Initiative Category: Counseling Psychology (g)
Congratulations to Trinity’s psychology professors Dr. Kara Wolff, Dr. Jessica Clevering, and Dr. Debra Majewski for their recent articles in “The Journal of Counseling in Illinois” Winter 2019 issue!
A publication of the Illinois Counseling Association, “The Journal of Counseling in Illinois” is dedicated to increasing the quality and quantity of professional dialog among Illinois counselors by publishing articles concerned with contemporary issues for mental health professionals.
The article by Majewski, “Parentification: Causes, Consequences, and a Case Study,” explores the concept of parentification and outlines potential causes and ramifications of parentification in adulthood. Majewski identifies several treatment considerations, both preventative and reactive, intended to assist clinicians when working with parentified adults.
The article by Wolff and Clevering, “System Justification Theory and Multicultural Training in Counselor Education,” endorses the utilization of system justification theory as a mechanism by which to promote multicultural and social justice competencies in counselor education and beyond. The article explores deficits in current multicultural counselor education training and provides a clear rationale for the use of system justification theory as a potential barrier to the legitimate promotion of social justice.
“One of the reasons I believe in what Trinity has to offer is because there is a commitment and passion for human beings. That carries over into all issues, including diversity and ending racism. The express commitment of the College is to those ends. We believe that we can live in a place that is just and merciful and filled with God’s grace.”
We’re pleased to introduce Dr. Kara Wolffe, Associate Professor of Psychology to our #TrinityProfessorsSpeak #TrinityWorldChangers series. #TrinityAdvantage
Trinity Christian College is proud to announce its new membership as an official chapter of the Illinois Counseling Association (ICA). Trinity joins many other Illinois universities in offering students, alumni, and faculty the opportunity to develop, collaborate, and serve in the counseling field through membership to the Trinity chapter of the ICA.
“We are so excited in the counseling program here at Trinity to join the ICA in their good work in helping others,” said Dr. Deb Majewski, assistant professor of psychology and clinical placement coordinator for the Graduate Program. “Our chapter will provide training and other opportunities to help deepen community member’s awareness and understanding of mental health issues.”
Currently, the Trinity chapter has 30 members, most of whom are current students in our Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program. To become an official chapter, Trinity needed a minimum of 15 members with five of those being individual ICA members. Trinity then declared they wanted to become a chapter, created by-laws, elected officers, and were approved by the governing board of the ICA.
As a philanthropic organization, the members of the Trinity chapter have decided to utilize their skills as counselors to provide mental health training and in services to local teachers, police officers, and other organizations who might benefit from the information. They will also conduct an annual one-day retreat with a wellness aspect that would be available to the community and professionals. A topic for the retreat will be chosen, and the members would then design an event that includes activities such as lectures, workshops, discussions, reflections, and journaling.
The chapter has four scheduled meetings per year, with additional meetings periodically when needed. The chapter will also attend and collaborate with other institution chapters at the upcoming 70th Annual ICA Conference in November. The ICA was formed in 1948 with the mission “to enhance the quality of life in society by promoting the development of professional counselors, advancing the counseling profession, and using the profession and practice of counseling to promote respect for human dignity and diversity.”
Dr. Shaniqua Jones, Director of Community Engagement and Diversity Programs, and Dr. Kara Wolff, Director of the Graduate Program in Counseling Psychology, presented at the annual Illinois Association for Multicultural Counseling (IAMC) Conference on May 4, 2018. The IAMC is a division of the Illinois Counseling Association that brings together counselors in professional practice with the goal of promoting culturally competent practice.
Their presentation was titled “Building Therapeutic Strength Through Vulnerability”. The session focused on the ways in which restorative justice practices, a process that engages participants in the development of empathy and vulnerability, can be beneficial for counselors.
In the session, participants engaged in a restorative justice circle, an interactive experience that allows each person to consider the ways in which restorative work is needed in their own lives as well as the lives of those around them. The process highlights the ways that empathy and vulnerability can help to humanize those who have been dehumanized.
“Our time at the conference was a rich opportunity to connect with other counseling professionals in Illinois,” said Dr. Wolff. “It is a great example of the extensive cross-disciplinary work we do here at Trinity.”
When Trinity became a university partner with Chicago-based incubator 1871, the benefits extended far beyond business students.
Faculty members from our Special Education and Psychology Departments, working with students from Trinity’s graduate program in counseling psychology, recently created a podcast series in 1871’s studio.
Dr. Sara Baillie, associate professor of special education, and Dr. Kara Wolff, associate professor of psychology, worked with students Garsca Brooks and Jeanine Bakker to develop the podcasts.
The first episode centers on how the brain processes novel ideas. The second episode interviews Trinity Assistant Professor of Special Education Christine Scholma about what it is like to live with health challenges that others might not be able to see. The third and final episode centers on thinking through the ways in which intersecting identities are explored and addressed in daily life.
Click here to learn more and listen to the episodes.
At Trinity, our psychology students develop theoretical insight and professional skills through study, research, and practice, all from a Christian perspective.
Several Trinity undergraduate and graduate students and faculty recently presented their research at conferences, including:
90th Annual Midwestern Psychological Association Meeting, Chicago
–Jenna Van Der Pol ‘19, Stefany Moses ‘18, Richard Yelnick ‘18, & Alexandra Giampapa ‘18 (2018). The effects of introversion on time spent working out at a gym. Poster presentation.
–Dr. Jessica Clevering, Dr. Kara Wolff, Roberto Rosario ‘17, & Elijah Lemkuil ‘18 (2018). Emotional reactions to racism: Definitions and social dominance orientation matter. Paper presentation.
–Dr. Kara Wolff, Dr. Jessica Clevering, Ashley Fazekas ‘18, Olivia Otte ’20, & Jenna Van Der Pol ‘19 (2018). The relationships among rejection of racism, colorblindness, guilt, and empathy. Paper presentation.
Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference in Kalamazoo, Mich., and the Associated College of the Chicagoland Area Conference in Lisle, Ill.
–Ashley Fazekas ‘18, & Jenna Van Der Pol ‘19 (2018). Why do people justify a racist system? Understanding the psychological motivator of powerlessness in relation to system justification. Poster presentation
Trinity psychology major Josiah Rosario recently participated in Northwestern University’s Introduction to Graduate Education at Northwestern (IGEN) and Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) programs.
Check out more about Josiah’s experience here.
The Psychology Renewed Conference is an annual event held in April for alumni, students, and members of the community. Each year the conference is centered on a particular theme in the field of counseling/clinical psychology. Past themes have included mindfulness, addiction, and attachment.
The conference opens up space for attendees to delve deeper into a topic relevant to their work and network with others who have similar interests. The on-campus conference allows those who are working in the field to earn CE credits and students to get experience at a professional conference.
Hannibal Lecter, the villain created by author Thomas Harris and immortalized in movies by Anthony Hopkins, is many things. Cannibal connoisseur and creative serial killer often get the most attention, but Lecter is also a philosopher. The new book “Hannibal Lecter and Philosophy: The Heart of the Matter,” delves more deeply into Lecter’s philosophical ways, and includes a chapter by Dr. Derrick L. Hassert, professor of psychology.
In his chapter “The Psychiatrist as Sociopathic God,” Hassert explores how Lecter addresses the “Big Questions,” which concern the nature of God, humanity, and evil. As Lecter asks FBI agent in training Clarice Starling in the film version of “The Silence of the Lambs:” “Of each particular thing ask, What is it in itself? What is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?”
Looking at the Lecter books and films, Hassert urges readers to understand how Lecter’s desire for friendship represents an essential part of human existence. He suggests readers consider the choices they make, the behaviours they exhibit and the nature they reveal to themselves and the world. He reminds readers that, unlike Lecter, “Also, plying people with mind-altering drugs may get you into trouble…”
Hassert first learned about the plans for the book from Dr. Aron Reppmann, professor of philosophy and department chair. Knowing Hassert’s interest in pop culture, Reppmann forwarded an email that called for abstracts from the book’s editor, Joseph Westfall, in 2014. Westfall accepted Hassert’s abstract and provided helpful feedback throughout the writing process, Hassert said. While most of the authors are philosophers, Hassert brings his background in psychology, behavioral therapy, and neuroscience to his chapter.
And with favorable reviews on Amazon.com and in “Fangoria” magazine, “I’m happy to be included in a book that people might buy,” Hassert said with a laugh.