student studying at table with book

Research

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.

Trans CARE Lab photo

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.

grad student research group

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.

View Faculty Profiles

Doctoral student Jessica G. Perez-Chavez

Publication Spotlight

“Healing Ethno-Racial Trauma in Latinx Immigrant Communities: Cultivating Hope, Resistance, and Action”

In 2019, doctoral student Jessica G. Perez-Chavez co-authored a journal article published  in the American Psychologist. It begins, “Latinx immigrants living in the United States often experience the negative effects of systemic oppression, which may lead to psychological distress, including ethno-racial trauma… . Overall, our intention and hopeful expectation is that the content presented in this article serves as a call to action for psychologists to make psychology a Sanctuary Discipline by using and integrating intersectionality theory, trauma- informed care, and Liberation Psychology into policy, research, and practice with Latinx immigrants.”

Read the Full Article