Linda Copel, PhD

Professor | M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Villanova University

  • Villanova PA

Dr. Copel, PhD, RN, CNS, BC, CNE, NCC, FAPA has extensive experience providing counseling in situations of familial and domestic violence.

Contact

Villanova University

View more experts managed by Villanova University

Social

Areas of Expertise

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

Texas Woman's University

PhD

Texas Woman's University

MSMFT

University of Texas at Arlington

MSN

Show All +

Select Accomplishments

Inducted into National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education

2013

Awarded Villanova College of Nursing Medallion

2011

Affiliations

  • 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
Show All +

Select Media Appearances

What Should We Do With Our Anger Right Now?

The Philadelphia Inquirer  online

2020-09-22

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.”

View More

Domestic Violence an Increasing Concern in Philadelphia Area Because of COVID-19, Study Suggests

The Philadelphia Inquirer  online

2020-09-10

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.”

View More

We Have to Go Back into the World Again. Here Are Steps for How to Deal With That

The Philadelphia Inquirer  online

2020-05-14

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.”

View More

Show All +

Research Grants

The Lived Experience of Partner Abuse in Physically Disabled Women

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation

Research Grant

Patterns of Abuse in Physically Disabled Women

Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation

Research Grant

An Investigation of the Occurrence of Situational Couple Violence in Women with Disabilities

College of Nursing Center for Nursing Research

Research Grant

Select Academic Articles

Experiences of new nurses in the United States during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic

International Nursing Review

Christine D Byrne, Linda Carman Copel, Suzanne C Smeltzer, Mu-Hsun Chen

2023

View more

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

Mensinger, J.L., Brom, H.M., Costello, A., Havens, D.S., D'Annunizio, C., Copel, L.C., et al.

2021

View more

Compassion satisfaction: A concept analysis in nursing

Nursing Forum

Tara L. Sacco, Linda Carman Copel

2017

View more

Show All +