“I truly feel that I have won the lottery each day as I wake up with my health, family and friends, and a great career!”
Dr. Lapin earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in both School Counseling and Family Counseling at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1980. She later earned her Clinical Psychology Degree, Psy. D. at California Southern University in 2006. Dr. Lapin began her career working for six years as a Family Therapist for a residential children’s home, providing home visits for families in crisis, discharge planning, and aftercare for struggling teenagers.
“I was astounded how small changes led to big changes in the system of the family. With the addition of hope and trust, families were able to stabilize, resetting their compass in a positive direction.”
Dr. Lapin continued to work in community agencies as a consultant developing programs and providing direct service to families, adults, adolescents, children and schools in both New York and Florida. As a Clinical Fellow with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Lapin is known as a dynamic speaker, presenting workshops locally, statewide and nationally for professionals and the community. Dr. Lapin maintains both an Arizona and Florida license as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Florida Professional Educators Certificate in Guidance and Counseling. In addition, she was awarded the prestigious National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and was granted Florida Supreme Court Subject Matter Specialist for Family Mediation Training Programs. Publications include a teen monthly advice column, “Ask Dr. Renae” in the Parklander Magazine and book: “School Days And The Divorce Maze – A Complete Guide For Joint Custody Parents In Managing Your Child’s Successful School Career”
During her 28 years serving the children and families of the Broward County School District as a Family Therapist, Dr. Lapin was honored to earn the respect and admiration of her colleagues and graced with the opportunity to support families and children from a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities to reach their goals. Dr. Lapin established six new Family Therapy programs in elementary, middle and high school, treating over three thousand children and families. Being integrated a valuable member of the school culture provided the unique opportunity to observe children in their day-to-day school setting yielding a wealth of experience. Dr. Lapin’s astute ability to distinguish the difference between typical versus troubled childhood developmental issues has been a comfort to families providing reassurance and confidence to parents.
“I continue to be awed by the resiliency and strength of families as they demonstrate grace, dignity, perseverance, creativity, and a sense of humor in the midst of the most difficult struggles. My admiration of thousands of families overcoming obstacles with limited support continuously fuels my passion as a Family Therapist.”
Dr. Lapin is not accepting new clients at this time.
“I read Ann Lander’s advice column while I was growing up and dreamed of being a therapist. Now I am “Ask Dr. Renae” living my dream – imagine that!!!”