Dr. Barbara Hilton Arnold

Biography

Dr. Barbara Arnold is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Work at Western Carolina University. She attained her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Appalachian State University, her Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2000, and her Ph.D. in Social Work in 2023 from the University of Georgia. Dr. Arnold has practiced in the field of social work as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) for several years working with various populations and settings. She has over a decade of experience as a clinician and associate director of a college counseling center. Her clinical practice integrated a trauma-informed holistic perspective using integrative trauma-processing approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Dr. Arnold’s research centers on trauma-informed practices, research methods, and pedagogy that honor the whole person and integrate embodiment and a somatic focus. Dr. Arnold has a great affinity for the western North Carolina Appalachian region and enjoys spending time in the region outdoors with her family, friends, and sweet dog Lila as her hiking buddy.

Education

• Ph D, University of Georgia
• MSW, University of Georgia
• BSW, Appalachian State University