About Linda Eldredge, EdD
Author and retired psychologist specializing in holistic concepts, communication skills, personal empowerment, and springboard diving.
Professional Bio
Linda Eldredge, EdD
Linda Eldredge, EdD, is a retired psychologist with 31 years of clinical experience dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges. She helped them to address issues such as relationships, depression, anxiety, communication issues, job stress, life transitions, spirituality, trauma recovery, and personal empowerment. Her holistic approach integrated mind-body-spirit principles with evidence-based psychological practice. Dr. Eldredge is a Certified Verbal Self-Defense Trainer. In addition to serving the general population, she worked with people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, Deaf-Blind, or who have one or more disabilities. Prior to her career as a psychologist, she was a teacher and interpreter for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. She is fluent in both American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English. Since she has retired, she focuses her expertise on writing and speaking engagements.
At age 42, she began doing tricks off the diving board, and continued for over twenty years. She took a one-year course at the University of Texas Masters Diving Program to improve her springboard diving skills. At 54, she placed third in a diving competition. She taught people of all ages how to breathe deeply, swim, and do diving tricks, helping them shift from fear to triumph as they followed their bliss. Dr. Eldredge authored her debut book, Tales from the Diving Board, in 2026.
The Spanish translations of Tales from the Diving Board, known as Aventuras desde el trampolin, is coming out in Fall 2026 and is available for pre-order.
Qualifications
Educational Background
Doctorate
EdD in Educational Psychology
Baylor University
Doctoral dissertation on verbal self-defense communication systems and conflict
de-escalation.
Master's Degree
MA in Communication Science / Deaf Education
Texas Women's University
Master’s thesis on teaching English as a second language to Deaf students.
Bachelor's Degree
BS in Behavioral Sciences
Howard Payne University
Foundation in psychology, behavioral science, and relationships.
Professional Standing
Licenses & Credentials
Professional Licenses,
Certificates, & Credentials
- Level I Verbal Self-Defense Trainer
- All-Level Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
- Certified School Counselor
- Certified Special Education School Counselor
- Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Licensed Psychologist 1991-2022
- Master’s Diving Class (University of Texas)
Specialized Training
One-Year Course in the
Masters Diving Program,
University of Texas at Austin
Populations Served
- Individuals, Couples, and Families
- Adolescents and Adults (Ages 6–70+)
- Children Ages 6–18 who are Deaf or have a Deaf Parent
- Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Congenitally Deaf, and Late-Deafened Individuals
- Deaf-Blind, Blind, or Visually Impaired Individuals
- Developmentally Delayed Individuals
- Individuals with Physical Disabilities
- Nonverbal Individuals using Alternative Communication Methods
- LGBTQ+ Community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning)
- Adult Survivors of Emotional, Verbal, Physical, and Sexual Abuse
Affiliations
- Alliance of Independent Authors (C. I. C.)
- Collective of Independent Publishers and Authors (CIPA)
- Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA)
- Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Areas of Specialization
Clinical Experience & Expertise
Communication & Relationships
Expert in communication difficulties, conflict resolution, verbal self-defense, and building healthy relationships
Deaf & Hard-of-Hearing Services
Hearing person fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and familiar with Deaf Culture serving Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Late-Deafened, and Deaf-Blind individuals and families
Trauma Recovery
Specialized holistic expertise in healing from verbal, emotional, religious, physical, and sexual trauma with evidence-based approaches and compassionate care
Spiritual Exploration
Examined spirituality concerns, beliefs, and options in religious trauma recovery, reconnection with one’s authentic self, and choosing a path that aligns with one’s own values
LGBTQ+ & Diversity
Affirming, culturally competent care for LGBTQ+ individuals across the continuum, those with disabilities, and those from diverse backgrounds
Professional Journey
Teacher of the Deaf and Hearing Impaired, Waco Regional School for the Deaf, Waco, Texas
1982-1985
Educator of Deaf and Hard of Hearing students; curriculum development including specialized sex education programming.
Licensed Psychologist
1991 – 2022 (Retired)
31 years maintaining active license and staying current with psychological research and best practices.
School Psychologist - Texas School for the Deaf, Austin, Texas
1993 - 1995
Half-time psychologist working with high-risk Deaf students providing therapy and psychological evaluations, as well as collaborating in creating their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
Seminars Throughout Psychologist Career
Presenter on Mental Health & Deafness, Spirituality & Mental Health, and Verbal Self-Defense Training.
Masters Diving Program, University of Texas at Austin, 2004-2005
Took one-year course in springboard diving techniques.
Author 2026 – Present
After retirement, transitioned to writing and continued expertise sharing through speaking engagements and training.
Published Tales from the Diving Board in paperback, e-book, hardcover, and Dyslexia versions, April 2026.Coming Fall of 2026, the Spanish translation of Tales from the Diving Board: Aventuras desde el trampolin!
Personal Philosophy & Approach to Life
"Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging." —Joseph Campbell
“Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.” —Gloria Steinem
“If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down.” —Toni Morrison
Dr. Eldredge is guided by the belief that healing, growth, and learning new skills are possible for everyone, regardless of what they've experienced. As a teacher, psychologist, and diver, she has been honored to help people realize who they are and the power they have, listen to and trust their Inner Wisdom, develop healthy boundaries, imagine a future that feeds their souls, and follow their bliss. Her approach to life combines:
- Holistic Integration: Mind-body-spirit approaches that compassionately honor the whole person in connection with the Earth and all living beings
- Communication Excellence: Teaching practical skills for clear, authentic self-expression
- Empowerment Focus: Helping people discover their own Inner Wisdom and strength
- Trauma-Informed Care: Explaining how trauma affects the nervous system and relationships, as well as self-care practices for recovery
- Cultural Competency: Specialized understanding of Deaf culture, LGBTQ+ issues, and diverse populations
- Spiritual Respect: Honoring each person's unique spiritual or non-spiritual journey and beliefs
- Take the Plunge: Do what feeds your soul and gives you joy!
