Keely Alexander, PhD, University of Missouri
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
Flexibility and presence are key to my approach in therapy. Overall, I attempt to remain adaptable in my work with clients depending on each one’s needs. I first focus on building a strong relationship where effective therapeutic work can take place. I take a mindful, compassionate approach to clients’ concerns. As we build our relationship, I invite clients to self-reflect and encourage them to use therapy collaboratively as we create space in which they can become more aware and accepting of themselves in compassionate, non-judgemental ways. I aim to assist clients in living in the present, while healing the past, and building a meaningful future.
In terms of theoretical orientation, my therapeutic approach draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness based concepts. ACT inventions assist us in developing psychological flexibility, which is the ability to be present, focused and engaged in what we’re doing; to open up to our present experience allowing our thoughts and emotions to be as they are from moment to moment; and to act effectively guided by our values and what matters to us. When our present moment experiences (e.g., thoughts, emotions, physical sensations) are challenging and unpleasant, I invite clients to open up to these experiences by making contact with them in curious, kind ways to help reduce the impact of the difficult experiences. I see therapy as an experiential activity where clients can come to be seen and heard while learning new, more flexible, life enhancing ways of living.
Clinical Interests:
I care deeply about holistic student development, social justice, and campus outreach. I am committed to meeting the needs of college students of diverse backgrounds by supporting their overall well-being and identity development while helping them pursue meaningful life goals. I am a trained generalist who works with students presenting a variety of experiences, concerns, and goals. I believe Dr. Meg Jay, clinical psychologist and adult development specialist, put it best when she said that young adulthood is a “developmental sweet spot.” I genuinely enjoy collaborating with college students in therapy as they get to know themselves during this developmental sweet spot. My specific areas of interest and expertise include identity development, LGBTQ+ affirming care, adjustment issues, and career development concerns. Other areas of experience include working with mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, grief and loss.
Supervision Style:
I thoroughly enjoy providing clinical supervision and supporting trainees in their clinical and professional development. Overall, my approach to supervision is relationship focused, strength-based, and highly values self-reflection. Much like my approach to therapy, I understand clinical supervision to be a relational process and put much effort into establishing a genuine and strong working alliance with my supervisees. Also similar to my work with my clients, in supervision I work to remain flexible meeting supervisees wherever they are developmentally in their training and encourage self-reflection to increase self-awareness.
My supervision style is informed by Bernard’s Discrimination Model as I work to balance the roles as a supervisor, a therapist, and a consultant where appropriate in my work with supervisees. My values that guide each of these roles include transparency, collaboration, authenticity, growth, and curiosity. I aim to combine positive regard with appropriate personal challenge for my supervisees so that they may come to better understand themselves, as well as their clinical work with clients.
Bio:
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, traveling, reading a good book, and hammocking. I spend time relaxing after work with my pets as hanging out with furry friends is a fantastic form of self-care. I’m a big fan of experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, but also enjoy trying new spots for good food and coffee–I’m always open to recommendations!
Nathan Booth, PhD, University of South Alabama
Post-Masters’ Fellowship Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
Though I am an integrative therapist and tailor my approach to the needs of individual clients, my “home base” for conceptualization and treatment is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I believe that painful thoughts and emotions play important roles in clients’ presenting concerns and collaboratively work with them to change how they understand and relate to these experiences while also identifying and engaging in values-based behaviors. That said, I believe that there are many different pathways to achieving these aims and frequently utilize facets of cognitive behavioral therapy, schema therapy, and emotion-focused therapy. At the core of my work is the therapeutic alliance. I seek to establish the safe environment for clients that I believe is necessary for self-exploration and change by conveying genuineness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
Clinical Interests:
I have been trained as a generalist through my prior work in college counseling centers. Indeed, I enjoy treating a wide range of presenting issues, particularly concerns related to anxiety, identity, relationships, and trauma. One specific clinical interest is working with men and issues related to masculinities, which is also a research interest. Additionally, I enjoy working with clients who are interested in including issues related to religion and spirituality in treatment. One overarching principle in my clinical work is the importance of assessment in diagnosis and monitoring/evaluating progress and outcomes. Outside of individual therapy, I have experience and interest in both mindfulness-based and interpersonal process groups.
Supervision Style:
Like therapy, I believe that supervision is driven by a safe and supportive environment, which provides the security needed for exploration and growth. I also regard supervision as a collaborative process, in which the supervisee and I work together to identify our long-term and short-term goals and provide ongoing feedback to one another. I take a developmental approach to my work with supervisees, meeting them where they are in terms of their experience and needs. Consistent with Bernard’s Discrimination Model, I view my roles as being a counselor, consultant, and teacher and aim to include intervention skills, conceptualization, and the supervisee’s own individual experiences into our work.
Bio:
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my wife and our Boykin Spaniel Truman and Beagle-Terrier mix Lady. I enjoy being active, especially working out, running, kayaking, and hiking. I am a huge sports fan—particularly of my beloved New Orleans Saints—and closely follow college football, college baseball, and the NBA. I also enjoy “nerding out” with a good history book or documentary. Finally, I am a big music fan and am always looking for the next concert to attend.
Chuck Burgess, PhD, University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Outreach Co-Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
My “home base” theories for working with clients are Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My clinical work and conceptualizations are also informed by the biopsychosocial model of health and wellbeing, which incorporates considerations for intersectionality between client identities, multicultural backgrounds, and developmental factors. I conceptualize clients’ presenting concerns as a complex set of interactions between biological, psychological, relational, and socio-cultural factors. I strive to be attentive to the systemic influences that impact clients’ functioning, and as such I frequently incorporate principles of Relational-Cultural Theory and Interpersonal Psychotherapy into my work with clients. I see the therapeutic relationship as a fundamentally collaborative one, where growth and development are encouraged by giving clients space to become more aware and accepting of their reactions, identify potentially unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior, and develop ways of moving forward in their lives in a meaningful and consistent way.
Clinical Interests:
I have a broad generalist training for addressing a wide variety of client presentations and have worked in various settings including university counseling centers, primary care medical centers, and neuropsychological assessment clinics. My areas of special interest include masculine identity development, phase of life concerns, emotion regulation, and social anxiety. My training background in Clinical Health Psychology also informs my work with clients whose symptoms may be influenced by physiological processes or those who may be struggling to cope with a chronic illness or major medical diagnosis. I also enjoy working in group modalities, including interpersonal process groups, structured group interventions (such as CBGT), and didactic workshops.
Supervision Style:
My approach to supervision is primarily developmental. I strive to find a fit between the focus of supervision and the trainee’s level of experience, comfort, and current training goals. For trainees who are earlier in their careers or who are focused on learning a new skill set, supervision activities may include viewing session recordings, role playing, and direct feedback and discussion. For more advanced trainees, supervision activities would likely focus on honing and refining specific intervention skills, processing reactions to clients, and attending to issues of intersectionality between the various identities of trainees, their clients, and their supervisor. I am also interested in helping clinicians at all training levels develop their own professional identities and grow in their ability to trust themselves and their clinical judgement. As in therapeutic relationships, common factors are foundational for the work of supervision to be effective. I believe that mutual trust, empathy, and genuineness in the supervisory relationship are necessary to allow for trainees to challenge themselves appropriately as they grow in their mastery of clinical practice.
Bio:
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending my free time cooking, playing board games, going to concerts, and getting out into nature. I grew up in Florida and love being on the water in any capacity, whether it’s surfing, sailing, or boating whenever time allows. My wife and I are the proud parents of an elderly cat named Mow Mow who enjoys wandering outside in the garden, getting brushed, and reminding us to feed her.
Andrea Burns, MSW, University of Missouri
Rapid Access Clinician/Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Theoretical Orientation:
I integrate a variety of approaches into my theoretical orientation. I strive to create a therapeutic alliance with clients through self-determination and vulnerability. I integrate CBT approaches and attachment theory with a trauma-informed and multi-cultural lens to facilitate understanding and growth. I firmly believe that the relationship between the therapist and client needs to be strong as this is a vital catalyst for client healing. I strive to create an environment where clients feel safe to self-explore, while showing empathy, authenticity, and positive regard. I enjoy teaching and using various skills to help my clients relieve symptoms and distress.
Clinical Interests:
I have been trained broadly as a generalist through my previous work experiences in various settings. In addition to college counseling, I have worked in community mental health clinics, private practice as a therapist, medical settings, integrated behavioral health, inpatient psychiatric settings for adults and the older adult population, child welfare programs, and as an administrator. I am comfortable working with clients with a variety of concerns but have special areas of interest in working with individuals struggling with chronic and persistent mental illness, chronic health conditions, crisis intervention, and trauma recovery work. Outside of individual therapy, I have experience and interest in both mindfulness-based and trauma related groups.
Supervision Style:
In the past, I have provided licensure supervision for several Masters level social workers and clinical supervision for multiple MSW students. I have thoroughly enjoyed this role and appreciate participating in the growth of others. I tend to utilize a developmental approach meaning I try to be flexible and meet my supervisee where they are in their training and developmental needs. I enjoy collaborating with supervisees to develop their training goals and build upon their clinical strengths. I strive to provide strength-based feedback and a supportive environment for supervisees.
Bio:
Outside of the University, I enjoy spending time with my partner and daughter. I enjoy day trips, various outdoor activities, traveling, decorating, movie nights, game nights, shopping, and laughter! I have a sweet but hyper puppy who keeps us busy, as well!
Samantha Cruz, PhD, Arizona State University
Rapid Access Program Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I work from a culturally-informed cognitive behavioral orientation, flexibly using interventions from other theoretical backgrounds to meet the individual needs and goals of my clients within a CBT framework. In my clinical work, I strive to understand the multicultural and systemic factors that may impact clients’ beliefs and behaviors to ensure that I am respecting and validating their diverse experiences and background while addressing unhelpful patterns in thoughts and behaviors that may conflict with their goals. My work with clients focuses on collaborating with clients to identify their goals and strategies to change thought and behavior patterns to be more aligned with these goals.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist and have worked in educational, integrated behavioral health, and community mental health settings. My training has emphasized multicultural approaches to clinical practice, including specialized training in supporting Latinx clients and LGBTQ+ clients, especially issues related to gender identity. I enjoy working with college students and have a special interest in helping students struggling with identity-related concerns as well as anxiety- and mood-related disorders.
Supervision Style:
As a supervisor, I work from developmental and constructivist approaches in order to meet supervisees where they are at in their professional development and clinical skills. I enjoy collaborating with supervisees to develop their training goals and build upon their clinical strengths. I aim to facilitate a safe and transparent supervision space and supervisory relationship by learning about my supervisee as a clinician and as a person outside of clinical spaces, modeling self-reflection in supervision, exploring multicultural factors and their impact on supervision and clinical work, and offering consistent strengths-based feedback.
Bio:
In my spare time, I love spending time with my partner, our dog and cat, and our families. I also enjoy traveling, going to local restaurants and cafes, arts and crafts, karaoke, and playing board games and video games.
Kim Daniels, PhD, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I integrate a number of approaches into my theoretical orientation, but my theoretical “home” is in psychodynamic theory. Most of my training was in interpersonal theories and object relations, and I still draw heavily upon those theories. I believe we develop both our sense of self and our interpersonal templates in the context of relationships. As you might imagine, I believe our early experiences of attachment in our family of origin are pivotal in our development; however, I also believe our relationships with peers and members of our wider community shape who we become and how we respond to the stresses encountered over the lifespan. When I am working with clients, I try to understand them and their presenting concerns within a larger sociocultural context. I am very interested in identifying client strengths and coping strategies and building upon those strengths as we work together in a collaborative framework. In addition to psychodynamic theory, I have also been trained in Internal Family Systems, clinical hypnosis, and EMDR and integrate all into my work with clients.
Clinical Interests:
I consider myself to be a generalist. I am comfortable working with a wide range of presenting concerns but have particular interest and expertise in working with individuals struggling with body image issues, eating disorders and the aftereffects of trauma.
Supervision Style:
I use a developmental approach to supervision insofar as I try to meet my supervisee where he or she is and mutually develop specific training goals for our work together. Just as I focus in therapy on developing a strong therapeutic relationship, I believe it is essential to develop a strong collaborative supervisory relationship. Learning requires one to take risks, to stretch, and to be self-reflective, yet learning cannot occur if one does not feel safe. I enjoy spending time in supervision identifying and focusing upon my supervisee’s strengths as well as challenging her or him to grow. I am continually growing as a therapist and supervisor, and one of the exciting things about providing clinical supervision is that I get to learn from every new supervisee. I expect to share my experiences and clinical wisdom with supervisees as well as my mistakes. I enjoy using tape review as a learning tool, regardless of my supervisees’ experience level. With fairly novice trainees, tape review can be invaluable for developing strong basic skills, and with more advanced trainees, tape review can provide an excellent window into potential countertransference and process issues. I focus a lot in therapy on interpersonal process and bring this focus into supervision as well.
Bio:
I keep very busy outside of work spending time with my partner, three kids and animals (2 horses, an Australian Shepherd and 2 cats). My happiest times are spent in the outdoors hiking, horseback riding, swimming, water skiing and simply enjoying nature. While I’m usually on the go, I also love to read and enjoy theatre with my kids.
Jason Edwards, PhD, University of Missouri
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I generally work from a Cognitive Behavioral orientation in which I attempt to help clients understand the connection between their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors and specifically how they connect to their deeply held beliefs about life. I think it’s important to understand how client’s beliefs form as that may shed light on the current conflicts that lead a person into therapy. While CBT is my theoretical foundation, I use elements of ACT and Emotion Focused therapy as needed to help clients explore their concerns. At the base of my practice is a focus on empathy as I recognize the importance of a safe and strong therapeutic relationship with clients.
Clinical Interests:
Most of my clinical training has come through college counseling centers where I have been trained as a generalist and acquired the skills to support any student who comes for counseling. I have a strong interest in working with students of color and have developed a specialty in supporting them as they explore the intersection of their identities and its impact on mental health. Additionally, I enjoy supporting students with career exploration and reducing the anxiety and fear related to choosing a path. My focus on anxiety reduction has led to the creation of a four-week workshop that is offered year-round to teach students the skills to manage their thoughts.
Supervision Style:
I believe that the relationship between a supervisor and a therapist is a key element in the development of a therapist’s skills and as such I work to create a safe space for therapists to develop the “self” as therapist. I endeavor to meet therapist where they are and assume the role of counselor, teacher, or consultant as needed.
Bio:
In my free time, I enjoy binge watching the newest shows on streaming television or science fiction classics like Star Trek. I generally prefer reading nonfiction and have developed an interest in learning about the world’s religions. I have been an avid runner since high school and compete in both 5K and 10K local races.
Christine Even, PhD, University of North Dakota
Director/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
Though my theoretical orientation continues to evolve, I primarily conceptualize from a combination of psychodynamic (object relations) and interpersonal theories and practice within a Time Limited Dynamic Psychotherapy (TLDP) model. I believe that our early environments and relationships (often our families of origin) impact the way we relate to ourselves and others. I believe that corrective relationships, primarily first through the therapeutic relationship, and then with significant others in one’s life can alter destructive and maladaptive patterns. I use interpersonal interventions to process these relational interactions and promote healing. I also conceptualize within a multicultural framework as I truly believe that it is essential to consider cultural issues when conceptualizing any client. I integrate interventions from a variety of theories into my work with clients based on their individual needs, presenting issues, and cultural backgrounds.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist and have worked in both community mental health as well as the university counseling center setting. I am comfortable working with a wide variety of client issues ranging from developmental issues (e.g., adjustment, identity development, etc.) to more severe psychopathology. My areas of special interest and expertise include career counseling, eating disorders, women’s issues, and trauma recovery, with a particular interest in working with individuals with a complex trauma background. I have also developed a passion for group therapy. I enjoy general process groups, graduate/non-traditional student groups, and women’s trauma and recovery groups.
Supervision Style:
Providing supervision and training is one of the things that pulled me toward college counseling center work and is one of my favorite aspects of my job. I approach supervision much like I approach therapy with my clients in that I work within a developmental model and attempt to be flexible and meet my supervisees wherever they are in terms of their training and developmental needs. I approach supervision from Bernard’s Discrimination Model in that I work to balance my role as supervisor, therapist, and consultant as developmentally appropriate. I also acknowledge that supervision is not only a time for growing as a professional but is also an opportune time for individual growth and integrating the personal and professional identity. I look forward to supporting interns through their many endeavors, including completing the dissertation, exploring professional interests, job search, professional identity development, further developing therapy skills, and balancing one’s personal and professional life. I work in supervision to provide a relaxed and supportive environment that is conducive to doing this. I also believe that challenge is a necessary component of supervision and hope that through challenge, my supervisees can come to a better understanding of themselves as well as their work with their clients. I also value differing perspectives and enjoy working with supervisees with different theoretical orientations as I always have room to grow and evolve myself.
Bio:
On a more personal note, there is no place I would rather be than on the water with my family and friends. I greatly enjoy camping, fishing, kayaking, boating, and playing in the water with my two wonderful children. When we aren’t on the water, we are cheering on the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. Yes, even during the bad years. I also enjoy cooking and consider myself quite the chef. I love participating in our annual soup competition, bake off, and multicultural potluck.
Brianna Fletchall
Office Support Staff
Interactions with Trainees:
Working at the front desk, my initial interaction with intern staff is welcoming them in the office and introducing myself. Throughout the year, I help them locate items and rooms around the office, contact their clients when they are unexpectedly out of office, and provide encouraging words when they are facing stressful situations during their training. The best interactions, though, are scheming with them for our secret gift exchange.
Favorite Thing About Working at MUCC:
My favorite thing about MUCC is working with staff and colleagues that understand life happens and I am more than just my job. Who better understands that life stressors occur, doctor visits need scheduled, and mental health days are important than an office full of mental health clinicians? I feel I can be even more successful at my job because I am encouraged to prioritize my own health and well-being.
Bio:
When I’m not in the office, you can find me sleeping, reading, hiking, or watching the latest horror movie. I enjoy a good road trip and all things spooky. In fact, I met my partner on Halloween and we later had our first date on Friday the 13th! We are now proud parents to two ball pythons, Monty and Nagini. While I love the KC Chiefs, Harry Potter, and singing to Lizzo, the most important thing in my life is nurturing the deep and fulfilling relationships I have with my loved ones.
Ashley Geiger
Office Supervisor
Interactions with Trainees:
My first point of contact with trainees begins as soon as they apply to our site! I am the cheerful voice on the other end of the phone, the coordinator for scheduling interviews, and the one to send some brief information about Columbia once you have been matched. Once interns begin, I work with them for IT needs, help them pick up some of our logistics, and ensure they get settled into their new space. Throughout the training year, I am in the background tracking evaluations, aggregating data, and a resource for questions that arise.
Favorite Thing About Working at MUCC:
I absolutely love working in an environment where relationships with each other are valued, and work-life balance is prioritized. There is a common theme of individual strengths being recognized, appreciation being shared, and respect mutually given. Having a team that feels like family makes even the longest days a little better.
Bio:
Most of my time outside of the office is dedicated to graduate school, as I am pursing my LPC full-time. I can typically be found hanging out with my fur baby, a Shih tzu-Poodle mix named Milo, while working on homework. I love beach vacations, road trips, warm weather, and being on the water. All things that sparkle are a must for me (bonus if it’s teal!), Starbucks should be a given on Mondays, and I will happily organize anything and everything I can get my hands on.
Devon Isaacs, PhD, Utah State University
Psychological Resident
Theoretical Orientation:
I believe in taking a holistic, relational approach to working with clients. My primary theoretical orientation is Indigenist Feminism, but I draw interventions and techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I also find Interpersonal Process (IP) to be incredibly effective for building the therapeutic relationship. As an Indigenist Feminist I use a Medicine Wheel Model. This model recognizes that people have relational needs across four quadrants: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Relationship may consist of connections between self and others such as family, peers, and community, but may also mean relationship with the self, the natural world, ancestors, culture, and identity. Distress comes through imbalances in relationship. My goal is to help clients attend to this, find balance, and feel connected.
Trust and safety are always important in building a collaborative relationship for healing. My approach is centered in establishing and maintaining trust and safety while empowering clients to find positive ways to cope with distress. Indigenist Feminism is also inherently strengths-based, and I believe every client carries with them gifts, talents, and wisdoms that we can draw from to generate healing. I recognize that clients carry these strengths despite systemic barriers to wellness and feel that we can hold both to be true. This means that together we can honor the difficulties life brings while also celebrating change, resiliency, success, and personal victory.
Clinical Interests:
As I clinician I have always been a student of culture and the ways in which culture can inform our mental health. I believe it is my privilege to work with clients as they explore the ways that culture shapes how they understand both illness and wellness. Students hold a particularly fond place in my heart as higher education is often a place of personal discovery and change. I particularly feel drawn to working with students from underrepresented and minoritized backgrounds including Black and Indigenous People of Color and International students, as well as non-traditional students and first-generation students. I have found my relational style helpful in working through anxiety, depression, adjustment, trauma, racial trauma, identity development, grief, and interpersonal issues. I also welcome clients wanting to work through Adverse Childhood Experiences, Social Determinants of Health (e.g., economic stability, barriers to care), intergenerational trauma, and navigating mixed or intersectional identity as they inform presenting concerns.
Supervision Style:
My relational style translates to supervision where it combines with a developmental approach, so that I am always thinking of ways to empower my supervisees while meeting their needs as trainees. I encourage deep reflection in supervision- a crucial part of engaging in the cultural competence process. I am also on my own cultural competence journey and excited to think through how we serve our clients along with the biases, attitudes, and beliefs we bring to that work. Like individual therapy this requires trust, collaboration, transparency, and sometimes a little messiness. I enjoy being let in on a supervisee’s
process in supervision- the way they think things through and make decisions- as this “messy” is often where we find the meaningful stuff! I encourage trainees to engage in this meaning making to help determine and develop their own unique personal style and professional identity.
Bio:
I find my joy in being outdoors, spending time with my dog and cat (who are really just furry children) and travelling with my husband. Last year I became pretty serious about rockhounding and fossil hunting and finally purchased a rock tumbler. If you see me, ask me about my rocks! In a former life, I was a bit of an artist and I have been intentional about practicing traditional Cherokee crafts from my own culture like basket weaving and beadwork. This year I plan to protect some time to continue with this art and to learn more about the geology, plants, and animals here in Missouri. I also can’t wait to visit Cahokia for the first time this fall!
Russ Jackson, PhD, Brigham Young University
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
My theoretical orientation is a relational/existential integration, with a trauma-informed lens and an emphasis on attachment. My process-oriented work, creativity, authenticity, empathy, ability to quickly foster a connected, culturally sensitive space, and use of humor define me as a clinician. I value clients’ worldviews as I help them explore and resolve complex issues in their lives. I explore how various factors (e.g., social, racial, gender, religious/spiritual, sexual orientation) may impact our worldviews, the therapeutic alliance, and clients’ well-being. I am driven by my sincere compassion for clients and my endeavor to remain culturally humble. This has resulted in diverse clients holding a many identities telling me that therapy feels “real,” safe, and trusting. I feel genuinely privileged when clients allow me to join them in their journey, explore their difficulties with them, and work together to find ways to help them feel better and capable of tackling and resolving the challenges they face. With my existential bent, I deeply value trying to see the world through my clients’ eyes and adapting my style accordingly to help them in a culturally sensitive way.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist and would say I’ve worked with clients struggling with any number of mental health issues that are common at university counseling centers, including depression, anxiety, suicidality, academic and social distress, identity and multicultural issues, and so on. That said, I have two particular areas of clinical expertise. The first is trauma recovery, whether the trauma was relational, physical, sexual, or complex. In working with trauma survivors, I tap into the relational, somatic, and neurological aspects of recovery. I find trauma recovery work to be some of the most difficult and painful work to engage in, and some of the sweetest and most fulfilling. Another area of expertise is at the intersection of existential/spiritual and other identities. I have worked extensively with clients on faith crises, issues of when one’s spiritual identity conflicts with another identity, as well as issues of atheist/agnostic clients facing religious discrimination. I have worked with people who identify as Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Jewish, Hindu, and others, and have successfully integrated clients’ spirituality into effective therapy outcomes.
Supervision Style:
I love supervision! My supervisory style feels like my therapeutic orientation. In supervision, I focus a lot of energy attending to the relational aspects of therapy and supervision and developing multicultural awareness, sensitivity, and competence. I facilitate an open, authentic space where supervisees and I can examine our respective worldviews, perspectives, and biases, explore how those views impact our work and supervisory relationship, and find ways to effectively meet client needs. I love talking about things supervisees are doing well and then emphasizing those pieces. As well, I value exploring supervisees’ difficulties and struggles, whether in client sessions, the supervisory relationship, or other parts of their life that impact their professional life and identity. I want supervisees to know that it is okay to succeed, struggle, and trust themselves in the growing process. Accordingly, I try to be open in supervision and share some of my own struggles and successes when appropriate. Finally, I view supervision as a developmental process, and I adapt my style and feedback to the unique needs of each supervisee.
Bio:
Outside of work, despite my authentically outgoing professional identity, I’m surprisingly introverted. A lot of my favorite things to do in my free time are pretty low-key: baking cakes, finding and trying new cooking recipes (especially from other cultures and nations), reading, building Lego with my six kids, playing cards with my spouse, writing, and sitting around trying to think of jokes that I think are hilarious that my kids are polite enough to smile at. I also love being outdoors. Riding my bike, hiking, exploring, laying in a hammock in the shade, watching the sun set, you name it!
Michael Kaplan, MSW, University of Missouri
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Theoretical Orientation:
My approach to therapy has evolved and continues to expand. My social work training stressed the importance of seeing individuals in all their roles and identities, and to avoid broad labeling or pathologizing. After becoming licensed, I taught a graduate course on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for more than 10 years, and I considered this my primary theoretical orientation. The connection among thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviors is essential, and CBT remains the prime example of evidence-based treatment. My early work also included training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I continue to incorporate this skills-based approach, along with its emphasis on mindfulness and acceptance. In balancing skills with the therapeutic relationship, I’ve made a more focused effort to use elements of person-centered theory in recent years. Finally, existential theory and the writings of Irvin Yalom have also influenced my approach
Clinical Interests:
I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds and find great satisfaction in helping others reduce suffering and move toward their goals. My background includes work with children as young as 10 and elders approaching 80. For several years at the start of my career I worked in a community mental health setting with people with severe and persistent mental illness, including individuals diagnosed with personality disorders. This gave me an appreciation for the multitude of personal and environmental problems these clients encounter. I also operated a private practice for over a decade, while working part-time at the MU Counseling Center. I’ve had the opportunity to address a wide range of areas including relationships, trauma and self-compassion. As a generalist I have no single area of focus, though anxiety-related problems seem to be at the root of so much of my work.
Supervision Style:
Since starting full time at the Counseling Center, I’ve provided clinical supervision for our Graduate Assistants. In the past, I provided licensure supervision for a master’s-level social worker, and clinical supervision for an MSW student. My style is supportive and collaborative. I seek to affirm my supervisees’ efforts, while offering practical suggestions as needed. My process includes viewing recordings, providing feedback, and having my supervisees reflect on matters both specific and big-picture. I recognize that my role is not to turn my supervisee into another version of myself, but rather to help them discover and become the clinician that best suits them. I appreciate participating in the growth of others, and I take this role very seriously.
Bio:
Much of my childhood was spent listening to records in my family basement. Having recently purchased a turntable, I now seem to be re-living my youth! I have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, and I continue to value all types of reporting. When not listening to music or leafing through the newspaper, I enjoy spending time with my family. I’m considered the cook of the house, and family mealtime is often my favorite part of the day. My favorite places in Columbia are the MKT Trail, Ragtag Cinema and Main Squeeze Natural Foods Café. I’m also a big fan of the We Always Swing Jazz Series, which brings top-level musicians to our town and providers jazz education in schools. Finally, my son has helped me discover many new joys, including the fun of disc golf!
Jenny Lybeck-Brown, PhD, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Associate Director/Training Director/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I conceptualize clients using a combination of psychodynamic (object relations) and interpersonal theories. I believe that the way that people currently relate to themselves and others is largely impacted by their early environments, often through relationships in their families of origin. In the same way that relationships can often be destructive, I believe that safe, corrective relationships with a therapist and eventually with significant others gives clients an opportunity to relearn things about themselves and the world. I use interpersonal interventions to process these relational interactions and promote healing. I am also guided by a strong multicultural framework and believe that it is essential to consider issues of culture, oppression, etc. when thinking about any client. Cultural factors are a large part of who we are as individuals and impact everything from clients’ presenting problems to their coping strategies. Although I primarily conceptualize from a psychodynamic/interpersonal perspective, I integrate interventions from a variety of theories into my work with clients based on their level of readiness for therapy, presenting issues, and cultural backgrounds. My interest in being flexible in my interventions has led me to have an interest in alternative or creative interventions, such as art therapy, imagery work, EMDR, etc.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist, and I am comfortable working with a wide variety of client issues ranging from normal developmental issues (e.g., adjustment, identity development, etc.) to more severe psychopathology. My areas of special interest and expertise include eating disorders, women’s issues, and trauma recovery, with particular interest in working with sexual assault and abuse survivors. I am also interested in issues of vicarious trauma of therapists and therapists in training who work with trauma survivors. I have received quite a bit of training in career counseling, and this is something that I enjoy when I have the opportunity to work with a client on these issues. I also like working in a group modality, particularly in groups with an interpersonal process focus.
Supervision Style:
My supervision style is developmental in that I conceptualize each supervisee in terms of where they are in terms of therapist development and try to tailor my style and “interventions” to complement this level of development. Similar to clinical work, I believe that developing a strong working relationship based on safety and trust is the foundation of work in supervision. I tend to be fairly process-oriented in supervision and find it important to focus on the interactions between the supervisee and their clients, as well as looking at the relationship between myself and the supervisee. This work frequently highlights the supervisee’s reactions to clients and own issues that impact clinical work. I think that a good deal of support and encouragement is important for all trainees, and I emphasize the strengths that each therapist brings (and encourage trainees to recognize their own strengths). I also believe that it is important to receive challenge in supervision, and I try to provide direct, constructive feedback throughout the course of supervision (I don’t like evaluations to be a surprise). I don’t like to “micromanage” my supervisees, and I appreciate when supervisees attend carefully to the details of their work (e.g., writing careful, timely notes) so that supervision time can be spent having in depth discussions of clinical work. I am also open to discussing professional issues in supervision, such as dissertation progress, balancing work and family, and job search, as these are important aspects of one’s development as a professional and an overall balanced individual. As training director, I do not provide individual supervision to the interns, though they do get to know me as a supervisor through the supervision of supervision seminar.
Bio:
On a personal level, my “other” full-time job is being a mom to two wonderful kids. Our family enjoys staying active with outdoor activities of all types, playing board games (stand back, I’m pretty competitive!), attending theater events, and watching sports together. Lately, much of my time has been dedicated to providing taxi service for and attending numerous kids’ sporting and extra-curricular activities. We also have two dogs, a very sweet goldendoodle, Penelope Pickle and her ornery little sister, Lola Lemondrop (golden retriever) who take me for frequent walks and help me easily meet my Fitbit goals. Though I don’t have a lot of “me time,” I am an avid fiction reader (audiobooks are key!) and am always looking for new book suggestions. I feel most at peace when I am in the sun and near the ocean and hope to live a bit nearer to a coast when I retire someday.
Gabbi Marren
Office Support Staff
Interactions with Trainees:
Working at the front desk, it is exciting to meet the new intern staff and welcome them to the Mizzou Counseling Center. I help the trainees in the office by answering any questions that they may have or helping them locate any items they need at the Center. It is very fun getting to know them as well.
Favorite Thing About Working at MUCC:
My favorite thing about working at MUCC is being the first point of contact for students. It is fulfilling to help students get set up with the best form of care specific to them; it varies from Brief Screenings to Crisis walk-ins, etc. Another one of my favorite things about working at MUCC is the environment and staff. The environment is very positive and flows easily. The staff at MUCC are welcoming and fun to interact with.
Bio:
In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and my friends. I enjoy spending time outdoors and enjoying nature. Swimming, hiking, sledding, and bonfires are some of my favorite outdoor activities. I also love binge watching my favorite shows, listening to a podcast, or listening to music.
Anne Meyer, PhD, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
Although I feel one’s theoretical orientation continues to be refined as we continue to grow as clinicians, I actively integrate interpersonal, CBT, and emotion-focused therapy, while examining the world from a feminist/multicultural lens. I believe that individuals are impacted by their relationships and cultural context, and while my emphasis frequently examines the impact of current relationships and experiences one has, it is often important to consider early attachment and dynamics of their family of origin in this process. I highly value the use of self to influence client change by focusing on the “here and now” process that occurs in the therapeutic relationship. Using schema work, I help clients consider their understanding of relationships and the attributions they make about events in their lives. I believe in examining the sociocultural factors impacting clients, being very genuine in my work including use of humor, being flexible with my interventions to meet clients where they are, and actively working to empower clients to increase change.
Clinical Interests:
I have been trained in a generalist tradition and have worked in many settings prior to my tenure at MU. However, my true passion lies in serving the college student population and it is where I have found I feel most at home. I am excited by the unique developmental challenges/growth areas that are inherent to our clients. I have specialized in working with trauma survivors, particularly childhood sexual abuse and survivors of interpersonal violence or sexual assault. It is my work with these clients that I probably find most rewarding. I also have significant experience working with clients experiencing suicidal ideation and Cluster B diagnoses or traits.
Supervision Style:
Being able to provide training also drew me to work in a university counseling center setting. I love helping supervisees grow – clinically, professional, and personally. Not surprisingly, my supervisory style in many ways mirrors my theoretical orientation. I strive to meet my supervisees where they are developmentally but also value interns as “soon to be colleagues.” I enjoy supervisees who are willing to take risks and be open to the growth that occurs during internship year, but I recognize this cannot occur without a sense of safety. I actively work to develop trust within supervision so my supervisees feel they can “spread their wings” and still feel safe. This includes trusting our relationship with my goal being that interns feel comfortable enough to challenge me and openly process our relationship when needed. I find it important to highlight the strengths that interns bring to their work yet also examine the areas they can grow. A common growth area I focus on with interns includes being able to articulate their theoretical orientation and increase the purposefulness of their interventions with clients.
Bio:
If you like sarcasm and humor, please come by my office any time! I really enjoy my down time, whether it’s spending time with family, friends, or my playful pair of cats. I’m always up for learning a new recipe and enjoy traveling especially when I can experience different cultures.
Adrionia Molder, PhD, West Virginia University
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
My theoretical orientation is primarily an integration of feminist multicultural theory and humanistic theory. I conceptualize many aspects of psychopathology to be a byproduct of disempowerment and oppression that is inherent in a system of inequality. Therefore, my primary goal of therapy is to empower clients by providing a holistic and strength-based approach that facilitates life-long growth. I believe that therapy can serve as an impetus for much-needed change and encourage clients to embrace their true self in order to lead a fulfilling life. As such, I strive to create a therapeutic space characterized by unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness. In addition to fostering self-exploration and self-acceptance, I also assist clients with practicing and implementing coping skills that can be used even after therapy has concluded. Although I integrate feminist multicultural and humanistic theory, I also draw from other therapeutic approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy, to provide holistic care and accommodate the unique needs of clients.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist and have worked in university counseling center and hospital settings. As such, I have experience and am comfortable working with a broad range of presenting concerns of varying severity levels. I am also knowledgeable about the impact of diversity on presenting concerns and enjoy working with clients from different multicultural backgrounds. My areas of special interest include women’s issues, body image concerns, disordered eating, first generation college student’s issues, and poverty. In addition, I have a passion for group therapy, especially interpersonal process groups and psychoeducation groups.
Supervision Style:
Supervision is a valuable and rewarding training experience that I consider one of the most important services that I can provide as a psychologist. As such, I prioritize supervision with the goal of facilitating the growth and development of supervisees by providing supervision heavily based in feminist multicultural and humanistic theory. I believe that growth and development can only be achieved in a supervisory relationship characterized by unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness. I strive to create a safe and positive supervision experience exemplified by a balance of support and challenge. In my effort to create an egalitarian supervisory relationship, I also encourage supervisees to take an active part in evaluating their own clinical work and the overall supervisory experience. Furthermore, I believe that culture, including a system of privilege and oppression, plays a role in the supervision experience; therefore, I encourage active exploration of diversity and multiculturalism in supervision.
Bio:
When I am not in the counseling center, I am most likely spending time with my partner and my dogs, Charlie and Macy. I am a runner, and I enjoy exploring trails and public parks in Columbia with the goal of training for various races (wish me luck!). In my spare time, I love playing MMORPGs with friends and family. I am also beginning to find the joy of reading for pleasure again.
Remya Perinchery, PhD, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Nurturing My Wellness (NMW) Program Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
My theoretical orientation is an integration of ACT and emotion focused therapy. Given the brief framework, I also emphasize empowering clients to tap into their own resources and strength through use of skills from a variety of orientations, including ACT, CBT, DBT, and compassion-based mindfulness. I see every client through an intersectional, social justice framework. I believe that clients create emotional and cognitive frameworks that are developed by foundational experiences. These frameworks may impact a client’s ability to freely move toward their values, and leave them feeling trapped by inner and outer forces. This can lead to avoidance of emotion and experiences, and treating themselves and others in ways that don’t serve them, like self-criticism. My work with clients mostly consists of recognizing these patterns, transforming core emotional experiences, and using a client’s acceptance and understanding of themselves to direct their values and actions. I prioritize the tenets of unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy in the therapeutic relationship and contextualize a client’s concerns within the systems and identities they exist in.
Clinical Interests:
Most of my clinical experience has been in college counseling, and for good reason! I love working with college students and supporting their growth through such a major transition. I especially enjoy working with complex anxiety, perfectionism, body image concerns, coping with chronic heath issues, and relational concerns.
I also dedicate a lot of my clinical role to supporting BIPOC students as they work through navigating and dismantling oppressive systems. This includes working through racial trauma, challenging imposter syndrome, and celebrating their intersectional identities. Throughout my experience, I’ve also developed a passion for outreach and fostering conversations on mental health outside of the individualistic lens.
Supervision Style:
Like many of my colleagues, I love providing supervision! My supervision style integrates developmental, constructivist, and person centered models. I’m not one to stick to strict hierarchies, and often view my supervisees as colleagues and professionals that I can learn from as well. In that, I keep in mind their developmental level and strive to provide a structure that is optimal for fostering a safe space to grow as a clinician. Just as I view the therapeutic relationship, I conceptualize the supervisory relationship within a multicultural, systemic lens and openly create space for conversations about how privilege, oppression, and power impact my supervisee, their clients, and our relationship. While we may focus on feedback and growth, I also emphasize a clinician’s strengths and sprinkle in many moments of lightness, humor, and joy.
One of my favorite parts of supervision is getting to know my supervisees holistically, so I spend a lot of time in supervision creating space for who my supervisee is outside of the therapy room and how those pieces may impact their clinical lens. I love conversations around professional identity, theoretical conceptualization, and navigating advocacy as a clinician!
Bio:
For most of my life, a large part of my identity has been being a student – so I’m in the process of getting to step outside that box and explore Columbia and some new interests! While I’m not athletic by any means (I was definitely picked last in gym class), I love being outside and soaking up the sun at a trail, park, downtown, or at the farmer’s market. That being said, I’m a true homebody! I could easily fill a weekend with reading a new novel, baking, and catching up on TV shows with my partner.
M. Ashton Phillips-Benesh, PhD, University of Mississippi
Referral Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
Although I have experience using different therapeutic techniques, I conceptualize using Behaviorist and ACT theories. I believe that cognitions are an important, but unobservable part of human behavior, and that working on changing behaviors (grounded in a person’s individual values) is an effective way of increasing someone’s quality of life and sense of purpose. This does not mean I ignore cognitions, but the focus is different – for example, there is more emphasis on giving thoughts less power, rather than changing thoughts or trying to make them disappear. I focus much of my time in therapy noticing (and sometimes discussing) whether a behavior is moving a person towards something (e.g., a value) or moving them away from something (e.g., anxiety), with the goal being that in general the person is engaging in behaviors that allow them to move towards what they value, rather than feeling they have to spend all their time and energy moving away from what makes them uncomfortable.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist and have worked in a variety of settings, including Community Mental Health, VA Health Care settings, and now in a University Counseling Center. I am particularly interested in working with anxiety disorders, especially Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety; PTSD; and Depressive Disorders. I have completed formal, 6-month long trainings in Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD. I have some experience with and hope to continue to expand my training in behavioral health, such as chronic pain. I enjoy working in individual as well as group settings. In addition, I feel that psychologists have an important role outside of the therapy room, and participating in outreach and education are a necessary and enjoyable aspect of my job.
Supervision Style:
One of my favorite aspects of being a psychologist is supervision. I approach supervision using the developmental model, letting the supervisee’s training, experience, and comfort level guide me. For someone who may be new to the process, role playing, recorded sessions, live observation (when possible), and more immediate feedback and discussion are available. For more advanced trainees, supervision can be more focused on particular areas of struggle or surprising experiences in the therapy room. I believe one of the most important aspects of supervision is that it is in a safe, encouraging environment. I hope to create a space in which the trainee feels comfortable not only bringing questions of technique or theoretical orientation into the room, but also any questions or struggles with the interpersonal process that can arise during the therapy, including how identity and culture can intersect with therapy as well as supervision. I also want the supervision room to be a place where professional development can be discussed, as this is so often intertwined with a trainee’s clinical development.
Bio:
In my free time I love reading – especially historical fiction and biographies, going to see plays, and exercise such as aerial yoga and weight training. My husband and I are always on the lookout for new fun restaurants or recipes to try. We currently have one cat, Thursday Next, named after the Jasper Fforde series.
Kerri Schafer, PhD, University of Nevada-Las Vegas
Outreach Co-Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I am an integrative therapist, primarily working from an interpersonal and psychodynamic framework. Theory aside, the therapy relationship is of primary importance as I believe many meaningful changes occur within a relational context. My goal is always to be authentic, transparent, safe, and trustworthy. Conceptually, I frequently draw from attachment theory to understand how we view ourselves, what we expect from others, and how we’ve learned to get needs met. I also want to understand the full context of a student’s life — how identities and identity-salient experiences intersect to create the strengths, struggles, and nuance of the person sitting with me. Insight is often an important part of my work, though experiential and emotional learning are primary. I also frequently utilize skills (i.e., for soothing, distress tolerance, emotional regulation), psychoeducation, and providing readings or other resources to empower students and help them experience symptom relief.
Clinical Interests:
I am a generalist and enjoy working with students with all sorts of experiences and goals. Some of my particular areas of expertise and passion including working with transgender and non-binary students, those experiencing poor body image and/or disordered eating, and those with concerns related to their family of origin.
Supervision Style:
My aim is to meet my supervisee wherever they are in their development as a clinician. The supervisory relationship is important to me (and to our work), so I aim to create an atmosphere of trust and transparency. I am a believer in the power of positive feedback and strive to give a lot of it, while also being honest about growth areas. My favorite supervision moments involve helping a supervisee tune in to their own reactions and wisdoms, assisting supervisees in recognizing and clarifying their therapeutic style, and identifying and finding ways to move through stuck places. Utilizing supervision for professional development is super important, and I am happy to have conversations about next steps, work/life balance, difficulties with systems, etc. I will end by saying I really appreciate the use of humor in supervision – if we can laugh together, we can get through pretty much anything!
Bio:
I am a true downtowner and spend plenty of my free time eating, shopping, and meandering around the area, preferably with some of my favorite people. The best times for this are during our local film festivals! I recently got my first adulthood dog, Bear, and am enjoying his adorableness and learning about dog behavior (but I’m a cat person too! Shout out to Chicken!). I also love plants, am a dedicated iced coffee drinker, and am finding my way back into reading for fun.
Chris Smith, PhD, Indiana State University
Graduate Assistant Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
My theoretical orientation is predominantly humanistic and in its present configuration incorporates client-centered and existential concepts to help facilitate an understanding of clinical issues. Within the framework of these theories, I incorporate cognitive behavioral approaches to facilitate understanding and growth. My approach is very holistic, and I strive to recognize and understand the developmental and socio-cultural factors that influence the individual’s view of self and their sense of themselves in the world. In helping individuals understand the socio-cultural factors that influence them I strive to empower them to make changes that they view as meaningful and helpful.
Clinical Interests:
I have worked in a variety of different clinical settings and consider myself to be a generalist in practice. Due to this I am comfortable working with a variety of concerns and developmental issues that range from common concerns to more severe psychopathology. My areas of special interest and expertise include multicultural and diversity issues and concerns, Men’s issues, issues faced by first generation college students, and social class concerns. I have also received significant training and clinical experience working with GLBTQA individuals. I am also deeply committed to group therapy and feel that group can provide very important learning and growth experiences for clients while also providing them with a great place to practice new skills.
Supervision Style:
I view supervision as an important, valuable, and rewarding part of my work as a psychologist. I approach supervision from a developmental perspective, and my supervision style incorporates the Discrimination model of supervision as outlined by Bernard and Goodyear (1992) with aspects from my humanistic theoretical orientation. I believe that supervision is co-created by the supervisor and supervisee and work with my supervisees to create an egalitarian relationship that encourages mutual feedback as well as openness to differing opinions and approaches. Within the context of supervision I strive to promote growth, openness to new challenges, learning, and very importantly self-care.
Bio:
I have been very fortunate to have found a career that I enjoy so much and that feeds my passion for learning and sharing with others. I am constantly in awe of the things I learn from trainees, clients, and coworkers. In my spare time, I particularly enjoy reading, relaxing with family and friends, and exercise. I find that a good sense of humor and an openness to new experiences has served me well, and I try to incorporate them both into my life as much as possible, with particular attention paid to laughing and joking. Whenever possible I like to travel and really enjoy experiencing new environments and seeing new cultures.
Angela Soth McNett, PhD, University of Missouri
Groups Coordinator/Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I use an integrated approach comprised of Interpersonal, Person-Centered, and Feminist orientations within a Multicultural framework. Guided by the grounding tenets of these theories, I believe a strong and safe therapeutic relationship is the central vehicle for client healing and change. This alliance serves as a secure base from which to explore clients’ presenting concerns, emotional learning, repertoire of coping strategies, and interpersonal functioning. In particular, I believe it is important to examine how a client’s current behavior and relational patterns may have emerged from early significant relationships. I use interpersonal and experiential interventions to facilitate reparative, corrective emotional experiences in the “here and now” to assist clients in creating new, adaptive understandings of themselves and the world. Given client (and therapist) identities are formed and embedded in multiple levels of experiences and contexts, my conceptualization of the specific interpersonal experiences a client needs to change are guided by his or her personal developmental history, cultural worldview, readiness to change, and strengths. Accordingly I aim to be flexible in my work, and also use Emotion Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Precision Cognitive Therapy, and Art Therapy interventions to meet the needs of the client-in-context. Overall, I passionately believe in the importance of clients gaining a validated, positive identity which bestows meaning and nourishes both psychological security and cultural salience.
Clinical Interests:
I consider myself a generalist and enjoy working with a wide range of client issues and concerns. My specific areas of interest and expertise include women’s issues, eating disorders and body image, family of origin difficulties, relational concerns, personality disorders, and multicultural issues. I also have a passion for couples counseling and group therapy, especially interpersonal process groups. I find the unique microcosm of a group to be a highly productive interpersonal “learning lab” for personal and relational growth. On the whole, I enjoy clinical work and find the process of forming real, transformative connections with students invigorating.
Supervision Style:
I highly value training and find supervision to be one of the most rewarding aspects of working in a University Counseling Center. I use a collaborative, developmental approach which focuses on identifying and reinforcing supervisees’ current strengths, while also integrating new skills and refining existing ones. Similar to my therapeutic approach, I believe the crux of successful supervision occurs in the context of a genuine, warm, and trusting relationship. I find such interpersonal safety promotes supervisees’ willingness to explore challenging issues and experiment with new clinical interventions and conceptual frameworks. I ask supervisees to be invested in their growth as a therapist, as well as to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation. Common growth areas I tend to focus on in supervision include intentional application of theoretical orientation, deepening affect, and use of self in therapy. In addition, I am happy to discuss professional development issues including research, job search and career choice, career/family balance, and transitioning from a counselor-in-training to a professional psychologist.
Bio:
On a more personal note, I love spending time with my family (including pets!) and friends. Other interests include traveling, reading, theatre, gardening, music, and photography.
Kit Steitz
Office Support Staff
Interactions with Trainees:
As a part of the front desk team, I support the trainees by checking in clients, processing their paperwork, and fielding whatever questions they may have. I’m always happy to support trainees with finding office supplies, notebooks, masks, and benevolent mayhem.
Favorite Thing About Working at MUCC:
I really appreciate that marginalized folks are valued and supported by the staff here at the CC. As a queer, non-binary person, it means the world to me to see my colleagues going the extra mile to honor and respect the many faceted identities of our students and our colleagues. I l adore that we work together to embrace curiosity and diversity.
Bio:
I have worked for the University since 2010, both at the Student Health Center and the Counseling Center. Outside of work, I’m an avid reader, I write poetry & prose, knit & crochet, play the cello, kayak, hula hoop, skate for CoMo Roller Derby, love K-drama, and have an army of geriatric dogs & cats to snuggle. If left to my own devices, I would disappear into the mountains to commune with the local cryptids and communicate solely through smoke signals and eco-friendly glitter. Barring that, I love a multi-tabbed spreadsheet, rainbows, and supporting our students so they are received with warmth, acceptance, and compassion.
Donna Strickland, MA, University of Missouri
Licensed Professional Counselor
Theoretical Orientation:
My therapeutic approach is integrative and based in mindfulness, not primarily as a skill, but as a way of grounding therapy in the present moment and providing a holding environment for deeply investigating causes and conditions of suffering. A relational/attachment-oriented psychodynamic perspective ultimately frames all that I do: I want to provide a secure base for clients’ exploration, to encourage their compassionate curiosity about themselves and their backgrounds, and to support them in coming to better understand and identify their needs. To further my knowledge of psychodynamic approaches, I completed a two-year program in Advanced Psychodynamic Psychotherapy at the St. Louis Psychodynamic Institute and am currently studying Relational Theory at the Stephen Mitchell Relational Study Center in New York. As a relational therapist, I recognize that everything from a person’s external environment impacts their internal experience, and that this is true for both the therapist and the client. I am thus deeply committed to a social justice perspective that leads me to attend to the ways that clients are impacted by systemic oppression and to reflect on my own participation in these systems. I have also worked in a full-model DBT program and am trained in EMDR, ACT, and Compassion Focused Therapy. These behavioral and somatic interventions supplement and support the more exploratory work that I do with clients.
Clinical Interests:
I identify as a generalist and particularly enjoy working with clients on relationship concerns, times of transition, and trauma.
Supervision Style:
My supervision style, like my therapeutic approach, is highly collaborative. I work with supervisees to identify their own goals and provide a supportive space for reaching those goals. I encourage ongoing reflection as a primary tool for discovery and growth and see this as essential for both supervisor and supervisee.
Bio:
Before becoming a therapist, I was an English professor, and so I continue to take a great deal of pleasure in reading (and sometimes writing). I am also a meditator and often lead mindfulness groups or workshops in the community. I enjoy cooking gourmet vegan fare with my partner, running on the MKT trail, and petting my elderly cat.
Marguerite Yoder, PsyD, University of Indianapolis
Licensed Psychologist
Theoretical Orientation:
I tend to conceptualize clients using relational/Interpersonal Process theories. At the core of my work is the therapeutic alliance. I believe that establishing a strong foundation based in genuineness, trust, respect, and warmth sets the stage for clients to feel comfortable expressing vulnerability and aids in the development of self-efficacy and motivation. Additionally, I believe that people learn how to interact with and relate to themselves and others from a very young age, often from the family of origin. Through my use of interpersonal interventions, I help clients
better understand their current relational experiences and thoughts about themselves and others by connecting to what had been learned from a young age. As a clinician, my goal is to be the person in my clients’ lives who is empathetic, understanding, challenging when needed, and never judgmental. Further, I am mindful of cultural factors and the intersectionality of identities, as these could impact presenting problems and the way clients move through the world. I also incorporate interventions from ACT, CBT, and other theories. This has allowed me to be flexible, meet each client where they are, and help them in accomplishing their therapeutic goals.
Clinical Interests:
I was trained as a generalist, and this has allowed me to feel comfortable working with a wide variety of presenting concerns typically seen in university counseling centers (e.g., adjustment to college, depression/anxiety, trauma). A few specific clinical interests include working with students who present with family of origin concerns, relationship difficulties, and sexual assault/trauma. While on internship at Utah State University, I developed a niche special interest in working with students whose religion conflicts with other salient identities (e.g., gender identity and sexual orientation). Additionally, I also enjoy and have experience in conducting ADHD, Learning Disorder, and Autism assessments.
Supervision Style:
Providing supervision is one of the aspects that drew me to college counseling centers! I consider my approach to supervision developmental in nature, and I strive to meet each supervisee where they are in their stage of training (e.g., working on therapy micro-skills, reviewing session tapes, consultation, or assistance with conceptualization). I view supervision very similarly to how I view therapy, in that establishing a foundation of trust, respect, and warmth will allow supervisees to feel a sense of safety in the supervisory relationship. The safety then lends to supervisees feeling comfortable with expressing vulnerability, exploring biases and diversity factors, and challenging themselves therapeutically. Additionally, I firmly believe supervision is the time for personal growth and integrating personal and professional identities. I love spending time talking with supervisees about anything! Whether it’s about their professional goals, work/life balance, self-care, or hobbies/interests.
Bio:
I am an avid reader, so in my down time I will typically be seen with a book or listening to an audiobook. I am always open to hearing about book suggestions! My husband and I have an Australian Shepherd, Penny, who enjoys swimming, playing frisbee, and trying to con us into giving her more treats. I find the most joy in spending time with my friends and family, traveling and exploring new places, and talking with others about my latest music and TV series obsessions.
Contact Us
MU Counseling Center
Strickland Hall, 4th floor
573-882-6601
Open 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday