Dr. Peregrine Kavros is the Director of the Schema Therapy Institute of the Southeast and an Advanced Schema Therapist Trainer and Supervisor in Individuals and Couples. She is known for clinician education and mentoring, and her contributions to the theoretical development of Schema Therapy. In addition, Peregrine is a licensed psychologist in North Carolina, a National Registered Health Psychologist, and certified as a Sex Therapist by AASECT (American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors, and Therapists).
She was awarded a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Her dissertation investigated the ways in which brain functioning influences cognition, memory, and behavior. She holds a Masters of Science in Clinical Counseling from the California State University East Bay, a Masters in Business Administration from the College of Notre Dame du Namur, and a Masters of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary. Peregrine completed an APA-approved Internship with children, adults, and families at the Julia Dyckman Andrus Memorial, where she was a member of the Ryan White Team. Post-graduate training was obtained in Neuropsychology from Columbia University and in Human Sexuality from New York University School of Medicine Langone Medical Center.
She held clinical appointments at Columbia University and New York University. In 1990, as Sr Research Associate in the Department of Neurology at Columbia University, she contributed to developing the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, which has achieved international standing. At Columbia, she had the privilege of working with patients and families responding to the demands of a chronic progressive illness. In 2011, when she completed her training in human sexuality and the treatment of sexual disorders at New York University Langone Medical Center, and later held a staff position.
Dr. Kavros’ 30-year career has featured domestic and global management positions in both the non-profit and profit sectors. As an invited speaker, she has addressed topics such as the treatment of challenging couples, mindfulness and spirituality, interdenominational complexities, managing difficult situations, and leveraging strengths in the workplace. She has contributed to book chapters; referenced works such as the Encyclopedia of Psychology & Religion and published extensively in peer-reviewed journals. In the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, she has the privilege of serving as one of the Ministry Associates at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Hillsborough.
Peregrine is actively involved in the International Society for Schema Therapy and from 2018-2025 served as Chair of the Ethics and Conflict Resolution Committee, Training and Certification Advisory Subcommittee, and the Couples Special Interest Group.
She participates in the following professional organizations:
- American Association of Sexuality Education, Counselors and Therapists
- American Psychological Association (APA) – Divisions
- International Council of Psychologists
- International Society for Schema Therapy
- National Register for Health Psychologists
- North Carolina Psychological Association
- Society for the Exploration of Psychotherapy Integration
- Society for Sex Therapy and Research
She is a member of the Global Psychology Alliance of the American Psychological Association and serves as Chair of the ISST Training Directors Committee for North America. From 2018-2025, Peregrine served as Chair of ISST’s Ethics and Conflict Resolution, and chaired the Training Development Committee, 2025.
Peregrine is passionate about introducing Schema Therapy to therapists worldwide, especially in the Southeastern region of the United States. Peregrine believes that Schema Therapy, as a developmental integrative therapeutic model, is well-suited for clients undergoing life changes, seeking to improve their relationships, or looking to modify aspects of their personality.
She is grateful for those who have shared their wisdom and expertise as she trained: Travis Atkinson, LCSW, Wendy T. Behary, LSCW, Joan Farrell, Ph.D., Victoria Luine, Poul Perris, MD, Eckhard Roediger, MD, and Ida Shaw, MA.