Staff | Student Counseling Center | TTU
Student Counseling Center Staff
Please read our email policy before contacting any member of the Student Counseling Center staff by e-mail.
Licensed Psychologist (since 1991)
Graduate Training: Clinical Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1991
Internship: University of Maine, 1989-90
Theoretical Orientation: Interpersonal, Cognitive-Behavioral, Client-Centered
Professional Interests: Eating Disorders, Trauma Survivors-EMDR trained, Group Therapy
Approach to Therapy: I approach therapy from a combination of cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and interpersonal orientations. The best way to briefly describe cognitive behavioral therapy is that if you as a client can change your thoughts and change your behaviors, your feelings will follow. My role as a therapist is to guide this process. "Client-centered" means that I am committed to developing a positive relationship with my clients in which they feel safe, understood and accepted. This atmosphere helps set the stage for emotional healing and change. Finally, an interpersonal approach lends itself to giving appropriate, therapeutic feedback to clients based on our relationship. The theory is that if a set of dysfunctional thoughts, feelings, or behaviors happens within the therapeutic relationship, it could also be happening in other relationships outside of therapy. My job is to share my observations, explore the history of the pattern, and encourage new ways of approaching relationships. While I generally use a combination of all three of these approaches, my emphasis on one over the others varies depending on the presenting problem and client goals.
Approach to Supervision: I take a developmental approach to supervision, making sure that fundamental skills (empathic listening, developing a therapeutic alliance) are solid before moving on to more advanced skills. I believe it is important to respect my supervisee's theoretical orientation and give him or her room to continue to develop his or her own unique style. At the same time I provide opportunities to learn about my own approach to treatment as well as techniques for helping clients gain insight and reach their goals.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2008
Licensed Psychologist (since 2009)
Graduate Training: Clinical Psychology, University of Texas, 2006
Internship: Geisinger Medical Center, 2005-06
Post-Doc: Harbor Medical Center, UCLA, 2006-07
Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive-Behavioral
Professional Interests: Mood Disorders, Anxiety, Behavioral Medicine
Approach to Therapy: My therapeutic orientation is an integration of person-centered concepts (such as therapist congruence (genuineness), empathy , and unconditional positive regard ) and CBT. By integrating these two orientations I seek to foster a safe environment that allows clients to explore their problems as well as challenge their own understanding of their situation/problems.
Approach to Supervision: My supervision framework is loosely based on my therapeutic orientation. I take an equalitarian stance, applying client centered concepts and a CBT framework to promote an environment where supervisees will feel comfortable bringing in both successes and difficulties from their therapy work and which will allow them to meet challenges in a confident manner.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2007
Licensed Psychologist (since November 2019)
Graduate Training: Oklahoma State University, 2018
Internship: Indiana University, 2017-2018
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative Approach (Interpersonal, Relational-Cultural, and Cognitive Behavioral)
Professional Interests: Eating Disorders, Trauma, Men and Masculinity, LGBTQIA+
Approach to Therapy: I incorporate numerous theoretical orientations into my clinical practice, but place a large emphasis on building a good therapeutic alliance with clients. This allows for a strong foundation to assist any work clients wish to begin. During the first two meetings, I collaborate with clients on identifying the issues and goals they have and deciding the best route to beginning to work on these concerns. I am trained as a generalist and able to work with clients who are experiencing a wide array of concerns.
Approach to Supervision: My approach to supervision aims to provide a developmentally safe and supportive atmosphere for supervisees to discuss potential issues or concerns during their training experience. I seek to help supervisees identify relevant training goals and help provide guidance on working towards those goals. Additionally, I seek to provide feedback and challenges to elp facilitate supervisee's growth in their approach to working with clients and developing their professional identity.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2018
Licensed Psychologist (since 2006 in Texas; 1999-2006 in Massachusetts)
Graduate Training: University of Denver, Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology, 1990
Respecialization in Clinical Psychology, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, 1997
Internship: Worcester Youth Guidance Center, Worcester, Massachusetts, 1996-1997
(With a rotation at University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics)
Theoretical Orientation: I believe that different approaches work best for different presenting problems and circumstances. My strengths lie in cognitive-behavioral, client-centered and interpersonal approaches to therapy. Thus, my focus is on thoughts and emotions and the behaviors associated with them, providing a supportive and safe place to explore one's identity, and understanding patterns of interactions with others and how to improve them. In combining these approaches, I seek to understand where clients are in their development of self and relationships with other, and then work together to explore what types of changes best suit their individualized goals and improve their current situation.
Professional Interests: Life-span development, self-compassion, mindfulness, stress and coping, parenting, relationship skills and attachment, family dynamics, anxiety, depression, and recovering from trauma.
My approach to supervision takes into account the developmental stage of the supervisee as well as their interest in learning more about certain aspects or approaches to therapy. I strive to develop a trusting and mutually respectful relationship that allows me to provide support as well as teach and consult, so that supervisees may have room to develop their own unique style.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2011
Licensed Psychologist (since 2019)
Graduate Training: Clinical Psychology, University of Indianapolis, 2017
Internship: Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program, Wichita State University, 2016-17
Theoretical Orientation: Interpersonal Process (IPT), Client-Centered, Emotion Focused (EFT)
Professional Interests: Supervision & training, treatment of anxiety concerns and related issues, interpersonal skills and confidence development, group therapy approaches to mental health and relational goals, mens issues, problems associated with media & technology use patterns, graduate student issues
Approach to Therapy: I tend to view treatment from an interpersonal theoretical approach, seeing concerns, goals, and challenges through a more relational lens, and seeking to alter approaches within interpersonal realms as a method moving toward goals for self. More generally, my role is to help each person determine the possible ways their current strategies, environment, or experiences can be modified to manage their difficulties better. I find that learning about the benefits of emotions and emotional experience, determining different ways of relating to others, and challenging unfair beliefs about ourselves and our worth are often most helpful to consider and I tend to discuss these areas most as a result.
Approach to Supervision: My approach to supervision is largely developmental. I believe it is important to balance the supervisee's sense of autonomy and their perception that they are supported and guided by their supervisor. This balance also changes as the supervisee develops and gains more skills and experience. I believe that less experienced supervisees typically require more guidance and support as they learn fundamental skills. I also believe experienced supervisees typically require a more consultatory relationship, with somewhat increased autonomy as they process more complex issues (e.g. choosing a theoretical orientation) and develop a professional identity.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2017
Graduate Training: Texas Wesleyan University, Professional Counseling MA Program, 2010.
Theoretical Orientation: Systems, Cognitive Behavioral
Professional Interests: Trauma, Grief, Self-Compassion
Approach to Therapy: I work primarily from a systems model. I believe that distress is often due to a combination of circumstances, relationships, and experiences. When conflict is present in multiple aspects of ones life it can become difficult to function. I believe that change in one area can effect changes in all aspects of life and healthy change and coping can lead to a less distressing state of being. I work with clients to heal from the things they have experienced in life, create healthy relationships and boundaries, and learn skills to cope with the stress of life. For clients that have experienced trauma such as abuse, sexual assault, or other traumatic events I approach counseling by using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Through this technique the client is able to find healing from the trauma they have experienced.
Approach to Supervision: Through supervision I aim to help the trainee learn to be the best version of themself as a therapist and a person. I work with the trainee to gain skills, strengthen their self-efficacy, and give themself grace when they fall short of their expectation.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2018
Undergraduate: BOE, Wayland Baptist University, 2005
Senior Staff at SCC since 2005
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (since 2021)
Graduate Training: Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University, 2017
Professional Interests: Partnering and Intimate Relationships, Identity Development, Childhood and Family Trauma, and Family Dynamics of Addiction.
Theoritcal Orientation: I work in an integrated theoretical approach to therapy that draws from Post-Modern Theories, Symbolic-Experiential, Emotion-Focused, and DBT/CBT/ACT adaptive to clients goals.
Approach to Therapy: I view therapy as a collaborative approach to improving the important relationships in our lives. We can be intentional in changing the relationship we have with ourselves, with the problems bringing us to therapy, with peers, with partners, with families, and with our larger culture.
Approach to Supervision: My role and function as a supervisor shifts to the developmental goals of supervisees. Initially, Supervision necessarily attends to the legal and ethical responsibilities of helping professionals, but grows into a collaborative exploration of therapist identity, professional passions, strengths, and goals.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2017
Graduate Training: Texas Tech University, M.Ed. in Counselor Education, 2014
Theoretical Orientation: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Existential Therapy, Group Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy).
Professional Interests: Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and Trauma
Approach to Therapy: I operate with a non-judgmental approach that meets the client where they are at. I believe in empowerment of the client to foster an environment that healing and growth can take place. My theoretical orientation is typically based on what can best help serve the client. I believe we are all capable of being the best versions of ourselves. I feel very honored and privileged to be part of this process and look forward to working with anyone in need of help.
.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2018
Licensed Professional Counselor (since 2013)
Graduate Training: Texas Tech University, M.Ed. in Counselor Education, 2012
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative (CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, DBT, & MBCT)
Professional Interests: Relationships, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Addiction
Approach to Therapy: I practice from an integrative approach by focusing on the current needs, goals, and abilities of the client. Building the therapeutic alliance is a priority in the beginning stages of therapy. When clients are given a safe nonjudgmental environment to process and work through their concerns, change becomes possible. In therapy I focus on assisting clients gain self-awareness and self-control. I believe this can be accomplished through recognizing how their thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors contribute to their concerns and how learning and implementing new positive coping strategies can elicit new outcomes.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2019
Graduate Training: Master of Arts in Counseling, Wayland Baptist University, 2017
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative (Person-Centered, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Career Counseling, Grief, Anger Management, Family of Origin Concerns.
Approach to Therapy: My approach is to first create a therapeutic alliance so that we can build a trusting relationship. It is important to me that you feel safe and accepted. Life has many seasons/challenges, and some are unexpected, I would be honored to walk side by side while you navigate these challenges. My goal is a collaborative approach to help clients gain insight, improve interpersonal relationships, process trauma, develop coping skills, and create routine and stability. I provide a safe, caring environment to explore lifes challenges and guide you on a path to healing and transformation.
Strengths Quest: Learner, Developer, Harmony, Achiever, Relator
Senior Staff at SCC since 2022
Graduate Training: Master of Science in Couples, Marriage and Family Therapy, Texas Tech University, 2018
Theoretical Orientation: I believe each client has unique needs, resulting in an integrative approach to therapy as necessary using Narrative Therapy, Symbolic-Experiential Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Professional Interests: Substance Use Disorders, Process/Behavioral Addictions, Eating Disorders, Identity Development, Family of Origin Concerns
Approach to Therapy: My goal as a therapist is to first foster a welcoming, empowering, and healing environment to begin the growth you are seeking. I believe that the client should not work on their struggles alone and that the therapist is there to sit with you through all the feelings of discomfort. I come from a systems model and believe our past and current relationships and experiences can influence our emotions, how we view ourselves, how we view others, and how we communicate. I work with clients to find healing, empowerment, and freedom from their struggles. I believe that clients benefit the most from a congruent and honest, yet empathetic, approach to their problems. .Diversity: Everyone comes from different walks of life. I value and respect the diversity each person carries within their culture, race, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, and socioeconomic status. Each of these aspects can significantly impact a wide variety of the presenting concerns you bring to therapy; they are important to acknowledge and process. I strive to ensure my clients feel accepted and safe in the therapy process. All are welcome in all ways.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2022
Licensed Psychologist (since 2024)
Graduate Training: Ball State University, Counseling Psychology Ph.D., 2022
Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2021-2022
Theoretical Orientation: Person-Centered
Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Substance Use, Grief, Trauma
Approach to Therapy: In my work with clients, I use a mixture of person-centered, CBT, and trauma-informed techniques to help clients meet their personal goals and develop greater insight into what they are experiencing. I typically start clients with a foundation of coping skills to help facilitate deeper processing in the next stage of therapy. I strive to meet clients where they are at and tailor my approaches to what they are needing in the moment. My aim is to support clients in meeting their goals in a supportive and non-judgmental environment where they can grow and experience meaningful change.
Approach to Supervision: I take a developmental approach to supervision and work to meet my supervisees where they are at. I see my role as supportive in terms of consultation, mentorship, and fostering professional identity development. I value instilling self-care and genuineness in my supervisees as well as helping them build conceptualization skills, identifying their theoretical orientation, and discovering their niche areas of interest. I believe in taking an approach with a balance of focusing on strengths and growth edges to help instill confidence in my supervisees.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2022
Graduate Training: University of Central Arkansas, Counseling Psychology, Ph.D.
Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2021-2022
Theoretical Orientation: Person-Centered, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Expressive Arts Therapy
Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, International students
Approach to Therapy: My approach to therapy is grounded in an integrative framework, drawing from a variety of techniques I have learned throughout my journey. This means I customize my therapeutic approach to align with my clients' specific needs and preferences. I firmly believe that everyone possesses inner strength and will naturally thrive in their unique environment. As a therapist, my role is to collaborate with my clients on their journey toward healing, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Approach to Supervision: In my role as a supervisor, I draw upon a developmental model perspective to guide and nurture the growth of emerging therapists, tailoring my approach to their stage of training and unique needs. My aim is to empower these emerging therapists, enabling them to evolve into competent, ethical, and culturally sensitive practitioners.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2023
Graduate Training: Louisiana Tech University, Counseling Psychology Ph.D. 2023
Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2021-2022
Theoretical Orientation: Relational Cultural and Cognitive Behavioral
Professional Interests: Trauma, Multiculturalism, Mood Disorders, Body Image
Approach to Therapy: I integrate relational cultural and cognitive behavioral therapies to help clients gain more insight on how their identities shape the way they view themselves, their distress, and their ability to cope in the world around them.
Approach to Supervision: Relational Cultural
Senior Staff at SCC since 2023
Graduate Training: California Baptist University
Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2023-2024
Professional Interests: I enjoy doing trauma work, which includes the utilization of different evidence-based trauma treatments (e.g., EMDR, CPT, TF-CBT). I also enjoy supervising and facilitating group therapy.
Approach to Therapy: I primarily practice from a combination of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) approach. I believe that ones thoughts significantly contributes to their emotions and behaviors, therefore addressing maladaptive thought patterns and beliefs is crucial for healing and growth. In addition, an interpersonal approach helps foster strong therapeutic rapport, as well as helps clients build insight, awareness, and new ways of approaching interpersonal relationships.
Approach to Supervision: Within supervision, I strive to create a supportive and developmentally appropriate atmosphere. I believe that is important to meet supervisees where they are currently in their developmental levels and to help them gain the skills to meet their own professional goals. I encourage ongoing feedback from supervisees and encourage them to reflect on both their triumphs and areas of growth.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2024
Graduate Training: Divine Mercy University
Internship: Texas Tech University Student Counseling Center, 2023-2024
Theoretical Orientation: I take an integrated approach, although my primary orientation is EFT. I most often integrate psychodynamic, CBT, and interpersonal approaches in my work. I have found that the EFT approach allows for a secure/safe space to be developed so that clients have the opportunity to further explore their inner world. "Tend to befriend" is a common phrase I use to illustrate the need for us to tend to our inner world by naming and experiencing our emotions.
Professional Interests: Mood Disorders, Body Image, Family Relationships, Interpersonal Relationships, Eating Disorders, Trauma
Approach to Supervision: I take a developmental approach to supervision. My hope is to meet supervisees where they are while creating a safe space for them to hone their skills and develop new ones. I also value ongoing feedback throughout the process to monitor growth and tailor supervision to current needs.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2024
Graduate Training: Master of Science in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 2021
Theoretical Orientation: Integrative (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Person-Centered)
Professional Interests: Depression, Anxiety, LGBTQIA+, Trauma
Approach to Therapy: My initial focus when meeting with a client is to create a safe and comfortable environment through the establishment of a strong therapeutic relationship. I strive to meet clients where they are currently at and work collaboratively with them to help build the knowledge, skills and insight necessary to work through challenges they are facing now as well as those they may face in the future to create meaningful changes in their lives.
Senior Staff at SCC since 2024
Administrative Staff
Bethany Calderon
Administrative Business Assistant, Staff at SCC since 2024
Debbie Ashley
Senior Business Assistant, Staff at SCC since 2015
Tamara Ebeling
Senior Business Assistant, Staff at SCC since 2019
Doctoral Interns: 2024-2025
Simone Cooper, M.A. Kean University
Cara Knoepple, Florida State
Gabriella Miceli, M.S., New Mexico State
Stephanie Power, M.A., Northwest University
Ning Tang, M.A., University of Akron
Other Counselors in Training
Shadie Miller, LPC-Associate
Lucy Hatch, LPC-Associate
Laura Crossen, LPC-Associate
Francesca Dinsay, LMFT-Associate
Practicum Students: Fall 2024
Luke Childers, M.S., M.A.
Allison Sapp, B.A.
Emily Paez, M.S., M.A.
Malvika Narayan, M.A.
Bryce A. Robinson, B.A.
Michael Leduc, M.A.
Brelynne Baldwin, M.A.
Crys Mylls, M.A.
Michelle Shegedin, B.S., B.A.
Daniela Navarro Verdugo, M.A.
Samantha Gonzalez, M.A.
Supervision Disclosure Information
The Student Counseling Center provides training opportunities for graduate practicum students, doctoral psychology interns, and post graduate trainees. Per Texas state law, it is our responsibility to inform our clients of the trainee status and provide the supervisor contact information for each unlicensed therapist.
Updated 8/21/2024
Student Counseling Center
-
Address
201 Student Wellness Center -
Phone
806.742.3674 -
Email
StudentCounselingCenter@ttu.edu