School of Behavioral Sciences Fall Digital Magazine

KALI PSYCHI A publication from the Liberty University School of Behavioral Sciences

Vol. 1, No. 1 | Fall 2018

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Published in the United States of America 2

MESSAGE

FROM THE

DEAN Let Your Light Shine

“IF WE SHINE, IT IS ONLY BECAUSE WE ARE A REFLECTION OF HIM.”

Dear SBS Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni, First of all, I am so grateful to be joining you this year as your new dean and leader of the School of Behavioral Sciences. I have admired Liberty University from afar for many years, and I never thought that I would end up in Lynchburg, but as many of you know, God often has a funny way of surprising us! All the faculty and staff in our school (and the administration at Liberty) have been incredibly gracious, hospitable, and helpful to me as I transition into this leadership role. I am so grateful.

In way of introduction, I have worked both in private practice (counseling), and I have taught at the university level for twenty years. I was employed at Mercer University in Atlanta, Ga., as a tenured full professor for nine years, and as the Coordinator of their Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision Program for three years. Additionally, I currently serve on the CACREP Board; plus, I have been a member of the White House mental health advisory panel since 2016. I have twenty-two academic publications in the field, have given over seventy-five professional presentations, have taught and conducted crisis counseling in New Orleans (postHurricane Katrina), Haiti (post-2010 earthquake), Israel, the West Bank, and have helped out with traumatized refugees in Uganda.

Yet, my greatest joy and accomplishment is in the form of my lovely wife of eighteen years—Ginger, and in our four children—Kenny Jr., Bella, Sam, and Jackson. I mention these things not to boast, but rather to let you “see” God’s great orchestration and blessings in my life.

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Let Your Light Shine . . .

Speaking of blessings, the theme of Kali Psychi (tr. The Good Mind or Soul) in this first, inaugural edition is “Good Works,” from Matthew 5:16 (KJV), which says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This verse may be difficult for you like it was for me, as I was always taught not to brag and to be humble. Like you, no doubt, I have tended to downplay my good works to those around me. This is consistent with Matthew 6, where it says to not do your giving, praying, or fasting so that others will see it, which would be in a self-serving way.

I have already heard some amazing stories and of numerous high achievements from people within the School of Behavioral Sciences, but we need more stories of your endeavors for the Lord and Liberty, and we hope to hear from you soon.

Yet, a deeper reading of Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father in heaven,” presents a clear command for God’s people to publicly share their good works, to be the light of God’s goodness in the darkness of the world. This is consistent with Ephesians 2:10, James 2:14–26, and Hebrews 10:24; and If we shine, it is only because we are a reflection of Him. So, if God is moving in your heart and life and calling, and if it motivates you to do good things, then it is high time to show off what God has inspired and enabled you to do! We all know that anything good that we create or produce comes from above. Ultimately, all our good works are a testimony to the Lord.

Dr. Kenyon Knapp Dean, School of Behavioral Sciences Fall 2018

With that being said, I want all of you—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—to share about your professional activities, presentations, publications, trips, ministries, and whatever else God is doing in and through your life in Kali Psychi. Dr. John S. Knox (Sociology) has graciously agreed to take the lead on organizing this magazine, but I am counting on you to help provide the content.

In Him.

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KALI PSYCHI

FALL 2018, Vol 1, Issue 1

CONTENTS Welcome From the Dean:

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Faculty Forum:

6

Student Showcase:

12

In the Field:

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Faculty Notes and News:

14

New Faculty/Appointments:

19

Alumni Notes:

20

Upcoming Events/Conferences:

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Contact Us:

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FACULTY FORUM The Least of These by Dr. Janet Brown, Associate Professor of Psychology In the 1960s, sexual abuse was generally believed to be committed by strangers, and the emphasis on prevention was mostly focused on “stranger danger.� With the explosion of the Internet, however, the sexual exploitation of children has gained considerable attention in the general public (and academia). The Internet has grown exponentially and is now a fixture in our society. Sadly, this technology has inadvertently provided a haven for individuals desiring to harm children, essentially providing infinite access to victims.

In 2007 and 2008, for my doctoral dissertation, I interviewed ten Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigators across the country regarding whom the perpetrators were, the nature of the crimes committed, and the demographics of the victims. The data obtained from these interviews revealed that perpetrators were primarily using chat rooms, while posing as young people, to attract, groom, and ensnare their victims. In the years following my research, the technology that young people used in social interactions has shifted. While many youths still go to chatrooms today, education about sexual predator dangers (as well as the increasing popularity in smartphones and social networking sites—i.e., SNS) have resulted in teens using chatrooms less frequently (Mitchell, Finkelhor, Jones, & Wolak).

Smartphones are a ubiquitous feature in the lives of young people, and thus, they are more likely to be using them to go online.

The Pew Research Center (2018) has conducted a series of surveys to ascertain how teens are using technology in postmodernity. Their findings 6

The Least of These . . . indicated that 95% of teens have a smartphone, or at least have access to one, and are on the internet virtually constantly. Pew also found that YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat are used by a growing number of young people. Not surprisingly, texting is incredibly popular and is the primary way young people keep in touch with peers.

had decreased, online harassment had increased. The researchers suggested that “[t]rend data be disseminated by professionals, integrated into prevention directions and material, and used to inform policy” (p. 185). They suggested that when focusing on the behaviors of young people, it is imperative regardless of the technology being used. Another recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center reported that online harassment has increased with the use of SNS.

Unfortunately, a text or post on Instagram can provide instant information on the location of these young people, where they go to school, the identities of their friends, as well as the activities that they enjoy. SNS can provide names, locations, preferences, school names, and, in a vast number of cases, pictures. The perpetrators of sexual crimes against children are keenly aware of the latest technology’s popularity and how to use it for their dubious purposes. They troll (surreptitiously searching for prey) these areas for information to catch potential victims.

A very troubling and perplexing phenomenon has emerged wherein young females are the both the primary targets—and the perpetrators of the harassment. The people who are at greatest risk for this harassment are fourteen-year-old females. In addition to online intimidation, “sexting” has become an increasing problem with postmodern youth. The Cyberbullying Research Center defines the term as “[i]ncidents where teens take nude or semi-nude pictures of themselves.” These pictures (many of which are quite graphic) can be sent on their phone, social media, and the web.

While young people may be aware of some of the dangers, they continue to engage in risky behavior. In the past, a familiar slogan used by ICAC investigators and the Safe Surfin’ Foundation was “Think before you post.” While this is still good advice, perhaps a more relevant one today would be “Think before you send.”

Mitchell et al. (2012) concluded that young people were not “at particular risk when interacting on social network sites” (p. 189), but added, “A considerable number of internet sex crimes in police arrest files have a SNS nexus to them” (p. 190). They suggested that parents, educators, and other professionals be made aware of the potential dangers of technology for teens.

Additionally, Mitchell et al. (2012) found that while both unwanted sexual solicitations online and unwanted exposure to pornography 7

The Department of Psychology strives to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for the development of a biblically-integrated, evidence-based psychological understanding of humankind focused on practical application and research.

For more information: Department of Psychology (434) 592-4038 | Psychology@Liberty.edu

The Least of These . . .

The Center found, in a study of 4400 students between the ages of eleven and eighteen, that 12.9% had received such sexts. While both genders have been found to send these images, males are more likely to receive them from females. Although many consider this to be an innocuous practice, it is a very significant problem with extreme, long-term consequences for the person being victimized and the person sending or receiving the images. Once the pictures are released, the removal of them is near impossible.

The Southern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children (SOVA ICAC) task force provides more details regarding reports of these disturbing trends in the use of social network sites. They have seen a greater number of individuals sending and receiving sexts, with the images becoming more and more sexually graphic. They, too, report that both genders are represented, but with more males receiving sexts than the females. ICAC investigators are highly trained professionals who use both reactive and proactive techniques in investigating child sexual exploitation. These professionals are tireless in their efforts; they strive to stay on the cutting edge of technology to keep up with the perpetrators.

In my doctoral research, I interviewed the investigators regarding the purpose of their work and what they hoped to accomplish in ICAC. They were unanimous that their purpose was “[p]rotecting the kids. It’s all about the kids.” They all indicated in some fashion that their work was difficult but rewarding. They know that they will not be able to arrest every perpetrator, but they are steadfast in their determination to protect the children from predators.These individuals are the heroes on the front lines, seeing the worst of human depravity, yet they personify the biblical principle of protecting “the least of these” (Matthew 18:6). Often referring to themselves as “The Woe Be’s,” they “stand in the gap” to protect children and young people. They see the very worst of human depravity and are committed to protecting the most vulnerable in our society.

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The Least of These . . .

A grander question centers on what we, as Christian educators and therapists, can do to help protect the most vulnerable in our society. Fortunately, the factors involved in the increase of such destructive, toxic behaviors by young people in American society are perceivable and not above remedy. Mitchell et al. proposed that law enforcement, educators, and other professional need to concentrate on changing the behavior of these young people, regardless of the technological platforms in use. Additionally, valuable and life-saving resources are available from the following websites: humanslavery.com, missingkids.com, icactaskforce.org, sovaicac.org, safesurfin.org, and dhs.org.

Although open avenues are a hallmark of American culture, currently, not every path is safe. Not every avenue should be unregulated or ignored by adults abdicating their care for the youth of today. The proliferation of vicious negativity in the media, a rise in violent acts portrayed on a regular basis, and hyper-sexualized images have tragically become a normal part of everyday life, but they need to be challenged and restricted— legally and collectively. Local, state, and federal law enforcement organizations do wonderful, beneficial work, but ultimately, we can all do something in productive unity to honor the core message of Matthew 18: 5–6.

Dr. Janet Brown is an Associate Professor of Psychology with the School of Behavioral Sciences. She is a faculty advisor to Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society and serves on several honors thesis committees. She is on the Board of Directors of the Safe Surfin’ Foundation, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching parents, grandparents, educators, and young people on the dangers of the cyber world (Safesurfin,org). She and her husband travel throughout the country in their efforts to promote awareness of this issue. Dr. Brown was a presenter at the National White Collar Crime Center Technology Conference in San Diego, CA in March of 2018. Her research interests include internet safety, cyberbullying, and social media behaviors. For more information, contact Dr. Brown at jmbrown@liberty.edu.

”And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me; but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a heavy millstone hung around his neck, and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.”

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The Department of Counseling is committed to training individuals to be thoroughly competent professionals in the practice of agency and pastoral counseling, undergirded by a Christian worldview.

For more information: Department of Counseling (434) 592-4049 | Counseling@Liberty.edu

STUDENT SHOWCASE What led you to become a Social Work major?

Which was your favorite Social Work internship?

Last summer, I worked as an Intake Counselor’s Assistant in a large group home in Georgia.

Although it was challenging to dialogue with parents about the benefits and restrictions of what the group home provided, I absolutely loved the experience because I was able to connect parents to expert family counseling and help them feel a sense of hope in their lives (and their children’s).

Like many other Social Work students, I chose this major because I have experienced loss and hurt in my life. God used these moments to soften my heart for hurting children, and it inspired me to help others learn how to cope with adversity in their own lives. I have a passion to help not only children but also adolescents and their families to find healing and resiliency.

Through expert Social Work training, I want to enable this population to take ownership of their lives and not let their circumstances project their life course trajectory.

What are your plans, postgraduation?

I am super eager to jump right into the field upon graduation. I want to work with young children and adolescents, particularly those with behavioral issues, as a school social worker; and, of course, I plan to earn a Masters in Social Work, eventually.

What has been your favorite class at LU? So far, my favorite class has been Ethics in Professional Helping. This class was unlike other courses that I have taken while at Liberty University. In our weekly classes, Professor Turner did not only lecture; he provided students a different ethical dilemma to debate in class each time that we met. It forced me to discover and define my personal beliefs on hot, controversial topics and helped teach me learn how to engage in a professional, polite, productive debate.

What advice would you give to students thinking about majoring in Social Work?

Brooke Bullock Social Work Major

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I would encourage students to take some time for personal reflection. Often, I see students drawn to this major because of harsh life experiences.

They have personally known heartache, recovered, and they want to use their experience to give back to others. This is a wonderful thing (and part of the reason that I chose this major), but it is crucial to understand that in order to help someone become healthy, you have to be healthy yourself.

IN THE FIELD Over the years, the Department of Psychology has hosted a number of trips for psychology students to travel to various regions and countries abroad. These trips satisfy course requirements while also providing a rich and immersive short-term experience in other cultures. Moreover, they provide opportunities for direct application of psychological theory and practice in real world settings. LU student teams have already traveled to New York City, Greece, Rwanda, South Korea, Spain, Portugal, Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Denmark, with more countries being considered each year.

Recently, a psychology group, led by Dr. Kevin Conner and Carrie Wilmouth, traveled to Ecuador for an internship experience. The focus of this particular trip was to gain a deeper understanding of the human trafficking social problem, and to work with at-risk populations. In the field, the team heard from local ministries and agencies working with Ecuadorian females who have experienced trafficking, first-hand. The students ministered to incarcerated adolescents, and they witnessed the love of God through these children. Additionally, the team participated in a prayer walk through the streets that serve as employment venues for women during the evening hours. The goal for this trip was to gain awareness and understanding; however, everyone walked away with so

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PACIFIC OCEAN

COLOMBIA San Lorenzo

QUITO Nueva Loja

Portoviejo

ECUADOR Ambato Puyo Riobamba

La Liberdad

N W

Cuenca

E S

Machala

Loja

PERU

much more. Through trips such as this, students gain knowledge and experience within the diverse cultural settings—resulting in a broader and richer personal perspective of the world and the Creator of the world.

The department is looking forward to (and planning) several more trips for the coming spring (and beyond). There was an informational meeting on November 26, 2018, to hear from past students who took advantage of these trips (and how it influenced them, personally). Students can anticipate learning about the challenge working in human trafficking in Costa Rica, the neurological impact of immigration in Spain, and the effects of multiculturalism in New York City. The only downside of these trips is that there are never enough spaces to take everyone who applies. For more information, contact kconner@liberty.edu.

FACULTY NOTES & NEWS

Dr. Lynn Bohecker (Associate Professor of Counselor Education and Family Studies, PhD, LMFT) will have an article published in The Qualitative Report, 23 (11). The article, entitled, “Godspeed: Counselor Education Doctoral Student Experiences From Diverse Religious and Spiritual Backgrounds,” is a phenomenological autoethnography and presents research results supporting the importance and inclusion of religion and spirituality in doctoral-level training in counselor education. This article is the culmination of four years’ work and the product of researchers from Jewish, Nazarene, LDS, Native America, and Buddhist backgrounds. Bohencker co-authored this article with Dr. Alyse M. Anekstein from Lehman College City University in the Bronx, Dr. Tiffany Nielsen of University of Illinois, and Dr. Hailey Martinez from Grand Canyon University. For more information, contact Dr. Bohecker at lbohecker@liberty.edu.

Dr. Jodie Castellani (Assistant Professor, Community Care & Counseling, PhD, LCFP) had her photography/videography work, “Three Years with Dementia,” featured in Spotlight Magazine by the Social Documentary Network , and another piece on dementia, “To Remember Us By,” was published by National Geographic this past year.

She is currently obtaining certification in Documentary Studies from Duke University and working on projects such as Radioactive (cultural and psychological effects of radioactivity exposure in a post-WWII town), roadside memorials as a method of managing grief, and a historical overview of a rural health clinic in Tennessee. For more information, contact Dr. Castellani at jscastellani@ liberty.edu.

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Dr. John S. Knox (Associate Professor of Sociology, PhD, MATS) published two books in 2018: A Lexicon of Sociological Terms and Theorists (Kendall-Hunt, 2018) and a Reformation church history volume, Jacobus Arminus Stands His ground: A Declaration Against High Calvinism (Wipf & Stock, 2018).

Additionally, Knox had an article published with Church Life Journal (Notre Dame)—“Looking for the New Atheist Virgil,” which discusses the current epistemelogical conflict between science and faith, and an encyclopedia definition of King David (of the Golden Age of Israel) in Ancient History Encyclopedia (ancient.eu). For more information, contact Dr. Knox at jsknox2@liberty.edu.

Faculty Notes & News

Dr. Lisa Sosin (Director of Counselor Education and Supervision Program, Professor, PhD, LPC, LLP, BACS) published an article written with PhD CES student Amanda RockinsonSzapkiw (2016), entitled, “Creative Exposure Intervention as Part of Clinical Treatment for Adolescents Exposed to Bullying and Experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms,” in the Journal of Creativity in Counseling, 11(3-4), 391-408. Additionally, she co-authored a chapter, “Managing Stress and Burnout,” in A. J. Rockinson-Szapkiw & L.S. Spaulding (Eds.), Navigating the Doctoral Journey (pp. 55-64). Maryland: Rowman & Littlefield. Their chapter discusses stress and burnout, providing research-based strategies to combat the mental, physical, and emotional problems that often threaten health, productivity, and success. For more information, contact Dr. Sosin at lssosin@liberty.edu.

Dr. Barbara Steffens (Assistant Professor, PhD, LPCC Core Faculty) specializes in sexual addiction and has provided treatment for sexual addicts and their partners since 1999. She recently received the prestigious 2018 Carnes Award for her pioneering work for partners of sex addicts. Her book, Your Sexually Addicted Spouse: How Partners Can Cope and Heal (Steffens & Means, 2009), which she co-authored with Marsha Means (MA, founder and director of A Circle of Joy Ministries), discusses ways that professionals can help affect change and healing for the victims of sexual addiction.

In 2011, she founded the nonprofit APSATS, the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists, which is dedicated to the professional training and certification, public education, research, and advocacy for treatment of relational and betrayal trauma.

For more information, contact Dr. Steffens at lssosin@liberty.edu.

Dr. John C. Thomas (Professor, PhD, PhD, LPC) has written five books; two were co-authored with Dr. Gary Habermas on the topic of suffering (Tyndale, Liberty Academic Press). He is the primary co-author for a basic counseling skills textbook, Therapeutic Expeditions, which is used all over the world (B&H) and which includes video illustrations and instructions. He was the general editor (and wrote four and a half chapters) of Counseling Techniques: A Comprehensive Resource for Christian Counselors (Zondervan/Harper Collins), which contains twenty-eight chapters with nearly twenty contributors. Finally, Dr. Thomas has been published in many other books and peer-reviewed articles on such topics as sex addiction, pornography, sexual shame, substance abuse, etc. For more information, contact Dr. Thomas at jcthomas2@liberty.edu.

Faculty Notes & News in terms of knowledge and skills? Southern Association of Counselor Education and Supervision Newsletter, 14 (1).

Dr. Kenny Warren (Faculty Support Coordinator, DMin, MDiv) completed his dissertation, “An Examination of Children’s Ministry Volunteer Development from Pastors and Laity in the Local Church,” and was awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity. Warren’s study began as the result of personal observations surrounding those who serve in the local church and especially considering those who work in local church children’s ministries. The dissertation took a historical look at the role of the children’s ministry volunteers while focusing on the high priority that children were to Jesus. It concluded with some ideas on how churches can improve the quality of the children’s ministry volunteers and provided examples of churches who have made this experience a priority and are seeing positive results in this vital ministry.

For more information, contact Dr. Warren at kgwarren@liberty.edu.

Dr. Jason Wright (Assistant Professor, PhD, LPC, LMF) published an article (2016), “Treating Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures,” in Counseling Today, 59(3), 54–57, on psychological nonepileptic seizures (PNES)—a conversion disorder.

Interestingly, conversion disorders are receiving more attention in recent years, and clinicians are beginning to see more cases of conversion disorders and “psychosomatic” illnesses; however, few are adequately trained and prepared to work with these clients, leaving these suffering folks in a desperate search for “anyone who can help [them].” For more information, contact Dr. Wright at jgwright@liberty.edu.

Faculty Publications & Presentations Barbian-Shimberg, A. L. & Bender, S. (2018). How does the counseling profession ensure competence of clinical supervisors 16

Cox, E. & Gibson, S. G., Senior Social Work Student (2018). Presentation: Critical thinking and Christian worldview: Integration in a policy classroom.

North American Association of Christian Social Work Conference.

Davis, J. (2018). Presentation: Conflict resolution, peace building and forgiveness.

Women’s Leadership Training Institute; Presentation: Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and postpartum. Real Moms Support Network; Presentation: SYMBIS assessment in premarital counseling: Extended uses and applications. Indiana Counseling Association.

Dickens, A., Ellis, J., Vuncannon, J., & McCaslin, J. (2018). Presentation: Cultivating spiritual awareness in supervision. Christian Association of Psychological Studies Conference.

Edwards, N. (2018). Presentation: How Black female faculty define success in the Academy. 6th Annual Faculty Women of Color in the Academy Conference.

Faculty Notes & News Edwards, N. N., White, J., & Christian, M. (2018). Presentation: The importance of self care in practicum and supervision. Licensed Professional Counseling Association 30th Regional Conference.

Imhoff, B. & Franks, J. (2018). Presentation: Christianity and the cognitive therapies: Schemas, scripture, and the search for wellness. Ashland Theological Seminary’s “Summer Institute.”

Evans, C. (2018). Presentation: Play therapy basics. Rockingham County Youth Services; Presentation: The impact of substance abuse on families. Morehead High School; Presentation: Conflict resolution.

Salvation Army Afterschool Enrichment Program; Presentation: Selfesteem. Salvation Army Afterschool Enrichment Program.

Impellizzeri, J., King, J. A., Savinsky, D., & Leitch-Alford, L. (2018). Presentation: Eliciting and verifying rich qualitative data in clinical research through the conceptual mapping task. Poster Session. Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) Conference.

Ford, K., & Garzon, F. (2018). Presentation: Evaluating a Christian approach to mindfulness practice. Christian Association for Psychological Studies Conference.

Lahikainen, K. (2018). Guest Lecture: “Youth and the Power of Positive Psychology.” Ladies College, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Golson, A.G. (2018). Voted President elect (2018–2019). Mississippi Licensed Professional Counseling Association. Became a Certified Licensed Professional Counselor (Mississippi).

Knight, A., Warren, S., Silvey, J., Gantt, A., Macon, K., & Darko, Y. T. O. (2018). Presentation: The Efficacy of short-term empathy worshops on empathy in counselor trainees. Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference.

Golson, A.G. & Brooks, C. P. (2018). Presentation: Online supervision for counseling practicum and internship classes. Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselors Association Conference.

Silvey, J., & Boatner, J. (2018). Presentation: Recognize, rate, and reflect on group leadership skills. Virginia Association for Specialists in Group Work.

Hull, K. (2018). Presentation: Expanding the child/adolescent group leader’s toolbox: Contemporary approaches to the difficult to reach child: Autism and anger issues (session II). American Group Psychotherapy Association Conference.

Vuncannon, J. (2018). Presentation: Using Hofstede’s Axes of Cultural Values as a new way of understanding culturally different clients. The 6th International Psychology and Health Conference.

White, D. (2018). Authored Introduction and helped with final edits and Bulgarian translation of H. Zehr’s (2015) The Little Book of Restorative Justice (New York: NY: Good Books).

Imhoff, B. & Donato, A. (2018). Presentation: Utilizing humor in groups: The good, The bad, and the funny. Association for Specialists in Group Work National Convention.

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The Social Work Program seeks to develop Christ-centered social workers who are equipped with the competency, skills, values, and knowledge to humbly lead in advancing human and community well-being throughout the world.

For more information: Department of Social Work (434) 582-7570 | LUOSocialWork@Liberty.edu

NEW FACULTY/ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS

Kenyon Knapp, Dean Keaghlan Macon, Faculty Support Coordinator

Shawn George, Associate Dean

Caleb Spriggs, Senior Administrative Assistant to the Dean

Kenny Warren, Dept. Chaplain, Psychology

Josh Turner, Online Chair & Chaplain, Social Work

Jeanne Brooks, Dept. Chaplain, Counseling

Anna Stevens, Online Chair, Psychology

Ginny Cashion, Online Chair, Psychology

Brian Kelley, Professor, Psychology

Victor Hinson, Dept. Chaplain, Counseling

ALUMNI SHOWCASE For a long time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my future. I would shrug off the question, “What do you want to do when you get out of school?” However, growing up, I was often told by people around me how certain personality traits of mine—compassion, a heart for the hurting, an intense desire to help others, empathy—reminded them of my aunt who went back to school to become a marriage and family therapist. In high school, I realized that if I was so much like her, I could do the same thing.

In the Spring of 2018, I graduated with a B.S. in the Counseling and Clinical Research Cognate of Psychology. My pursuit did not stop there. Craving more, I enrolled in Liberty’s graduate school to get an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. The road to my ultimate goal—licensure—is a long one with many steps to take and boxes to check. As I have only just begun my professional journey, the road seems rather daunting.

Graduate school has been markedly different (and more challenging) than my undergraduate studies.

My ethics course has led to a healthy concern for various dilemmas that I will eventually encounter as a counselor. These ethical issues come in all forms; I know I will face them, and although supervisors and colleagues will be available for consultation, I still worry that I will fail in handling them correctly.

Thus, I began my pursuit of a career in the mental health field. I took my first steps by first enrolling in the undergraduate Psychology program at Liberty University. I found my studies to be both enjoyable and intriguing. Additionally, I was blessed with an opportunity to work under the leadership of Dr. Barclay, as well as the residential Chair of Psychology, Dr. Conner. I studied academic resilience and retention rates in students on the Daniels research team. The data analysis was presented at two psychological conferences, and a paper written will be published in Spring 2019 in the academic journal Education.

So, with my undergraduate studies, my internship experience, and my new graduate level work under my belt, I am looking forward to my future practicum and internship while in graduate school. I have aspirations to complete these degree requirements with a facility such as the Centra Medical Group Piedmont Psychiatric Center or the Adult Psychiatric Unit or Child and Adolescent Acute Psychiatric Program at Virginia Baptist Hospital.

As an undergraduate student, I interned at the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center. Through my experience with this organization, I witnessed just how influential a counselor can be in the lives of their clients. During my time at the Pregnancy Center, I gained priceless one-on-one experience with clients of my own as a nonprofessional counselor. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I am so grateful for what I learned during my time at the Center.

Kayla Robertson, BS in Psychology ’18 20

KALI PSYCHI: A Publication From The School of Behavioral Sciences Kali Psychi (The Good Mind or Soul) is published once a term for all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of Liberty University’s School of Behavioral Sciences, and it is delivered through email and via the Web.

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Vol. 1, No. 1 Fall 2018

We want to hear from you! Please let us know about the good work in behavioral sciences that you all are doing in the world as Liberty University community members, graduates, professionals, and friends! If it is important to you, then it is important to us, so we welcome any relevant news, press releases, publications, or potential feature articles that faculty, students, or alumni might want to share in upcoming issues of Kali Psychi.

John S. Knox General Content Editor

For more information, please contact the General Editor at kalieditor@liberty.edu.

John G. Knaus Graphics/Layout Editor Student Assistant 22