Dr. Debra Majewski

Professor of Counseling; Core Counselor Education Faculty

Education

Ed.D., Governors State University, University Park, Illinois, 2013
M.A., Governors State University, University Park, Illinois, 2004
B.A., Governors State University, University Park, Illinois, 2002

“If we let love, which stems from God, govern our lives, we can find ways to deal with all the issues that we encounter.”

Dr. Debra Majewski understands that people experience pain for a variety of reasons. “They lose sight of their worth, and long to be loved and accepted,” she says. “Through counseling, they can share their story and begin their journey toward healing. I teach my students that through the use of kindness, integrity, and love, they become an instrument in helping others discover what they are capable of. That ultimately leads the student to the realization of who they will be to, and for, others.

What drew her to Trinity:

Majewski was drawn to Trinity by the warmth and beauty of the campus. “I liked how everyone smiled at each other and how love plays such an important part of everyday life here.”

Research interests:

Her research interests include anxiety, loneliness, belonging, and connectedness. “In today’s world, there is a temptation to disconnect given our accessibility to social media, cell phones, and the ability to live and work farther away from each other. There can be less intimate conversation in favor of quick, less intimate texts and other methods of communication. That may be causing a shift in our overall connectedness. I am curious about the long-term effects of this type of communication.”

When she’s not teaching:

She loves to spend time with her husband, often going to movies and estate sales. “I like having lunch with friends, but I like to be alone as well. I like to read, especially with my cat, Fritter, on my lap. I serve on my church council and am close to my parents. I am working on a book about anxiety whenever I can.”

Along with teaching at Trinity, Majeweski owns Balance Counseling & Wellness.

Courses

Counseling Theory and Methods I
Practicum
Internship I
Internship II
Assessment and Evaluation of Individuals
Life-Span Development (Grad & Undergrad)
Beginning Helping Skills (Grad & Undergrad)

Group Dynamics
Supervised Field Experience (Grad & Undergrad)
Seminar in Professional Development (Grad & Undergrad)
Psychology of Personal Growth (Grad & Undergrad)
Orientation to Professional Counseling

Papers Published and/or Presented

“Parentification: Causes, Consequences, and a Case Study.”  Journal of Counseling in Illinois, 2019.

“Fostering Hope in Clients with Anxiety Utilizing Schema Therapy.” ICA Conference, 2021

“I’m in Control….Right?”  TCC Chapter of ICA Wellness Conference, 2019

“To Share or Not to Share…The Art of Self-Disclosure.” ICA Conference, 2018

“The Importance of Self-Care.”  TCC Chapter of ICA Wellness Conference, 2018

“The Role of Mindfulness in being well.”  TCC Chapter of ICA Wellness Conference, 2018

“Emotional Healing.”  She Series Women’s Empowerment Workshops, 2017

“The Power of Acceptance.”  She Series Women’s Empowerment Workshops, 2017

Intentional Self-Care.  6-hour CEU Training, 2016

“The Shame of Anxiety,” Illinois Counselor, 2016

“Covert Courage,” Illinois Counselor, 2015

Inclusion in the DSM-5 for DSM-5 Field Trials in Routine Clinical Practice Settings: Collaborating Investigator (page 914).

“Ever Expanding Ripples: The Role of Compassion in Creating Community.” ICA Conference, 2014

“Chronic Emotional Loneliness: An Extended Systematic Literature Review,” Dissertation, 2013

“Helping the Lonely Client Regain Balance.” ICA Conference, 2013.

Panel Presentation for visiting Taiwanese students. Governors State University, 2013

“Reminding Clients of their Worth.” ICA Conference, 2012

“Using Mindfulness to Help Clients Who Are Suffering.” ICA Conference, 2012.

“Thinking outside the Box in the Treatment of Chronic Loneliness.” Southern ICA Conference, 2012.

“Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance.” Women’s Expo, South Suburban College, 2009, 2010, 2012.

“Stress Management Techniques/Meditation.” Women’s Expo, South Suburban College, 2009, 2010, 2011.

“Adolescents Who Cut: How to help parents understand.” Panel Presentation, Archdiocese of Chicago, 2009.

“Job Readiness.” School District #151, 2009.

Honors and Awards

Finalist for the Lincoln Laureate Award

Professional Society Memberships

American Counseling Association
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
Illinois Counseling Association
North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision

+ Expertise

Dr. Debra Majewski understands that people experience pain for a variety of reasons. “They lose sight of their worth, and long to be loved and accepted,” she says. “Through counseling, they can share their story and begin their journey toward healing. I teach my students that through the use of kindness, integrity, and love, they become an instrument in helping others discover what they are capable of. That ultimately leads the student to the realization of who they will be to, and for, others.

What drew her to Trinity:

Majewski was drawn to Trinity by the warmth and beauty of the campus. “I liked how everyone smiled at each other and how love plays such an important part of everyday life here.”

Research interests:

Her research interests include anxiety, loneliness, belonging, and connectedness. “In today’s world, there is a temptation to disconnect given our accessibility to social media, cell phones, and the ability to live and work farther away from each other. There can be less intimate conversation in favor of quick, less intimate texts and other methods of communication. That may be causing a shift in our overall connectedness. I am curious about the long-term effects of this type of communication.”

When she’s not teaching:

She loves to spend time with her husband, often going to movies and estate sales. “I like having lunch with friends, but I like to be alone as well. I like to read, especially with my cat, Fritter, on my lap. I serve on my church council and am close to my parents. I am working on a book about anxiety whenever I can.”

+ Courses, Publications & Research

Along with teaching at Trinity, Majeweski owns Balance Counseling & Wellness.

Courses

Counseling Theory and Methods I
Practicum
Internship I
Internship II
Assessment and Evaluation of Individuals
Life-Span Development (Grad & Undergrad)
Beginning Helping Skills (Grad & Undergrad)

Group Dynamics
Supervised Field Experience (Grad & Undergrad)
Seminar in Professional Development (Grad & Undergrad)
Psychology of Personal Growth (Grad & Undergrad)
Orientation to Professional Counseling

Papers Published and/or Presented

“Parentification: Causes, Consequences, and a Case Study.”  Journal of Counseling in Illinois, 2019.

“Fostering Hope in Clients with Anxiety Utilizing Schema Therapy.” ICA Conference, 2021

“I’m in Control….Right?”  TCC Chapter of ICA Wellness Conference, 2019

“To Share or Not to Share…The Art of Self-Disclosure.” ICA Conference, 2018

“The Importance of Self-Care.”  TCC Chapter of ICA Wellness Conference, 2018

“The Role of Mindfulness in being well.”  TCC Chapter of ICA Wellness Conference, 2018

“Emotional Healing.”  She Series Women’s Empowerment Workshops, 2017

“The Power of Acceptance.”  She Series Women’s Empowerment Workshops, 2017

Intentional Self-Care.  6-hour CEU Training, 2016

“The Shame of Anxiety,” Illinois Counselor, 2016

“Covert Courage,” Illinois Counselor, 2015

Inclusion in the DSM-5 for DSM-5 Field Trials in Routine Clinical Practice Settings: Collaborating Investigator (page 914).

“Ever Expanding Ripples: The Role of Compassion in Creating Community.” ICA Conference, 2014

“Chronic Emotional Loneliness: An Extended Systematic Literature Review,” Dissertation, 2013

“Helping the Lonely Client Regain Balance.” ICA Conference, 2013.

Panel Presentation for visiting Taiwanese students. Governors State University, 2013

“Reminding Clients of their Worth.” ICA Conference, 2012

“Using Mindfulness to Help Clients Who Are Suffering.” ICA Conference, 2012.

“Thinking outside the Box in the Treatment of Chronic Loneliness.” Southern ICA Conference, 2012.

“Self-Esteem and Self-Acceptance.” Women’s Expo, South Suburban College, 2009, 2010, 2012.

“Stress Management Techniques/Meditation.” Women’s Expo, South Suburban College, 2009, 2010, 2011.

“Adolescents Who Cut: How to help parents understand.” Panel Presentation, Archdiocese of Chicago, 2009.

“Job Readiness.” School District #151, 2009.

+ Awards & Membership

Honors and Awards

Finalist for the Lincoln Laureate Award

Professional Society Memberships

American Counseling Association
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
Illinois Counseling Association
North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision