Bio


Dr. Lisa Post, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression and adjustment disorders in adults. She has been a practicing clinician at Stanford Hospital and Clinics since 1993. Since 2000, she has been Director of a clinical program for Stanford Varsity Athletes and for nine years has been the Team Clinician for the San Francisco 49ers. Her primary interest are in the treatment of high performing individuals and in stress management.

Clinical Focus


  • Wellness Program
  • Sports Medicine
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy
  • Clinical Psychology

Academic Appointments


Administrative Appointments


  • Director, Interpersonal Problems Clinic, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (1996 - Present)
  • Chief, Sports Medicine, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (2000 - Present)
  • Director, Health Connect: Resident and Fellow Mental Health Program, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford Hospital and Clinic (2010 - Present)

Professional Education


  • Internship: Stanford University School of Medicine (1994) CA
  • PhD Training: CA School of Prof Psychology (1991) CA

2023-24 Courses


All Publications


  • Implementation, Feasibility, and Perception of Facilitated Process Groups in Surgical Residency. Journal of surgical education Letica-Kriegel, A. S., Connolly, M. R., Westfal, M. L., Treadway, D., Post, L., Mullen, J. T., Qadan, M. 2023

    Abstract

    Recent studies have demonstrated burnout in surgeons, with trainees affected at alarming levels. However, few studies have focused on specific wellbeing initiatives in surgical residency. We implemented facilitated process groups at our residency program and aimed to understand the feasibility and perception of this program.We recruited a psychologist to conduct weekly process groups. Each postgraduate year (PGY) class was scheduled for a rotating 1-hour session every 6 weeks during protected didactic time. A presurvey was conducted shortly following program commencement for PGY1-5 residents (11/2020-1/2021) and a postsurvey conducted after 9 to 10 months of implementation for PGY2-5 residents. Surveys included demographics, a 2-item Maslach Burnout Inventory, and questions about stress, lifestyle, and perception of the process groups, including qualitative feedback.The study took place at within the General Surgery Residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, a tertiary-care institution in Boston, Massachusetts.Participants in process groups were all General Surgery residents during the timeframe of the study. Participation in the presurvey and postsurvey was voluntary for residents.A total of 32 and 35 residents completed the presurveys and postsurveys, respectively. Groups were similar with regards to gender and race. A total of 97% and 57% of postsurvey respondents attended ≥1 and ≥3 process groups, respectively, with 95% citing clinical/other obligations as the cause of missing sessions. Perception of process groups was highly positive and persisted across both surveys. There were no significant differences in perception or burnout questions, except for a slight decrease in "I think process groups might help me process personal challenges" on postsurvey. Of 15 qualitative postsurvey responses, 73% were positive and the remainder were neutral.Based on current measures, it is feasible to implement facilitated process groups for surgical residents. Resident perception of these groups was persistently positive.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jsurg.2023.04.002

    View details for PubMedID 37088574

  • A Facilitated-Group Approach to Wellness in Surgical Residency. JAMA surgery Mueller, C. M., Buckle, M., Post, L. 2018

    View details for PubMedID 30267058

  • Exercise restrictions trigger psychological difficulty in active and athletic adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Open heart Luiten, R. C., Ormond, K., Post, L., Asif, I. M., Wheeler, M. T., Caleshu, C. 2016; 3 (2)

    Abstract

    We examined the extent and nature of the psychological difficulty experienced by athletic adults with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), correlates of that difficulty and coping mechanisms.A survey assessed athletic history and psychological impact of exercise restrictions. LASSO penalised linear regression identified factors associated with psychological difficulty. Semistructured interviews provided deeper insight into the nature and origins of psychological difficulty.54 individuals (33% female, mean age 55.9) completed the survey. The majority were recreational athletes at the time of restriction (67%). There was a drop in athleticism after diagnosis, including time spent exercising (p=0.04) and identification as an athlete (p=0.0005). Most respondents (54%) found it stressful and/or difficult to adjust to exercise restrictions. Greater psychological morbidity was associated with history of elite or competitive athletics, athletic identity and decrease in time spent exercising. 16 individuals (44% female, mean age 52.4) were interviewed. Long-term effects included weight gain and uncertainty about exercising safely. The role of exercise in interviewees' lives contracted significantly after restriction, from multiple functions (eg, social, stress relief, fitness) to solely health maintenance. Interviewees reported a unique form of social support: having family and friends participate with them in lower intensity exercise. Lack of understanding from family or friends and avoiding exercise completely were detrimental to coping.Athletic adults with HCM experience multifaceted, lasting difficulty adjusting to exercise recommendations. These data can guide clinicians in identifying patients at highest risk for distress and in helping to bolster coping and adaptation.

    View details for PubMedID 27843566