Degrees and Certifications

Dr. Richard L. Pimental-Habib is an author, counselor and psychotherapist, and holds a doctorate in clinical hypnotherapy with an emphasis in mind/body wellness. His masters level training was in psychodynamic psychotherapy, developmental psychoanalytic psychology, and marriage, family, and child counseling. In addition, he has post-doctoral training and certifications in clinical hypnoanalysis and past-life regression therapy. His undergraduate work was in fine arts, at the University of California.

Community Involvement

Dr. Rick has been a psychotherapist and educator in the gay and lesbian community for over 20 years, and has practiced, consulted and volunteered throughout the Southern California and Southeast Florida HIV and GLBT communities, lecturing and training peer counselors to work in HIV mental health. As a bereavement counselor for the country’s first AIDS hospice, he designed a one-year follow-up bereavement program that continues to serve as the model for such programs nationwide.

Professional Writings/Media

Dr. Rick has written professionally on HIV-related grief and grief counseling, has been a featured expert on radio shows and a regular columnist for a variety of gay and lesbian publications, and writes for national parenting magazines. He is the author of EMPOWERING THE TRIBE ~ A Positive Guide to Gay and Lesbian Self-Esteem and THE POWER OF A PARTNER ~ Creating and Maintaining Healthy Gay and Lesbian Relationships

Presently …

Dr. Rick currently resides in the Chattanooga, TN area, where he offers individual, relationship, family, and group counseling.   Along with book-touring and consulting, Dr. Rick also offers a variety of seminars and classes in Chattanooga and for diverse religious and community organizations throughout the country.