She earned her Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology in 1997 from Stony Brook University and did postdoctoral work in social psychology with Dr. Roy Baumeister. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and has been certified as a spiritual director from the Ignatian Spirituality Institute at John Carroll University. Her research centers on issues related to spiritual struggles and forgiveness, and she has special interest in helping people understand and cope with feelings of anger towards God. Dr. Exline is currently serving as President of Division 36 of the American Psychological Association (Psychology of Religion and Spirituality).