Department of Counselor Education Research
Where Research Meets Practice
At Stetson University’s Department of Counselor Education, research is more than publication counts and presentations. Our faculty and students engage in scholarship that strengthens clinical practice, advances wellness, expands access to care, and deepens our understanding of the human experience.
Through collaborative inquiry, community partnerships, and applied clinical research, we strive to bridge scholarship and service in ways that meaningfully impact individuals, couples, families, and communities.
Current Research Projects
Wellness, Spirituality & Human Flourishing
Faculty: Jesse Fox
Students: Milena Lorenzi Salini, Yufei (Paige) Pei, Aracelis Carter, Anthony Williams
Alumni: Trinideé Mercado (CMHC '26)
Through work connected to the Center for Optimal Health Across the Lifespan (COHL), students and faculty examine wellness, resilience, loneliness, spirituality, and holistic approaches to mental health care. Recent initiatives have included community symposiums on loneliness and connection, spirituality and psychotherapy scholarship, and interdisciplinary wellness research.
Relationships, Attachment & Emotional Connection
Faculty: Bradley McKibben, Sarah Brow Corrigan
Alumni: Areesha Qureshi (CMHC '26)
External Collaborators: Danica Hays (University of Nevada, Las Vegas), Alyssa Triolo (Courageous Steps Counseling)
How do couples experience healing in counseling? This research explores how couples move from disconnection and conflict to safety and deeper attachment through emotionally focused couple therapy. Faculty, alumni, and clinicians have teamed up to examine how couple counseling can better support diverse couples and communities through culturally responsive care.
Students as Scholars
Scholarship at Stetson is collaborative, relational, and experiential. Students regularly partner with faculty on research projects, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and community initiatives.
Student Opportunities Include:
- Faculty-led research collaborations
- Presenting at state and national conferences with faculty support
- Community-engaged scholarship
- Scholarship awards through the Department of Counselor Education
- Research assistantships through COHL
Get Involved
Interested in research opportunities, collaboration, or community partnerships?
Students interested in faculty research opportunities are encouraged to connect with department faculty to explore current initiatives throughout the department.
Research Beyond the Classroom
Our department values scholarship that connects directly to communities, clinical practice, and well-being. Faculty and students regularly collaborate with:
- Community mental health agencies
- Integrated behavioral health settings
- Schools and universities
- Wellness and aging initiatives
- Faith-based and nonprofit organizations
These partnerships create opportunities for applied learning, advocacy, and meaningful community impact.
Recent Research & Scholarship Highlights
- Stetson Counselor Educator Co-Edits Special Section on Spirituality and Psychotherapy
- Stetson Counselor Educator Leads National Workshop on Telesupervision Best Practices
- Stetson Hosts Community Symposium on Loneliness and Connection
- Stetson’s SMART Lab to Be Featured in Bestselling Counseling Textbook
- Bradley McKibben Named Associate Editor for National Journal
- Timothy Eng Presents at International and National Conferences
Support Counseling Scholarship
Scholarship is central to the mission of Stetson University’s Department of Counselor Education. Through high-impact publications, grant-funded research, conference presentations, community-engaged projects, and collaborative research initiatives, our faculty, students, and alumni are actively contributing to the future of counseling and mental health care.
Support from donors helps make these opportunities possible. The George W. and Mary T. Hood Endowed Fund provides funding for the Counselor Education Research and Scholarly Activity Awards, which offer up to $3,000 annually to support graduate student scholarly activity, conference participation, and community-based projects. These awards help students transform ideas into meaningful scholarship while preparing them to become leaders, advocates, and practitioner-scholars.
By investing in Counselor Education scholarship efforts, donors directly support learning and innovation that extend the impact of counseling into agencies, healthcare systems, and communities. Support the next generation of counseling scholars and practitioners through the George W. and Mary T. Hood Endowed Fund and other Department of Counselor Education initiatives.
On the “I want to support” dropdown, select “Graduate Program in Counselor Education.”
Interested in Partnering With Us?
Individuals and organizations interested in supporting faculty research and student scholarships, forming community research partnerships, or exploring other strategic opportunities within the Department of Counselor Education are encouraged to contact Bradley McKibben directly to explore ways to make a lasting impact.