James Zender, PhD, is a
Clinical and Forensic Psychologist with over 30 years
Trauma experience, the last 15 of which he specialized in
Auto Accident Trauma Treatment and Care. This involves helping accident survivors cope with physical and emotional conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, anxiety and depression. Dr. Zender knows from experience that therapy can help auto accident survivors become more comfortable with their new normal, and from there, move forward on the path to thriving and enjoying life once again.
Dr. James Zender on The Extensive And Often Hidden Mental and Physical Trauma Caused By Auto AccidentsBackground Experience - Prior to private practice, he worked as a clinical psychologist at Providence Hospital and Ypsilanti Regional Psychiatric Hospital. He was the founding director of the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma at Detroit Receiving Hospital and University Health Center—one of the premier trauma hospitals worldwide— where he also served as Instructor in Psychiatry.
Dr. Zender has been brought in to evaluate, consult, and train following some of the world’s major traumatic events. While much of his community and disaster work is confidential, the list includes:
- Terrorist Acts, such as Bombings
- Industrial Plant and Community Explosions
- Law Enforcement Critical Events
- Airline Crashes
- Civil War and Mass Refugee Scenarios
- Political Asylum Processes from more than a Dozen Countries in South America, Africa, Asia and Central America
Dr. Zender is the Founding Director of the Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Psychological Trauma at Detroit Receiving Hospital. He is a Member of the American Psychological Association, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Brain Injury Association of Michigan, National Safety Council, International Pain Society, among others. Dr. Zender is also a Contributing Editor for
The Forensic Examiner, Journal of the American College of Forensic Examiners. He has also been named in Outstanding Scientists of the 21st Century, 1st Edition and in Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century, 1st Edition.
Litigation Support - Dr. Zender provides
Forensic Psychological Services for plaintiff and defense. He Works in the area of accident prevention and promoting transition to autonomous vehicles. Dr. Zender administers Independent Psychological Evaluations for the following:
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Auto Accident Trauma
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Psychotherapy
| Pain PsychologyFamilyInjuryVeteransAddictionAutonomous Vehicles |
View Dr. Zender's Consulting Profile.
A powerful adjunct to post-trauma psychotherapy is body-oriented therapies and methods. Yoga, massage therapy, and Pilates are powerful tools that should be considered and included in the comprehensive treatment plan. In my work with auto accident trauma survivors I daily see the value of combining massage therapy and methods such as Pilates with the verbal working through of trauma in psychotherapy. I believe auto insurance carriers would earn big returns on their investments by paying for personal trainers to work with survivors in regular Pilates sessions which somatically supports the psycho-therapeutic work. When combined with regular massage therapy, the synergy of the combined approaches is the perfect combination for many people attempting to gain improved emotional regulation, physical health, and mobility.
