Our faculty, staff, and students redefine the limits of what’s possible, conducting groundbreaking research and scholarship in counseling psychology. We have several research teams and labs, each unique in its area of study. Students are encouraged to participate in these faculty-led research groups within the department — as well as across campus.
Research Teams
Trans CARE Lab
The Trans CARE (Counseling, Advocacy, Research, and Education) Lab, led by Professor Stephanie Budge, is a social justice-driven lab conducting research that affirms the experiences of TNB (trans, two-spirit, and nonbinary) and gender-diverse people.
Work and Wellness Lab
Directed by Professor Mindi Thompson, this lab focuses on studying career development across the lifespan, how environmental factors impact experiences across life domains, and factors that promote wellness.
Psychotherapy and Contemplative Science Lab
The Psychotherapy and Contemplative Science lab, led by Dr. Simon Goldberg, is interested in harnessing the capacity for well-being that exists within the human mind that can be cultivated through social interactions and contemplative practices.
What Are Your Research Interests?
Master’s and doctoral students in the Department of Counseling Psychology work on research projects under the direction of faculty members. Explore our faculty member profiles to find one who matches your interests.
Publication Spotlight
- Jiwani, Z., Xie, Q., Curtin, J. J., Riordan, K. M., Babins-Wagner, R., Caperton, D., Thompson, M. N., & Goldberg, S. B. (2025). Is employment status associated with baseline symptoms, engagement, and outcomes in naturalistic psychotherapy? Evaluation in a large community mental health agency. Psychotherapy, 62(4), 495–508. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000597
- Lindley, L., & Budge, S. L. (2026). Initial efficacy of a novel web app for adults experiencing gender dysphoria: A pilot study of the trans care intervention. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000901
- Lee, J., Barr, S., Gloria, A. M., Roberts, T. J., & Budge, S. L. (2026). Transness is our salve: How trans identity facilitates healing from relational trauma with parental figures. Journal of Traumatic Stress. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.70044