual guidance
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
2008
Partner abuse in physically disabled women: a proposed model for understanding intimate partner violence
Perspectives in Psychiatric Care
2006
Contact Linda Copel, PhD