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No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage and family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in U.S.

goersab — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:59:35 +0000

No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage and family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in U.S.goersab July 21, 2026

COAMFTE-accredited program offers on-campus and online degree options

��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s M.S. in marriage and family therapy (MFT) has been recognized as the No. 1 program in Wisconsin for 2026 by MarriageFamilyTherapist.

The MFT program is one of the longest continuously COAMFTE-accredited programs for relational therapy training in the country, having operated since 1977. For many students and professionals seeking a master’s in MFT, choosing a program accredited by COAMFTE (Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education) is one of the most beneficial decisions to make on the path to becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist.

The program’s commitment to a small, tight-knit cohort of approximately 14 students per year and hands-on learning in the on-campus clinic produces skilled, grounded therapists for couples and families. The program meets educational licensure requirements for Wisconsin and Minnesota.

“We are delighted to be ranked as the No. 1 marriage and family therapy program in Wisconsin. This reflects our history of training quality marriage and family therapists. We are proud of our nearly 50 years of accreditation. This ensures that students and graduates receive the standard in educational experiences that has led to a 100% job placement rate,” Program Director Kevin Hynes said.

“Due to the increasing need for marriage and family therapists across the state, the program launched an online, part-time program in the fall of 2025 that delivers the same quality education of our full-time, in-person program. We are excited about expanding our options for students across Wisconsin,” Hynes added.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic pairs affordability with rigorous systemic-relational training. The Customized Instruction (CI) MFT program offers the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. As of the 2026-27 academic year, total tuition is $35,226.

The MFT program’s compressed Monday and Tuesday class schedule supports students’ work-life balance. Half of the required 300 clinical hours may be completed in the on-campus clinic. The university also offers an optional Sex Therapy Certificate available alongside the degree.

MarriageFamilyTherapist highlights MFT programs and helps guide students exploring MFT education and career pathways. It works in partnership with OutreachEdu to identify and celebrate excellence in higher education, helping prospective students, educators, and the wider community discover the programs that set the standard for quality and innovation.

��Ͽ� Polytechnic’s counseling, rehabilitation and human services department offers five master’s programs, including marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling and school psychology, as well as three undergraduate programs and certification programs.

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No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage and family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in U.S.

COAMFTE-accredited program offers on-campus and online degree options

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Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families

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Kevin C. Hynes

Dr. Hynes is a faculty member in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). Their program of research focuses on disparities in mental health outcomes with minority populations and the utilization of technology for therapists. They are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Their clinical interests include work with marginalized and underserved populations, including ethic/racial minorities and the LGBTQ community.

Full Name: Kevin C. Hynes

Job Title: Assistant Professor / Program Director

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College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Kevin Hynes CV (270.68 KB)

Education:

Degree: PhD. Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy)

University: University of Connecticut

Degree: M.A., Human Development and Family Studies (Marriage and Family Therapy)

University: University of Connecticut

Degree: B.S. Family Social Science

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: B.A. Psychology

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

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Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

goersab — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapygoersab May 21, 2026

Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks (’26)

Hometown: Menomonie
Degree: M.S. Marriage and Family Therapy
Sex Therapy Certification

Michi Marks immigrated to the United States from Thailand when they were three months old. Their birth name, Mai Cha, carried the hopes and dreams of a new life their family envisioned after escaping the Secret War in Southeast Asia. Their family eventually settled in Menomonie.

Growing up, Marks was often told that education was the pathway out of poverty. What they discovered over time is that education can be something much deeper, a way of understanding themselves.

They originally came to ��Ͽ� as an undergraduate to study hotel, restaurant and tourism management. But as part of the Honors Program, they were required to take a human development and family studies course.

“That class changed everything. It gave me language for the human condition. It helped me understand people, relationships and systems in ways that felt deeply meaningful,” Marks said. “It also helped me understand myself better. I switched majors the following semester, and that desire to understand the human condition has continued to guide my path ever since.”

Marks earned a degree as a McNair Scholar, graduating cum laude through the Honors Program in 2011 with a major in human development and family studies and a minor in English writing.

After years of working in corporate America, climbing the corporate ladder, while starting an art and home décor business, and later building a coaching and peer-support practice, an unexpected furlough was a turning point in their career.

“This unexpected pause gave me an opportunity to pursue a dream that had quietly lived within me for more than a decade: becoming a relational and systemic therapist,” Marks said. “I often imagined that if they ever returned to Stout, it would be to pursue a graduate degree in marriage and family therapy, inspired by a professor who still teaches there today.

“Education has the ability to change lives, though not always in expected ways. For me, ��Ͽ� has been a place where curiosity, community and courage merged. It provided the skills to develop a career and created a space to grow into a fuller version of myself,” they said.

Marks received their M.S. in marriage and family therapy from ��Ͽ� on May 16, among more than 1,000 of their peers and hopes to continue working as a therapist with Edges Wellness Center, where they completed their practicum, refining their clinical skills and deepening their work with individuals, couples and families.

“Long-term, I hope to continue exploring healing not only through Western psychological frameworks but also through the wisdom found in indigenous culture, community, and embodied traditions,” they said. “My dream is to eventually help build communities of healers, spaces that bring together education, workshops, and collaborative learning around mental health, relationships, and collective wellbeing.

“I am immensely thankful for the mentors, peers, and opportunities that influenced my path here. In many ways, returning to ��Ͽ� felt like coming full circle. It’s where my curiosity about people and relationships first began, and where that curiosity has grown into a lifelong commitment to healing, learning, and community.”

Of this year’s graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

More than making an impact on the field itself, what matters most to me is making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people I work with. Representation matters. As a nonbinary, immigrant, neurodivergent, and queer individual, simply showing up authentically in this field can be an act of courage, and, in its own quiet way, an act of advocacy.

Growing up, I looked up to people who were unapologetically themselves. Their visibility gave me permission to explore my own identity and imagine possibilities I had not yet seen for myself. I hope to offer that same sense of openness and belonging to others, particularly for individuals and communities who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented in spaces of care and healing.

Healing does not look the same for everyone. Culture, identity, community, and lived experiences shape how people understand suffering, resilience, and recovery. Part of my work as a therapist is honoring those differences and remaining curious about the many ways people and communities make meaning, find strength, and move toward healing.

Of course, I have professional dreams as well. I am deeply fascinated by the intersections of culture, systems, and healing, and I hope to continue exploring those questions throughout my career, whether through doctoral study or by creating educational spaces, workshops and community initiatives that support collective wellbeing.

How has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field?

One of the most invaluable aspects of ��Ͽ�’s marriage and family therapy program is the counseling labs. The therapy rooms include one-way mirrors that allow professors and peers to observe sessions and provide supervision and feedback.

In addition, we use a co-therapy model, meaning two therapists work together in the room. This structure creates a powerful learning environment. It allows us to slow down, reflect and receive thoughtful guidance about how we show up as therapists. Watching my cohort members work with clients has also been incredibly formative. It has helped me see different therapeutic styles, recognize my own strengths and growth areas, and deepen my understanding of relational work.

Those experiences reflect ��Ͽ�’s applied learning philosophy — learning not only through theory, but through practice, reflection and collaboration.

My practicum was at Edges Wellness Center, where I worked as an individual and relational therapist. The center has offices in Menomonie, St. Paul and Minneapolis. During my time at Edges, I also volunteered to support internal organizational initiatives that strengthened collaboration and workplace culture.

While attending ��Ͽ�, I held a full therapy caseload, which accelerated my development as a clinician and allowed me to integrate what I was learning in class directly into my work with clients. The experience was both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Alongside my degree at ��Ͽ�, I’ve pursued additional training in areas that deeply interest me, including couples therapy, attachment work, decolonizing therapy, somatic approaches and trauma-processing modalities, like Brainspotting.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

The culture. During my graduate experience, what stood out most was how our cohort fostered a learning environment based on collaboration, kindness and curiosity. We supported each other through challenging material, celebrated progress, and created a space where questions and feedback were welcomed and felt safe.

That kind of learning environment has a profound difference in therapy, where self-reflection and vulnerability are key to the work.

How did your involvement impact your experience?

Although my undergraduate involvement at ��Ͽ� was extensive, my graduate experience took place during a very different season of life. While my graduate involvement looked different, my undergraduate experience at ��Ͽ� played a profound role in shaping who I am today.

The foundation I built at Stout earlier in my life helped make the transition back to graduate school possible. Being a McNair Scholar as an undergrad, for example, prepared me for the expectations of graduate-level work and reinforced my belief that pursuing a master’s degree was within reach.

During my first year in the program, I stepped into an informal leadership role within my cohort, helping to advocate for changes, share feedback, and communicate updates between students and faculty. I also had the opportunity to speak with members of Psi Chi about pathways into graduate education and careers in therapy, which was a meaningful way to connect with students who are considering similar paths.

During that time, I served as a resident advisor, participated in the Honors Program, and held the positions of editor and president of Prometheus. As a McNair Scholar, I spent a summer conducting research at the University of North Texas, where I wrote and presented a research paper. I was also involved with the Hmong Stout Student Organization, the Black Student Union, and Alpha Phi Omega, and helped organize a multicultural campus event called One World.

Those experiences taught me leadership, collaboration and the courage to step outside my comfort zone. They also helped me build community and develop the confidence that eventually led me back to ��Ͽ� to pursue graduate education.

Looking back, both my undergraduate and graduate journeys at Stout have been invaluable. Each chapter challenged me in different ways and helped shape the person and professional I continue to become.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I faced in earning my degree was the emotional and mental load of getting a graduate degree in my late 30s. Returning to school more than a decade after earning my bachelor’s degree meant balancing graduate studies while working full time, raising two pre-teen boys and supporting my family. It’s barely seeing my kids on a weekly basis, understanding the sacrifices to sleep, health and time.

It was a struggle, but I continued to remind myself that even with the challenges came the delight of greeting my cohort every week, the shared suffering and compassion for each other, and the realization that this was only temporary, which was both a relief and bittersweet.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

My father graduated from ��Ͽ� with the same undergraduate degree I later earned in human development and family studies. He passed away three years ago, and while my master’s degree is something I pursued for myself and my family, I often find myself wishing he could see this moment. I believe he would be proud.

I am also deeply proud of the communities that helped shape me. There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but I believe it also takes a village to raise a healer. The encouragement and care of my family, friends and mentors carried me through this journey.

My father’s legacy emphasized the importance of education, but what I discovered at ��Ͽ� is that education can be more than a path forward. It can be a way of understanding ourselves, healing our communities, and imagining a more compassionate and kind world.

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Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families Michi Marks

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M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

Our M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy program will train you to make a positive impact on families and relationships as a successful therapist.

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Student speakers at May 16 ceremonies encourage peers to act with compassion, courage, and to continue learning

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��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy professor selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

giffeyt — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 13:00:00 +0000

��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy professor selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Programgiffeyt August 11, 2025

Maier will teach next year at university in Istanbul, Turkey

Tom Giffey

��Ͽ� Associate Professor Candice Maier will embark on a professional and personal odyssey early next year as a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award.

Maier, clinical director and associate professor in the M.S. marriage and family therapy program, will teach during the spring semester at Istanbul Bilgi University in Istanbul, Turkey, courtesy of the U.S. State Department and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.

Maier is eager to embark on a cross-cultural experience that will allow her to teach overseas and collaborate with Turkish colleagues and graduate students to continue research on couple and family therapy teaching and supervision methods.

“There are a lot of new initiatives here in the U.S. in terms of modernizing the field, making it more inclusive to all kind of families,” added Maier, who is also a licensed clinical therapist. “I really look forward to being humbled by how trainees are taught and to take a step back and see where people are coming from.”

Maier was among approximately 800 Americans chosen to teach or conduct research abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program this year.

“��Ͽ�’s portfolio of Counseling programs, including the instructors and faculty is noteworthy,” ��Ͽ� Provost Glendalí Rodríguez said. “The Fulbright application process is highly selective, and Dr. Maier’s selection demonstrates the caliber of ��Ͽ� scholars and applied learning as Wisconsin’s polytechnic university. Having the opportunity to work and learn abroad is invaluable and I am confident that the positive impact of this experience – focused on the disciplinary area of counseling/therapy and well-being – will be significant.”

��Ͽ�’s counseling, rehabilitation and human services department offers three bachelor’s degrees and five master’s programs – including M.S. marriage and family therapy, M.S. clinical mental health counseling, M.S. rehabilitation counseling, M.S. school counseling, and an M.S.Ed. and Ed.S. in school psychology. The university also offers school counseling licensure programs for both educators and mental health professionals.

Maier, shown here speaking with ��Ͽ� students, will teach during the spring 2026 semester at a university in Istanbul, Turkey.

Drawn to international experiences

Maier graduated in 2009 with a B.S. in human development and family studies from ��Ͽ�, and she also holds a master’s degree from North Dakota State University and a doctorate from the University of Iowa.

Maier had two opportunities to study abroad as a ��Ͽ� undergraduate, spending a semester in Norway and taking a three-week sociology course in Thailand. “Those were really terrific experiences, and I knew I wanted to do it again in some capacity,” she said.

Last year, she applied to be a Fulbright U.S. Scholar, and learned in May she had been selected for the honor. In early 2026, Maier and her family – her husband, Joshua Sanderson, assistant coach of ��Ͽ�’s women’s soccer team, and the couple’s two young children – will travel to Turkey, where from February to June she will teach at Istanbul Bilgi University. The private university is one of the largest higher education institutions in Turkey’s largest city. Among Istanbul Bilgi’s more than 150 programs is one in marriage and family therapy, the first of its kind in Turkey.

Maier has visited Turkey in the past, and she’s also formed connections with a Turkish scholar, Yudum Söylemez, who leads Istanbul Bilgi’s marriage and family therapy program. Maier said her existing relationship with a specific academic colleague and a particular university likely helped her Fulbright application stand out.

Professor receives national award for research on gender stereotypes in heterosexual relationships

Maier’s dissertation explores ways therapists can help couples build supportive relationships

Alongside another American scholar, Maier and Söylemez co-authored an academic paper, published in 2022, about how feminist family therapists supervised trainees during the COVID-19 pandemic, detailing how they connected via digital means during a precarious time. While in Turkey, Maier said, “My hope is to work on extending the research around feminist-informed practices in couple and family therapy teaching and supervision through both traditional and online formats. The courses I’m teaching won’t specifically center around feminist family therapy but encompass family and cultural dynamics from a cross-cultural perspective.”

Assistant Professor Kevin (Somi) Hynes, director of the marriage and family therapy program, said Maier excels as an award-winning scholar, academic colleague, educator and supervisor who advocates for her students.

“Being selected as a Fulbright Scholar is a tremendous honor and speaks to Dr. Maier’s research agenda and teaching acumen,” Hynes said. “I believe it is in recognition of Dr. Maier’s collaborative work with international scholars and intentionality in working with difference.”

While in Turkey, Maier expects to teach two courses – one about family and group dynamics and another on children and adolescents – as well as to face the challenge and excitement of living internationally. And the benefits of the Fulbright experience won’t end when she comes back to the United States.

“When I return to Stout, I hope to extend new collaborations I form with faculty and students at Istanbul Bilgi with our marriage and family therapy program at Stout through guest lectures and shared research projects,” she said. “Fostering enhanced cross-cultural understanding for myself and my students is a goal that I aim to embody, not through just a one-time experience, but a lifelong identity as a Fulbright Scholar.”

Fulbright scholars include Nobel laureates, MacArthur fellows

Fulbright U.S. Scholars are faculty, researchers, administrators and established professionals teaching or conducting research in affiliation with institutes abroad. Fulbright Scholars engage in cutting-edge research and expand their professional networks, often continuing research collaborations started abroad and laying the groundwork for forging future partnerships between institutions. Upon returning to their home countries, institutions, labs and classrooms, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad.

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 talented and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, artists and professionals with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbrighters exchange ideas, build people-to-people connections, and work to address complex global challenges. Notable Fulbrighters include 62 Nobel laureates, 93 Pulitzer Prize winners, 82 MacArthur fellows, 44 heads of state or government and thousands of leaders across the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

More than 800 individuals teach or conduct research abroad through the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program annually. In addition, more than 2,000 Fulbright U.S. Student Program participants – recent college graduates, graduate students and early career professionals – participate in study/research exchanges or as English teaching assistants in local schools abroad each year.

Fulbright is a program of the U.S. Department of State, with funding provided by the U.S. government. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the program, which operates in more than 160 countries worldwide.

In the United States, the Institute of International Education implements the Fulbright U.S. Student and U.S. Scholar programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State.

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No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage and family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in U.S.

COAMFTE-accredited program offers on-campus and online degree options

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families

��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy professor selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

Maier will teach next year at university in Istanbul, Turkey

Maier will teach next year at university in Istanbul, Turkey Associate Professor Candice Maier in the classroom

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Our M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy program will train you to make a positive impact on families and relationships as a successful therapist.

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Search Keywords: Fulbright U.S. Scholar ProgramMarriage and family therapyCouple and family therapyFulbright Program

Hero Caption: Associate Professor Candice Maier delivers a lecture at ��Ͽ�.

Candice Maier

Dr. Maier is a faculty member in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). She is a licensed clinical therapist and is an active member of the Affiliate Council Board and Family Therapy sections of the National Council on Family Relations. Dr. Maier is a clinical fellow and approved supervisor in the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT).

Full Name: Candice Maier

Job Title: Associate Professor / Clinical Director

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Area of Expertise: Couple and Family Processes & Contributions to Mental and Physical Health Gender Equity in Therapy Feminist Theories

College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Candice Maier CV (264.12 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Couple and Family Therapy

University: University of Iowa

Degree: M.S. Human Development and Family Science

University: North Dakota State University

Degree: B.S. Human Development and Family Studies

University: University of Wisconsin-Stout

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Marriage and family therapy professor awarded for advancing AI integration with therapy

goersab — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 13:32:02 +0000

Marriage and family therapy professor awarded for advancing AI integration with therapygoersab December 16, 2024

Hessel receives Carl Whitaker Award from state professional association

Abbey Goers

For her creative and innovative contributions to the field of marriage and family therapy, ��Ͽ� Assistant Professor Heather Hessel received the Carl Whitaker Award from the Wisconsin Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, presented at WAMFT’s annual conference, held virtually Dec. 6-8.

Hessel, who has a background in IT, brings a fresh perspective to the interface of technology and clinical work and has made generative AI a part of her research to find out how it could benefit the work of therapists.

“The legacy of this award throughout the years, being received by multiple ��Ͽ� MFT leaders, speaks to the commitment of our program to the organization and field as a whole. Seeing our students thrive due to the dedication of our faculty and specifically, Heather, is an incredible gift to be part of and witness,” Associate Professor Candice Maier said.

MFT Assistant Professor Heather Hessel (right) receives her Carl Whitaker Award from WAMFT Chairperson Amanda Anderson (left) / Amanda Anderson

The award is named for American physician and family therapist Carl Whitaker, one of the most influential and pioneering leaders in the field.

“The MFT program is delighted that Dr. Hessel was recognized for her achievements and innovation by WAMFT,” Program Director Kevin Hynes said. “Her insights into therapy and technology are invaluable to our students and the program. As her colleague, I am so thankful to have her at Stout and look forward to seeing what she does next.”

Ethically bringing AI into therapy

Hessel came to the therapy world as a second career. Before that, she spent more than 25 years in IT, working in the private, public and independent sectors, with several of those years overlapping her studies in marriage and family therapy.

When looking at what she wanted to contribute to the world in the second half of her life, she knew she wanted to engage with people in a new way – in the space of the therapy room, to have close connections with clients.

“The depth and richness in the therapist-client relationship is really meaningful to me,” she said. “Tangential to that – and as a result of my background in technology – I’ve also become interested in the intersection of therapy and artificial intelligence, which is relatively unexplored, but somewhat feared, by therapists.”

Hessel envisions a personal AI consultant who can confidentially and ethically analyze sessions to help therapists learn more about what they’re already doing in their sessions, how they can do it better and learn what blind spots they may have, she wrote in “Using AI to Be Better Therapists” in Psychotherapy Networker, the most widely read publication in the psychotherapy community.

In a Q&A with Psychotherapy Networker, Hessel stated that “people, therapists included, are unnerved about AI – about being replaced in their profession by chatbots, about ethical implications, thinking it could change the field or the way they work.

“It’s ok to be cautious and go slow. We want to be asking the right questions. But with any industry, when there’s such a progressive new technology available to all, why not see what it can be used for?” she asked.

“As lifelong learners, we want to continue to push ourselves and grow. I think that generative AI could have a role in that space and help people learn how to be better therapists,” she said.

In ��Ͽ�’s MFT newsletter’s fall edition of The Courier, Hessel’s article “Winter is coming? Artificial intelligence in the therapist’s office” shares preliminary ideas to help therapists prepare for what may be coming.

More recently, Hessel and Hynes evaluated the use of AI by therapists by applying the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics to potential scenarios, presenting their work at the WAMFT annual conference. Hessel said she was encouraged by the number of therapists interested in creatively exploring this area.

As part of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, WAMFT’s mission is to represent and advance the profession and the practice of MFT and to improve the quality of life for individuals, couples, families and communities throughout Wisconsin by supporting the professional integrity, interests and development of therapists.

��Ͽ�’s counseling, rehabilitation and human services department offers five master’s programs, including marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, rehabilitation counseling, school counseling and school psychology, as well as three undergraduate programs.

Marriage & Family Therapy

All Marriage & Family Therapy News

No. 1 ranked M.S. marriage and family therapy is one of longest-accredited programs in U.S.

COAMFTE-accredited program offers on-campus and online degree options

Inspiring Graduate: Michi Marks, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

Deepening their work with individuals, couples and families

��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy professor selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

Maier will teach next year at university in Istanbul, Turkey

Hessel receives Carl Whitaker Award from state professional association Heather Heather receiving her WAMFT award from Amanda Anderson

University Marketing

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Our M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy program will train you to make a positive impact on families and relationships as a successful therapist.

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Search Keywords: marriage and family therapyintegration of artificial intelligence into therapy

Heather Hessel

Dr. Hessel is a faculty member in Counseling, Rehabilitation, and Human Services, teaching in the Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) and Human Development & Family Studies (HDFS) programs. Her research interests include the young adult life stage, extended family relationships, and the role of technology in family relationships and in clinical practice. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Dr. Hessel's clinical interests include the use of technology in clinical practice, mindfulness, and Buddhist psychology.

Full Name: Heather Hessel

Job Title: Associate Professor

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College: College of Arts & Human Sciences

Department: Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department

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Curriculum Vitae: Heather Hessel CV (315.96 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Family Social Science, Specialization Couple and Family Therapy

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: M.A. Counseling Psychology, Specialization Couple and Family Therapy

University: University of St. Thomas

Degree: MLIS Information Studies, Specialization Information Systems

University: University of California-Los Angeles

Degree: B.A. Humanities, Specialization Music

University: Loyola Marymount University

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Inspiring Graduate: Muhammad 'Sammy' Samim, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

goersab — Mon, 06 May 2024 19:26:18 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Muhammad 'Sammy' Samim, M.S. Marriage & Family Therapygoersab May 6, 2024

‘In challenges and triumphs, I have discovered the light within myself – the light of knowledge.’

Inspiring Graduate: Muhammad 'Sammy' Samim (’24)

Hometown: Kashmir, Pakistan; and St. Paul
Degree: M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy
Specialization: Sex Therapy

As an immigrant from the picturesque valleys of Kashmir, Pakistan, hailing from the rich cultures of South Asia, and practicing the Islamic faith, Muhammad "Sammy" Samim sought an environment that would not only accept but cherish his unique background.

Sammy was attracted to ��Ͽ� because of its reputation for embracing diversity and inclusion.

“The university went beyond my expectations, welcoming me with open arms and providing me with an education that is nothing short of excellent. The plethora of opportunities I encountered have nurtured me, shaping my personal and professional growth in ways I had never anticipated,” he said.

Sammy earned his master’s in marriage and family therapy on May 4, along with 1,037 graduates.

Sammy receives his master's hood at commencement / ��Ͽ�

“As I reflect on my ��Ͽ� experience, I am reminded of the words of the poet Rumi, who said, ‘The wound is the place where the light enters you,’” Sammy said.

“In challenges and triumphs, I have discovered the light within myself – the light of knowledge, resilience and boundless potential. I am grateful for the journey that has brought me to this moment, and I am excited for the adventures that lie ahead.”

How has your ��Ͽ� education changed you?

��Ͽ� has been a journey of metamorphosis, where the cocoon of academia enveloped me, only to emerge as a butterfly of knowledge and self-discovery. Each lecture, each discussion, and each interaction with my peers and mentors acted as brushstrokes on the canvas of my soul, painting a portrait of resilience, wisdom and boundless potential.

Through challenges and triumphs, I shed the constraints of ignorance and emerged as a seeker of truth, armed with the wings of curiosity and the eyes of introspection.

My experiences as an immigrant, the passion I harbor for Stout, and the important life skills I've gained here have shaped me into who I am today.

How well has ��Ͽ� prepared you to work in your field and why?

Sammy near the Bowman Hall Clock Tower / ��Ͽ�

��Ͽ� has been the crucible in which the raw ore of my potential was forged into the tempered steel of competence and expertise. Like a master blacksmith, the university’s curriculum shaped and molded me, imbuing me with the skills and knowledge necessary to wield the tools of my trade with precision and efficacy.

Through experiential learning and real-world applications, I honed my craft, emerging as a seasoned artisan ready to forge new pathways and illuminate the darkness with the light of understanding.

The steadfast commitment of the university to deliver quality education and its student-centric approach stand out as its hallmarks, facilitating a nurturing environment for students to thrive.

What stands out about your ��Ͽ� experience?

What sets ��Ͽ� apart is not merely the sum of its parts but the symphony of experiences that compose its essence. It is the sage wisdom of professors who served as mentors and guides, nurturing the seeds of potential with the waters of knowledge. It is the alchemy of great labs where theory meets practice, transforming abstract concepts into tangible realities. It is the internship opportunities that served as crucibles of transformation, refining raw talent into polished expertise.

Yet, beyond these tangible manifestations lies the intangible spirit of ��Ͽ� – a spirit of innovation, collaboration and boundless possibility.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

My involvement in various clubs, organizations, and receiving prestigious awards and scholarships has profoundly enriched my experience at ��Ͽ� and contributed to my growth as an intern therapist.

Receiving a Minority Fellowship from the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy for the 2023-24 academic year was a pivotal moment in my journey. It not only provided financial support but also opened doors to a community of professionals in the field of marriage and family therapy.

Two ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy students receive national Minority Fellowships

Vue, Samim dedicated to strengthening cultural competency through prestigious programs

Representing ��Ͽ� at the 2024 AAMFT Leadership Symposium was a humbling experience that broadened my perspective and allowed me to learn from esteemed leaders in the field.

These opportunities not only expanded my knowledge but also instilled in me a sense of responsibility to give back to my community and advocate for the importance of mental health awareness and support.

Additionally, being awarded the Narrative Exposure Therapy training scholarship by the Minnesota Trauma Recovery Institute was a transformative experience. It equipped me with specialized skills to address the complex needs of individuals who have experienced trauma, further enhancing my efficacy as a therapist.

These scholarships not only facilitated my professional development but also reinforced my commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

In the labyrinth of academia, I encountered myriad challenges that tested the strength of my spirit and the depth of my resolve. Like Odysseus navigating the treacherous seas, I faced the sirens of self-doubt and the cyclops of adversity.

Yet, with the guidance of mentors who served as beacons of wisdom and the companionship of fellow travelers, I navigated the turbulent waters with courage and determination. I drew strength from the stories of perseverance etched in the annals of history, knowing that every obstacle was but a steppingstone on the path to enlightenment.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

As I stand on the threshold of graduation, I am most proud of the journey I have undertaken – the journey of self-discovery, growth and transformation. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I have emerged from academia, reborn as a beacon of knowledge, wisdom and compassion.

My journey at ��Ͽ� has been a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the boundless potential that lies within each of us. As I spread my wings and embark on the next chapter of my odyssey, I carry with me the lessons learned, the memories cherished and the dreams yet to be realized.

Knowledge, humility, compassion, gratitude, honesty, integrity, motivation, confidence, respect, responsibility, work ethics, self-discipline, creativity, ethics and morals – these are the gifts I have received from Stout.

For me, Stout is more than just a university; it is a beacon of hope, a resilient flower blooming in a barren land, a steadfast star shining in the vast night sky. It represents the force that keeps me moving forward, even when the odds are against me, reminding me of the infinite possibilities that await in the world beyond.

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Commencement scheduled May 4 for 1,037 graduates

Spring commencement will be held for 1,037 graduates on Saturday, May 4, at ��Ͽ�.

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��Ͽ� marriage, family therapy student enjoys building connections, scholarship prepares her for helping profession

goersab — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 14:25:19 +0000

��Ͽ� marriage, family therapy student enjoys building connections, scholarship prepares her for helping professiongoersab January 17, 2024

Scholarships, graduate assistantships support students in educational, career goals

Abbey Goers

Growing up as a Hmong American, Melissa Chang was unaware of the mental health and therapy professions.

Now, pursuing her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at ��Ͽ�, “Two of my biggest career goals are to serve the underserved and to continue destigmatizing mental health and therapy in the Hmong American communities,” she said.

To aid her in reaching her career goals, Chang recently was awarded a Mental Health Workforce Development scholarship by the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association.

Melissa Chang with graduate with her master's this spring / Melissa Chang

“It is an honor to have received the scholarship,” Chang said. “It has lifted off some of the financial burden of graduate school and allows me to focus on my education as a helping professional, a current therapist intern, a future therapist-in-training and licensed therapist. It will impact my self-growth and my exploration in the helping field for years to come.”

Chang, of Schofield, became aware of the therapy field during her undergraduate in human development and family studies at ��Ͽ�.

Her interest was sparked during a Skill Training for Individual and Family Interventions class, where she learned about the basic skills therapists develop and utilize.

“I was completely amazed by this class. All I could think about was how cool it would be to have a career where I get to talk to people,” said Chang, who graduated with her undergrad in spring 2022.

“What initially drew me into the marriage and family therapy field was the human connection; I really just wanted to be a safe person that others could feel comfortable talking to. I found myself energized after having conversations with individuals, and these conversations made me feel like I was helping in some way,” Chang said.

“As I have progressed in the MFT program, I still find that my biggest passion continues to lie in creating a safe space for people to express their emotions,” she added.

Program Director Kevin Hynes believes, “Melissa is a great example of an undergraduate from Stout finding a path through her classes to determine her career goals and then pursuing it at Stout in a graduate program. We are excited to have Melissa in the MFT program and recognized for the Mental Health Workforce Development scholarship.”

Chang is a graduate-level therapist at ��Ͽ�’s Clinical Services Center and therapist intern at Adulteen Counseling, in River Falls. She serves as a therapist, practices co-therapy with cohort members, develops treatment plans, learns about the diagnoses process, and participates in individual and group supervision.

Marriage and family therapy students have counseling opportunities on- and off-campus. / ��Ͽ�

“I have learned so much in the roles, but I would say that my favorite thing is talking with people and creating a fun and comfortable environment for people to open up about topics that are important for them to discuss,” she said.

Chang will graduate this May. She is remaining flexible with her postgraduate goals, including pursuing her Ph.D. or opening a private practice one day.

WUCMAA, a nonprofit coalition established in 1986, strives to create awareness of and solutions for the evolving needs of the Hmong and Southeast Asian communities throughout Wisconsin.

Scholarships, graduate assistantship opportunities abound at ��Ͽ�

��Ͽ� offers financial aid in several forms, including Stout University Foundation scholarships and graduate assistantships.

Foundation scholarships are open to full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. For the 2023-24 academic year, the Foundation awarded $1.2 million in scholarships to 541 students.

Applying is easy, and one application qualifies a student for any Foundation scholarships where they meet the criteria. The application deadline for 2024-25 scholarships is Monday, Feb. 5. No letter of recommendation or essay is needed.

��Ͽ�’s Financial Aid office reported 580 students have received more than $1.5 million in external scholarships, such as the WUCMAA scholarship, so far this academic year. Last year, 636 students received more than $1.8 million.

Graduate assistantships are paid, on-campus positions. Graduate students gain valuable professional experience in research relevant to their field of study, adding to the value of their overall education experience and making them more attractive to employers.

More than 80 opportunities are available with academic programs and administrative units each year, with 62 graduate assistants in positions so far in 2023-24. Appointments range from 320 to 640 hours. GAs are coordinated through the Graduate Studies office, and openings are posted on Handshake.

The MFT program typically supports one to two assistantships per year. Students fulfill a vital role in learning and providing clinic administration, while supporting faculty. The program is in ��Ͽ�’s counseling, rehabilitation and human services department, which offers four undergraduate and five graduate degrees, as well as three certificates.

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Scholarships, graduate assistantships support students in educational, career goals Melissa Chang, M.S. marriage and family therapy student

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Hero Caption: Melissa Chang recently was awarded a Mental Health Workforce Development scholarship by the Wisconsin United Coalition of Mutual Assistance Association.

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Two ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy students receive national Minority Fellowships

goersab — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 14:24:49 +0000

Two ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy students receive national Minority Fellowshipsgoersab July 31, 2023

Vue, Samim dedicated to strengthening cultural competency through prestigious programs

Abbey Goers

As the need for skilled and caring therapists grows, so has the need for those trained in cultural competence. With those needs in mind, two ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy graduate students have been selected for prestigious national fellowships.

Cindy Vue was awarded an American Psychological Association Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship; and Muhammad Samim was awarded a Minority Fellowship by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

The goals of the Minority Fellowship programs are to increase the number of culturally competent marriage and family therapists, researchers, teachers and practitioners who will expand mental health and substance abuse services to underserved and underrepresented minority populations.

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“Having two of our students accepted into Minority Fellowship programs is aligned with the values of our MFT program to promote and enact social justice,” said Program Director Heather Hessel. “We're proud of Cindy's and Sammy’s commitment to working with underrepresented communities. They show thoughtfulness and intentionality in their clinical work and demonstrate dedication to providing culturally sensitive mental health services to diverse communities.”

The fellowship programs offer participants a one-year stipend, professional guidance in their research of services to minority and underserved populations, training and professional development opportunities at workshops and conferences, and lifetime access to the network of fellows.

Associate Professor Candice Maier, director of ��Ͽ�’s Clinical Services Center, believes it is important for therapists to adopt “cultural competence, or cultural humility, as an approach and journey that can help facilitate a strong working rapport between therapist and client, leading to better therapy outcomes,” she said.

The fellowships are awarded through a federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Cindy Vue: A foundation in advocacy

Vue’s background is in social justice and advocacy. She has a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She worked and volunteered as a camp counselor for YouthCARE Camp Sunrise for 14 years, counseling 13- to 18-year-olds.

“It was one of the only camps that embraced such diversity – gender, race, religion. It showed me what diversity and representation can really look like for organizations,” said Vue, of Minneapolis.

Cindy Vue was awarded an APA Interdisciplinary Minority Fellowship / Cindy Vue

Vue also did transportation advocacy with Our Streets Minneapolis, representing underserved and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) communities and creating awareness in how streets and infrastructure shape people’s lives.

“We looked at systemic issues, like are roads pedestrian and biker friendly, are sidewalks wheelchair friendly,” she said. “Our streets can shape the way we feel about our bodies and how others feel about us, and how our lives are impacted by that.”

Vue wanted to transition her skills while continuing to serve the community. In talking to a friend who was a ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy alum, she learned that the MFT program is focused on systemic thinking.

“The MFT program aligns with my passion for advocacy and what I wanted to learn. It propelled me to think about the mental health of families, couples, groups and individuals who are trying to build healthy relationships,” she said. “What can we do to communicate better with each other? The MFT program will help me my whole life. It will benefit me as a human being and the communities that I work with.”

Vue looks at cultural competence as a journey of understanding – as the continuation of change and environments in society shift how people think about cultures. She looks at her own Hmong culture in the colonized country of the U.S., and how the Western-way of looking at mental health differs from her culture.

“Cultural competence is an understanding of how to include people’s cultural and religious backgrounds, race or gender, holistic healing and support for their life into the services they need,” she said.

Vue is most looking forward to connecting with APAIM fellows from around the country to learn about their experiences and glimpse into the wisdom they provide to the mental health field. Fellowship orientation is over four days in October in Atlanta.

Cindy Vue's background is in social justice and advocacy, including transportation advocacy / Cindy Vue

“It’s very important to build connections between therapists and advocates,” Vue said. “A client can need a multitude of support, and this interconnection helps us work together to continue to provide support.”

She’s also looking forward to working on a research project with assigned cohort members, considering a community project, key stakeholders and organizations to address behavioral health disparity in diverse populations of color. She will travel next summer to Seattle for an interdisciplinary institute and to present research to fellows and alumni.

The fellowship stipend will help support Vue as she completes her clinical practicum as an MFT intern at Kente Circle. Based in South Minneapolis, Kente Circle is a mental health agency providing culturally sensitive services to diverse communities.

Vue will work 20 hours a week with individuals, couples, families and groups. She also will work with adolescents at a North Minneapolis school. With more than 14 years working with the youth population, Vue is excited to work with kids again, she said.

As a yoga instructor in an outpatient program with MN CarePartners in St. Paul, Vue plans to build mind/body exercises into her practicum work with youth at Kente Circle.

“Connecting our mind and body can ground somebody and show them how they can build change in themselves and in their lives,” she said.

Vue chose Kente Circle as her practicum site because it is BIPOC-owned and run. Larry G. Tucker, CEO and co-founder of the agency, is a ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy alum and serves on the program’s advisory committee.

“There is an experience and lens of inclusivity that is different, and there aren’t a lot of mental health organizations that have that,” Vue said. “This is important to me. When I was doing advocacy work, all I heard about was Kente Circle and the wonderful work they do for the BIPOC community. I think it’s a good place to work at.”

Vue will graduate in August 2024. With the fellowship, she will commit an additional two years, prelicensure, to serving in a minority community – possibly at Kente Circle.

Muhammad Samim: Helping others through trauma

Samim, of St. Paul, is the youngest of six siblings. His brothers and sisters are in the scientific and education fields in Pakistan. His family is from Jammu and Kashmir, a region torn by conflict. Reflecting on the traumas his family has suffered, Samim has also faced discrimination in the U.S.

“I have seen Islamophobia and systematic racism. There must be a line of mutual respect between people,” he said. “I moved here for a better life, and when I see people discriminated against because of their skin color or religion, I wonder will my future children be able to have a life free of discrimination. This is why I want to work in the counseling field – to help people.”

Samim’s family’s story begins in Jammu and Kashmir, an independent state until 1947 after the Partition of India, when British rule ended. Conflict broke out between Muslim-majority Pakistan and Hindu-majority India over rule of the region.

“Those responsible in the British government for drawing the Partition line knew nothing about the peoples of Pakistan or India or about their religions,” Samim said. “Two million people were murdered and 20 million were displaced. It was the largest mass migration seen in the modern world at the time.

“My grandfather’s sister was lost, and my grandmother witnessed her father and family beheaded. She was pregnant with my dad. She swam across the river to escape to Pakistan. The river was full of blood and human bodies,” he said.

Samim heard these stories from his grandparents and inherited their generational trauma, trauma that extends from one generation to the next, beginning when a group experiences a traumatic event and who then develops physical or psychological symptoms. Later, he realized genocides in Western civilizations, like the Holocaust, are talked about but the atrocities in British colonies are not known, he said.

The United Nations passed a resolution to decide whether people wanted to join Pakistan or India, but the resolution failed. “I am a legal citizen of Jammu and Kashmir, but which is not recognized as a country. We are an unlucky people who do not have a country,” Samim said.

Samim moved to Lahore, Pakistan, where he attended high school and learned about modern psychology, as well as sex education, a topic not talked about in the conservative society.

Samim’s trauma was compounded during this time when war started in Afghanistan after 9-11. He survived many attacks by suicide bombers and received death threats on his phone if he attended school. He witnessed similar violence and discrimination as his grandparents had observed in 1947.

He continued his education, nonetheless, and earned his bachelor’s in clinical psychology and completed his internship at Mayo Hospital and Government MAO College in Lahore. He went on to earn his master’s in a quite different field, information technology and project management, and he moved to the U.S.

But when the pandemic hit and people found themselves isolated and within a new mental health crisis as counseling offices closed in-person services, his family and friends came to him for help. Even though he reminded them that he did not have his license and could not offer any advice, they still wanted his therapeutic support. He offered them free listening sessions.

When Samim’s dad passed away in 2020, he could not return home to attend his funeral because of COVID-19 and Visa restrictions.

“I could not give my mom comfort,” Samim sadly said. “My role as the youngest in my family is to be the one they talk to and to help resolve family conflict. I am the glue that makes them stick together.”

Samim realized that instead of giving free, unlicensed therapy, he should go back to school for his master’s and accomplish his dream of being a licensed marriage and family therapist and sex therapist to help people in their relationships.

With his fellowship, Samim is looking forward to learning more about how to treat mental health for immigrants, refugees, Muslims and people of color.

“Within the South Asian and Muslim cultures, the second and third generations in the U.S. are a huge population. The India diaspora is huge in the U.S. But there are taboos regarding mental health. They don’t go to therapy. They don’t bother with health issues,” he explained. “I am interested to work with this population and learn scientific methods and treatments that will help these communities.

“Many children are confused between two cultures,” Samim said. “Muslim families have difficulty understanding Western culture and making their own cultural and religious space in American society. I am interested to understand these cultural issues and trauma and learning competency in counseling.”

Samim will graduate in May 2024. In 2022, he began a nonprofit mental health agency, Voice of People of Color. To help to reshape people’s lives, he is working to build a software program with a knowledge base to people find the therapeutic resources they need.

��Ͽ�’s master’s programs in marriage and family therapy, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling and school psychology are scheduled to relocate to Heritage Hall after the hall’s upcoming renovation. The project includes the demolition of the 1954 portion of the Vocational Rehabilitation Building, where the four programs as well as the Clinical Services Center, are housed. The center has offered community members affordable counseling services by graduate students since 1974. It serves approximately 1,000 clients a year.

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Seventeen graduate students receive scholarships to ‘build the capacity of state’s mental health workforce’

goersab — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:56:57 +0000

Seventeen graduate students receive scholarships to ‘build the capacity of state’s mental health workforce’goersab January 25, 2023

Scholarships given across UW System schools through $2 million federal award

Abbey Goers

Seventeen ��Ͽ� master’s students have received $85,000 in scholarships as part of a federal grant.

The grant included $2 million across the UW System to support about 380 mental health students with a $5,000 scholarship through the Qualified Treatment Trainee Grants Program.

Emma Desens is in her final semester of her master’s in marriage and family therapy at ��Ͽ� and is grateful to be awarded the QTT grant. Her clinical internship is at Family Therapy Associates, at the Menomonie and Eau Claire locations, and she will be joining their team upon graduation in May.

Emma Desens, QTT grant recipient / ��Ͽ�

“This donation to my education will have a significant impact on my life. The financial security of receiving this grant enables me to explore continuing my education further with a doctorate degree,” said Desens, of Appleton.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to focus on my learning and growing as a therapist, rather than the financial stress, and I cannot express my appreciation enough in being chosen for this award,” she said.

The goal of the QTT grant is to “reduce barriers to program completion for diverse students and build the capacity of our state’s mental health workforce and behavioral health professionals,” said Jessica Smith, principal investigator for the grants program and CITEE director.

The award supports students in the completion of their internships, which are often unpaid or underpaid, creating financial barriers for those experiencing lower income, lower social support resources or additional noneducational expenses.

Assistant Professor Heather Hessel / ��Ͽ�

“The demand for competent mental health professionals has never been higher, particularly for traditionally underserved communities,” said Assistant Professor Heather Hessel, program director of M.S. marriage and family therapy at ��Ͽ�. “The funds from the QTT grant provide critical support for building and strengthening the pathways from graduate level training to effective delivery of mental health services to Wisconsin residents.”

Hessel serves on the QTT Statewide Advisory Committee and supported the outreach to students in marriage and family therapy, as well as M.S. clinical mental health counseling.

Along with Desens, ��Ͽ� graduate students, several of whom serve as Clinical Services Center student therapists, who received the QTT grant this spring include:

Makai Dorfman, marriage and family therapy, Minneapolis
Emily Erikson, marriage and family therapy, Altoona
Zandra Georgakas, clinical mental health counseling, Ellsworth
Mackenzie Gosa, marriage and family therapy, Blue River, Ore.
Julia Jorgensen, marriage and family therapy, Madison
Lindsey Laube, clinical mental health counseling, Eau Claire
Hannah Malison, clinical mental health counseling, Milwaukee
Chelsea Meagher, marriage and family therapy, Eau Claire
Isabel Meyer-Mueller, marriage and family therapy, St. Paul
Elizabeth Miner-Worland, marriage and family therapy, Philadelphia
Maggie Mooney, clinical mental health counseling, Baldwin
Frances Santiago, marriage and family therapy, St. Paul
Hannah Schoening, clinical mental health counseling, Big Lake, Minn.
Kaja Simon, marriage and family therapy, St. Paul
Corey Tallier, clinical mental health counseling, Gilman
Annie Xiong, clinical mental health counseling, Schofield

Nearly 270 graduate students applied for this round of funding, Smith said. She anticipates the final round for applications will open in spring 2023 to award the remaining 110+ awards.

CITEE received the award through Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to expand the work being done in the QTT Grants Program with DHS, Division of Care and Treatment Services.

A critical renovation to meet counseling needs

��Ͽ�’s master’s programs in marriage and family therapy; clinical mental health counseling; school counseling; and school psychology are housed in the Vocational Rehabilitation Building but are scheduled to relocate to Heritage Hall.

Major renovation of Heritage Hall ranked No. 1 in Chippewa Valley, third for UW System academic buildings

A critical renovation project of one of ��Ͽ�’s busiest classroom and lab buildings has taken a major step forward.

Heritage Hall, a near-50-year-old building, is scheduled for major renovation after receiving priority approval from the UW System Board of Regents. The project is ranked No. 1 in the Chippewa Valley and No. 3 for UW System academic buildings. The project includes the demolition of the 1954 portion of the Vocational Rehabilitation Building, where the four programs are housed.

“True to our applied learning mission, ��Ͽ�’s graduate counseling programs provide services for the community, which will be further enhanced by the renovation of our Heritage Hall academic building. The building’s renovation, which will provide reimagined spaces to better train our graduates, is a critical renovation to expand our counseling-related offerings and help graduate more students,” Provost Glendalí Rodríguez said.

“The QTT Grants Program helps remove some of the financial burdens on students to complete their education and provides another compelling argument to pursue advanced education at ��Ͽ�. Secured from a grant, the scholarship also provides a strong example of how Stout is committed to addressing workforce shortages of counseling professionals in Wisconsin and across the country,” Rodríguez added.

The $2 million grant was part of a larger grant awarded to UW-Whitewater’s Center for Inclusive Transition, Education and Employment, $9.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to support graduate students in marriage and family therapy, counseling and social work across the seven UW System institutions with accredited programs.

###

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Master's in school counseling program, centers meet a critical need in Wisconsin, community

goersab — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:11:15 +0000

Master's in school counseling program, centers meet a critical need in Wisconsin, communitygoersab December 5, 2022

Heritage Hall renovation to offer interdisciplinary learning, better accessibility to services

Abbey Goers

With Wisconsin facing a shortage of licensed professional school counselors, the value of graduates from ��Ͽ�’s Master of Science in school counseling program has never been greater for communities throughout the state.

Over the next five years, Wisconsin is projected to need nearly 1,500 additional school counselors and psychologists, with job growth expected to increase by 11% over the next decade.

The need for licensed professional school counselors is being heightened by increased student social and emotional needs, which rose exponentially during the pandemic. There is also a dramatically disproportionate ratio of counselors available to students across the state.

The ideal caseload recommended by the American School Counselor Association is a ratio of 250-to-1, students to counselor. However, school counselor ratios in Wisconsin were 387-to-1 during the 2020-21 academic year, the most recent year for which data is available. The national average that year was 415-to-1.

Graduate students Alexandra Lee and Kaitlyn Eyerly, reflected in the mirror, in the Counseling Lab. / ��Ͽ�

“School counselors are often the first, and sometimes the only, mental health providers students may have,” said Program Director Sharon Hansen. “Our graduates are equipped with the skills necessary to help elementary, middle and high school students succeed.”

As vital members of school leadership teams, school counselors promote equity and access for all students, helping with academic strategies, emotional support, interpersonal skills and postsecondary goals. They offer short-term counseling to students and make referrals for long-term support, while collaborating with families, teachers, administrators and community agencies to help with student success, needs and challenges.

Renovation to support interdisciplinary learning between counselors and educators

��Ͽ�’s master’s programs in school counseling; clinical mental health counseling; marriage and family therapy; and school psychology are in the Vocational Rehabilitation Building but are scheduled to relocate to Heritage Hall.

M.S. school counseling Program Director Sharon Hansen with graduate students in the Counseling Lab. / ��Ͽ�

Heritage Hall is also home to the School of Education. Hansen believes that having all of ��Ͽ�’s mental health professions and School of Education under one roof will allow for more interdisciplinary learning.

“School counselors often have to network with other school-based and community resources, so having the ability to interact with those programs within Heritage Hall will provide for better consultation and collaboration between professions,” she said.

Meeting a critical community need

Maria Alm, dean of the College of Arts and Human Sciences, believes the Heritage Hall renovation will have a significant impact on the programs, labs and centers that will relocate there.

Also anticipating relocation is the Clinical Services Center, which has offered community members affordable counseling services by graduate students since 1974. It serves approximately 1,000 clients a year.

Graduate student Caleb Schauf observes a session in the Counseling Lab from behind the mirror. / ��Ͽ�

“We are hoping to expand services in the new Clinical Services Center by offering not only play therapy, relational couple and family therapy, and psychological assessments and testing, but also branch into new areas such as nutrition education,” said Associate Professor Candice Maier, director of the center.

The center is currently in a facility that was not originally intended to serve as a counseling center and lacks easy parking access.

“The new location in Heritage Hall will provide a welcoming, clearly marked exterior entrance with convenient parking, professional quality check-in and waiting areas, and state-of-the-art equipment and counseling spaces,” Alm said. “The need for counseling services, and in particular low-cost services, is critical to our community, and we look forward to continuing and enhancing our offerings in the newly designed space.”

Graduate student Michaela Blomberg in the Counseling Lab. / ��Ͽ�

The university’s Disability Services, Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute and Counseling Center, which offers free services to students, are also planning to move to Heritage Hall. Disability Services is in the University Library; SVRI in the Vocational Rehabilitation Building; and the Counseling Center in Bowman Hall.

“The intention for moving these centers is to centralize services and make them more accessible for students and the community,” Associate Professor Andy Felton said. “While still respecting privacy and confidentiality, the centers will have a visible presence in Heritage Hall, with a further hope to broach stigmas and raise awareness around different student and community services.

“��Ͽ� is giving a lot of attention to mental, emotional and behavioral health. We are ready to show we are working together to help students and the community thrive, making sure individuals seeking any services on campus can get proper, well-rounded support, and students get practical experience to prepare them for their careers,” Felton said.

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Heritage Hall renovation to offer interdisciplinary learning, better accessibility to services Counseling Lab, student Alexandra Lee

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We prepare students to perform a vital role as counselors who have specialized knowledge and skills for both mental health and rehabilitation service delivery.

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This project creates a new, unified home for workforce-critical degree programs in the College of Art & Human Sciences and more.

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A warm welcome to MFT's two new faculty

goersab — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 17:01:03 +0000

A warm welcome to MFT's two new facultygoersab October 6, 2022

Hynes and Walker join as tenure-track assistant professors

We are happy to welcome two new faculty, Ashlee Walker and Kevin Hynes, to the marriage and family therapy program at ��Ͽ�. Walker (she/her) and Hynes (he/they) have joined the MFT program as tenure-track assistant professors.

Kevin Hynes and Ashlee Walker

Coming with a range of experience, Walker has a background in both marriage and family therapy and public health, the latter from Tulane University. She specializes in sexual health and reproductive justice. Walker is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and birth doula. “I wanted to be a therapist, to help clients and to teach research. I learned about marriage and family therapy from a professor as an undergrad. It sounded like what I wanted to do,” Walker said.

Hynes has three years of experience teaching in an accredited MFT program, with a degree in CFT from the University of Connecticut. They specialize in mental health outcome disparities with minority populations and technology use in MFT. They are a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and an approved AAMFT supervisor. Their passion centers around working with marginalized populations, including ethnic/racial minorities and the LGBTQ community. Hynes shared when asked about what got them interested in the field, “My undergrad professors spoke highly of MFT and were passionate about helping clients. I enjoy teaching because I like watching students grow, feel a sense of accomplishment and gain competency as they near graduation.”

Both Walker and Hynes have been awarded the prestigious AAMFT Minority Fellowship Award, which is dedicated to expanding the delivery of culturally competent mental health and substance abuse services to underserved minority populations.

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Our M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy program will train you to make a positive impact on families and relationships as a successful therapist.

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A critical renovation to meet counseling needs

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M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

M.S. Marriage & Family Therapy

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Meeting a critical community need

Counseling, Rehabilitation & Human Services Department

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A warm welcome to MFT's two new faculty

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Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits ��Ͽ� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy professor selected for prestigious Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program

Two ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy students receive national Minority Fellowships

��Ͽ� marriage, family therapy student enjoys building connections, scholarship prepares her for helping profession

Scholarships, graduate assistantship opportunities abound at ��Ͽ�

Two ��Ͽ� marriage and family therapy students receive national Minority Fellowships