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MESSAGE
FROM THE
DEAN If We Do Not Give Up Dear SBS faculty, staff, students, and alumni,
“I encourage you all today to persevere.”
I was hiking along the trail toward the peak of the mountain, huffing and puffing, with a fifty-pound backpack strapped onto my back like a parasite. Then, through the sparse trees and bushes, I finally could see the top! A jolt of energy shot through my body at the idea of reaching the mountain peak. My elation, however, dropped like a lead weight a hundred feet later, when I realized that what I thought was the peak was only a “beak peak”—something that looked like the top from my angle, but was not. About fifteen minutes later . . . FIFTEEN LONG minutes later . . . I was at the top, gazing out at the vast expanse of the majestic wilderness below. Having taught at the college level for over twenty years, I know that this is how many people in the university community feel near the end of the fall and spring semesters—all worn out. Fatigue can mess with personal perspectives and begin to poison both motivation and attitude. This is the nature and reality of work, and it often collides with our human nature. So, what are we to do? The Bible plainly states, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV). Some versions actually use the word, “encourage,” instead of “spur,” which any equestrian would prefer (as I do). Likewise, Galatians 6:9 asserts, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
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If We Do Not Give Up . . .
In case you were wondering, the picture above was taken at the summit of Mount Marcy, the highest peak in New York State. Having been there many times, I have seen this breathtaking view, and it is truly majestic! Now, your current “mountain” may be a bit different from this one, but hang in there—with God’s help, you can make it to the top!
Am I basically saying that we all need to just “tough it out?” In a word—Yes! We just read how, if we persevere—if we “do not give up”— we will “reap a harvest,” which is a promise that we can depend upon, personally. Over and over in my life, I have found that God blesses perseverance in the lives of His children. Mike Newlin, the famed Houston Rockets basketball player, once said, “Genius is perseverance in disguise.” Although we would all prefer to “work smarter, not harder” and fancy ourselves to think that we are often just like Newlin, perseverance is both smart and hard. Like the hiker on the trail, we can either turn back (which often happens near the top) or we can continue on in our journey.
And I would love to learn of your personal journeys of perseverance and triumph, so please feel free to share with me a story or picture of your own “mountaintops.” You never know how sharing your story of persevering will help someone else. In Him.
Dr. Kenyon Knapp Dean School of Behavioral Sciences Spring 2019
Truly, all good endeavors take commitment, effort, and sacrifice, so I encourage you all today to persevere, and to inspire your colleagues to persevere as well. Be an encourager! The view from the top is really worth it! We all should aspire to say as Paul does in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 4
KALI PSYCHI
SPRING 2019, Vol. 1, No. 2
CONTENTS Welcome From the Dean
3
SBS Evening of Praise
6
Speaking of Accreditation
7
In the Field
9
Faculty Notes and News
12
New Faculty/Appointments
16
Faculty Book Release
17
Student Showcase
18
Alumni Notes
19
Contact Us
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THE SBS EVENING OF PRAISE One of the most important things Christ-followers can do is
grant accreditation for Liberty University’s Social Work Department. Administration praised the Lord for this news—as well as the recent accreditation through CACREP for the Counseling department.
to praise God both in moments of celebration and in the midst of what feels like defeat. As the leadership of the social work department looked ahead for the 2019 spring semester, it was clear that a new mindset of praise and thankfulness was being birthed—in our personal lives and within our department. It was significant that we not forget the blessings the Lord had given us, thus far. This simple concept would change the way we view the SBS progress, success, direction, and the sometimes unexplainable leading of God.
Along with the celebration of these announcements, the evening was filled with testimonies of how God had used the School of Behavioral Sciences to genuinely change the lives of faculty, employees, and students. Faculty shared about the blessings that it has been to incorporate their faith in their work and to have the opportunity to help equip students for the behavioral health field. Students also shared about finding their perfect niche in their degree, with gratitude toward faculty and staff who have intentionally helped them along the way. Others expressed how they valued the unique opportunities for international travel, through various departments in SBS, that they would not have probably had elsewhere.
On March 19, 2019, the School of Behavioral Sciences (SBS) joined together for the Evening of Praise. This event was vital, as it was intended to be a night where people would praise God regardless of the accreditation outcomes that our departments were anxiously awaiting. Joyfully, the week before the event occurred, though, the Department of Social Work received exciting news that the Commission on Accreditation with CSWE had decided to
The most beautiful part of this event was that our recent positive vote for accreditation was not the main topic of the evening; rather, it was the glory given to God for his faithfulness and perfect timing. Nothing of significance can be accomplished apart from the Lord. Thus, the mindset of our department is for God’s will to be done and to follow His constant leading every step of the way. 6
Melissa Hummel Department of Social Work
SPEAKING OF ACCREDITATION . . . Walking the streets of Lynchburg, Virginia thirty years ago,
alumni use their skills in nursing homes, hospitals, schools, adult protective services, child welfare, trafficking prevention, refugee resettlement, and many more. These alums also rejoice with the faculty, staff, and current students over their new accreditation status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
observing the desperate need for social work, J.J. Cole started praying for change. Others, such as Dr. Ron Hawkins, Dr. Steve Warren, and Dr. Kevin Corsini, eventually joined J.J. in her prayers, hoping to bring a social work program to Liberty. Over ten years later, in an old steel town in Western Pennsylvania, the Lord started working in my heart, showing me His desire to change the face of social work for Him. In 2014, God brought the passion of many and His vision together at Liberty University to officially begin the program in 2015.
Getting accredited through CSWE was no easy task. After three site visits, three years of extensive writing, and four years of program development, the Commission on Accreditation voted in February 2019 to grant accreditation in March 2019 for the social work separtment at Liberty University. Amazingly, this accreditation is retroactive for all of Liberty’s Social Work graduates.
As God was stirring the hearts of leaders, He was also stirring the hearts of students to pursue Social Work. It was the most requested unavailable degree sought by potential LU students. I began to help with the development of the program, and student interest grew. Before long, there were hundreds of students claiming social work as their major.
God united a uniquely talented team in Department of Social Work with wonderful support from the psychology department. The spirit of prayer and fulfilling God’s vision is still alive in the department. They meet every Friday to pray for the program, students, alumni, faculty, and staff as well as to praise the Lord for His hand of favor and great works. As always, the social work team anticipates great things from our students and graduates as they continue to serve the Lord by helping others in need.
Currently, the program is over three years old and has witnessed students serving the Lord in social work positions and opportunities all over the United States and in six countries abroad. Social work
Christine Fulmer Associate Professor & Lead Chair Department of Social Work
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IN THE FIELD When the majority of Americans think of the Dominican
As one would suspect, these ladies are not the only ones at risk; their unsupervised children are in danger, as well. Unimaginable things can happen (and sometimes do happen) to these poor children and their mothers all too often.
Republic, sunny beaches of Punta Cana or La Romana tend to come to mind. The beautiful Spanish-style haciendas, exotic flowers, and white sandy beaches are indicative of the vistas seen by most tourists.
So, is there a need for social work in the Dominican Republic? Yes, indeed there is. Fortunately, the Department of Social Work partners with three organizations in the Dominican Republic, bringing servants’ hearts and hands to help.
Yet, there is another side to the country— the side where families of eight live in a one-room home without running water or indoor plumbing, the side where work is scarce (especially for women without an education), where hope for having a little sugar to put in a bottle with some water for a hungry infant is a distant dream (baby formula is not an option), the side where having your children attend school through the sixth grade is an impossibility.
During the three years that the social work program has existed, the department has traveled abroad with students three times. In fact, another trip is already scheduled for Fall 2019. Professor Christine Fulmer has been working in the Dominican Republic since 2006 and has developed a deep love for the families living there. Despite the aforementioned dangers, the culture is warm, vibrant, and hospitable.
Sadly, the desire for children to have food to eat and clothes to wear often leads to loving mothers selling their bodies, sacrificially, to provide for their little ones. After tucking their babies in bed, they walk the streets of cities like Juan Dolio, hoping for someone kind (and safe) to choose them. Driven by love and desperation for their children, they put their lives on the line, every night. 9
IN THE FIELD “In reflecting on our trip and DR Vision’s work, I think of steadfastness. The missionaries are working in some of the darkest areas of our world, and yet they are steadfast in Christ. In seeing a glimpse of their work, I am challenged to love in deeper ways and find ultimate strength in the Lord.” Students, both residentially and online, are invited to apply. They learn from founders of various ministries, who offer holistic programs to children, youth, and mothers. Additionally, students have many opportunities to do prevention work with elementary children and intervention work with youth. And they are ministered to by the ladies themselves who have been restored.
Tanya Radabaugh, a current Social Work student, states, “The trip was truly life changing for me. Before going, I was unaware of how God is moving around the world. Going on the trip, I got to see some of the incredible things that God is doing. He is moving! I felt his presence in the D.R. in a way that I never had before. The people in the D.R. rely on God in a way that we will never be able to understand in our American mindset. They truly depend on God to supply their needs, and it was amazing to see that. It’s what drew me to doing my senior internship there. I am forever grateful that I got to go on the trip with Liberty U. It propelled me to where I am now.” Senior Social Work student Allison Kasch (who plans on serving more in the future in the Dominican Republic) adds,
As a way of supporting the ministries and people there, the Social Work Program sells handmade jewelry and bags made by restored and at-risk women. All the proceeds go to support the ministries. Child-sponsorships are available at some of the organizations, as well. For more information or to support other ministries in the Dominican Republic, please visit the following sites: • MercyJewelry.org • NewHopeGirls.co • ItIsForFreedom.com God is working in the Dominican Republic, and it is beautiful to have our students be an integral part of it.
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J.J. Cole Assistant Professor Department of Social Work
FACULTY NOTES & NEWS
Dr. Tim Barclay (Professor, Ph.D.). In 2018, Dr. Barclay published two research articles and co-authored a book chapter—the first article: Barclay, T. H. & Barclay, R.D., Mims, A, Sargent, Z., & Robertson, K. (2018). Academic retention: Predictors of college success. Education, 136(2), 59–70; the second article: Barclay, T. H. & Barclay, R. D. (2018). Development and validation of the High Capacity Model of Resilience and Well-being Scale 21 (H-CAP 21). Journal of Psychology and Behavior Science, 5(1), 1–16. Additionally, Dr. Barclay co-authored a book chapter, “Cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) in the psychiatric setting,” in P. Gerbarg, R. P. Brown, & P. R. Muskin (Eds). Complementary and integrative treatments in psychiatric practice. American Psychiatric Publishing, Arlington, VA., discussing the use of cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) in clinical practice. For more information, contact Dr. Barclay at thbarclay@liberty.edu.
Dr. Jichan Kim (Assistant Professor, Ph.D.). Dr. Kim is one of the four authors who published an article (April, 2018), “Pilot study: Evaluating the effectiveness of forgiveness therapy with abused early adolescent females in Pakistan,” in Spirituality in Clinical Practice. In the study, the effectiveness of forgiveness therapy with abused early adolescent females in Pakistan was evaluated, and it was shown that at the one-year follow-up, those who went through the forgiveness therapy (FT), when compared with the Treatment-as-Usual (TAU) comparison group, had statistically higher levels of forgiveness and hope and a lower level of anger. It was the first study of its kind conducted in a Muslim-majority country in Southeast Asia. For more information, contact Dr. Kim at jjkim5@liberty.edu.
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Dr. Fred Milacci (Professor, Ph.D.). In 2019, Dr. Milacci received the Annual McGraw-Hill Distinguished Scholar Award, awarded to recognize quality scholarship among the Ethnographic and Qualitative Research Conference participants and encourages able scholars to continue participating in the conference. The award was based on longstanding participation with the conference, and evidenced able scholarship in research conference presentations, journal publications, and other scholarly contributions to their respective fields. Dr. Milacci also published an article, “Taking theology home: The spiritually formative experiences of seminary spouses,” in the Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, 10(1), pp. 73–92. For more information, contact Dr. Milaccia at fmillaci@liberty.edu.
FACULTY NOTES & NEWS Boatner, J., Chamberlin, B., Crable, A., Simmons, R., & Van Wynsberg, K. (2019). Christianity in counseling: Balancing professional ethics. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Dailey, S., Minton, C.B., Lenz, A. & DiLella, N. (2019). Standards of practice and available resources for crisis, disaster, and trauma counseling. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Bohecker, L. (2019). Exploration of licensure portability model-examples of other professions. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Daniel, D., Brooks, J., & Deacon, M. (2019). Ethical considerations for international immersion projects in counselor education. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA. Doney, C. & Boyd, E. (2019). Creating safe spaces: Understanding the importance of trauma-informed care. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Braboy, D., Brown, D., Davis, J., Simmons, R., & Tyre, Y. (2019). Intersection of personal and professional: Ethical and legal responsibilities with non-clients. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA. Brooks, J. D., & Sosin, T. A. (2018). Complex trauma and anti-sex trafficking: Assessing and addressing the needs of sex trafficking ministries worldwide. Virginia Counselors Association Convention. Norfolk, VA. Brown, D. (2019). Posts, tweets, likes, and follows: Counseling ethics & social media. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA. Cox, E., Gibson, S.G. (2018). Critical Thinking & Christian Worldview: Integration in a Policy Classroom. North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Hartford, CT. Cox, Trilby (2018). Best practices in creating, launching, and communicating rubrics and instructional prompts, as well as best practices in providing grading feedback. Virginia Assessment Group Conference. Charlottesville, VA.
Dumont, K. (2019). Professional ethics and legal issues for addiction professionals. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA. Ford, K. (2019). Religious sensitivity in mindfulness practice. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA. Fulmer, C.K., (2018). Can problem-based learning aid in competency attainment for social workers? North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Hartford, CT. Ganey, K. (2018). Distance services: The future frontier. Hungry For Hope Conference. Franklin, TN. Guy, J. C. (2018). Poster session: The relationship between spirituality and music tuning preference. Annual Convention of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Atlanta, GA. 13
FACULTY NOTES & NEWS Holstun, V. (2019). Addressing spirituality in counseling with children and adolescents. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
program. Social Work Distance Education Conference. San Antonio, TX. Phillips, L., Kimball, P., & Hauswirth, K. (2019). Infusing ethical decision-making throughout counselor development: Seven strategies. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Imhoff, B. & Perkins, M. (2019). Cognitive-behavioral understanding of social anxiety disorder. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Prinzivalli, B., & Sosin, T. A. (2018). A practical guide for successful clinical supervisors and counseling residents. Virginia Counselors Association Convention. Norfolk, VA.
Johnson II, B., Russel, N. & Heckler-Cheyne, S. (2019). Pressing power out of poverty-modeling success from its stress. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Rahman, A., Iftikhar, R., Kim, J. J., & Enright. R. D. (2018). Effectiveness of forgiveness therapy on abused children in Pakistan. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 75–87.
King, J. (2019). Promoting autonomy in supervision: Using the CMT as a dynamic supervision tool for trainees and seasoned counselors. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Sosin, L., Trexler, M., & Harrichand, J. (2019). Creative group counseling for anxiety (CGCA): Run an effective group in your setting. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
King, J. & Brown, D. (2019). Incorporating values vs. imposing values: Navigating religious beliefs in counseling. Law & Ethics in Counseling Conference. New Orleans, LA. Knox, J. (2019). Christian community in an age of radical individualism. Faith and the Academy, 3(2).
Switzer, R. (2019). Poster session: Biometric measurement of anxiety. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Knox, J. (2018). Friedrich Schleiermacher: A theological precursor of Postmodernity? Church Life Journal (Notre Dame).
Trexler, M. (2018). Working with emotions in counseling. Virginia Counselors Association. Norfolk, VA.
Moitinho, E., Moitinho, D., Freyre, F. & Freyre, S. (2018). Strategies for counseling clients in interracial/interethnic marriages. The Advocate, 41(3), 34–37.
White, D. & Brooks, J. (2019). School crisis intervention planning for wide-impact community events. American Counseling Association Conference. New Orleans, LA.
Nitz, C., Cole, J., & Schneider, J. (2018). Growing Pains: Lessons learned from a new and rapidly growing online field education 14
NEW FACULTY/ADMINISTRATIVE APPOINTMENTS
TJ Edwards, Program Support Coordinator
Kate Milner, Field Support, Social Work
Kristy Edmonds, Faculty Support Coordinator
Cheryl Nitz, Chair of Field Education, Social Work
Aaron Wright, Program Support Coordinator
Melissa Hummel, Administrative Assitant, Social Work
Jennifer Street, Assistant Professor, Social Work
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Emily Lewis, Secretary, Social Work
Rebecca Leon, Field Support, Social Work
FACULTY Faculty BOOK NewRBook ELEASERelease In the early 1990s, I searched the academic bookshelves for a
The book is divided into theoretical strategies (behavioral, cognitive, emotional, experiential, and attachment oriented), population-oriented techniques (children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families), and issue-oriented techniques (such as emotional dysregulation, shame, loss, sexual abuse, trauma, domestic violence, attachment wounds).
For example, exactly what techniques could I find to help me with a shame-bound client? At this time in my career, I was more of a generalist than specialist. Far too many times, I found myself somewhere between “I don’t have a clue” and “oh well, why not try this?” While I often had a notion of what to address, I didn’t have the motion to get there. I simply was unsure of how to accomplish what I thought was clinically necessary. When I failed to find the type of book I needed, I decided that one day I would write it. Twenty years later, that idea blossomed into Counseling techniques: A comprehensive resource for Christian counselors.
An auxiliary manual provides quizzes and other resources for faculty to use. Lord willing, counseling techniques will be used in the Department of Counselor Education and Family Studies residential and online internship course.
resource that provided practical techniques for an over-crowded slate of clients who presented with a disproportionate number of issues. The books that I thumbed through were primarily theorybased or disorder-focused, but I wanted techniques explained in the context of an issue.
I don’t know God’s future plans for me and writing; however, God seems to be leading me away from academic textbooks and back to Christian-based trade books. To glorify God is everything—pursuing Him for His sake is what is essential and grounding. As the apostle Paul penned, “. . . I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.” ~ Phil. 3:13–14 (TLB)
There are many reasons people write books. I knew with clarity that God was leading me to begin the journey of writing this book in 2012. Blessed by HarperCollins’ willingness to trust an unknown editor and the graciousness of seasoned Christian counselors, the work affords therapists an opportunity to ingest its contributors’ knowledge, skill, and experience. The book offers all therapists a single, trustworthy resource for clinical reference and guidance. 17
Dr. John C. Thomas, PhD, LPC Department of Counselor Education
STUDENT SHOWCASE What led you to become a psychology major?
What do you like most about your major? I have yet to participate in an internship, but I have been able to dive further into my psychology studies. My favorite aspect is the diversity of investigation and application. There is so much that can be learned and put in to practice, and there are so many different jobs that utilize psychology. It is the basis for any occupation that requires in-depth, critical, complex strategizing, or just working with others.
Becoming a psychology major was a decision that I made during my senior year in high school. I felt called to help people, but I was not really sure how to do that. So, I talked to my youth pastor who encouraged me to begin mentoring younger students within our youth group. While doing this, I realized that working one-on-one with people and helping them work through their problems was a passion and a gift of mine. That experience has led me to focus my studies in psychology.
What are your plans, post-graduation? As a criminal justice minor, my plans after graduating are to enter the police academy and then work in the Psych-department within a precinct. Later, though, I would like to resume my studies again to obtain a master’s degree in counseling and to become a drug and substance abuse counselor.
What has been your favorite class at LU? At Liberty University, my favorite class (so far) has been Child Development Psychology with Professor Donovan. I thoroughly enjoyed learning not just about the physical development of children, but also regarding their psychological development. Discovering the realities of cognitive change throughout life has opened my mind to specific problems that all people have the potential to face, in all age groups. As a result, I have gained new and beneficial perspectives in the field of psychology.
J.P. Edwards Psychology Major
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What advice would you give to students thinking about majoring in Psychology? I recommend that any students considering becoming a psychology major read up on the behavioral sciences field, or talk to other psychology or counseling students prior to going to college, to ensure that it is a good fit. I feel that psychology is a great discipline, with potential for those interested in diving into it, academically.
ALUMNI NOTES While
later became Horizon Behavioral Health) and encouraged me to apply for a similar position, too. Little did I know that my psychology minor was the only way that I would be able to get my foot in the door there.
attending LU as a Sport Management major, I sought guidance from our Head Coach as well as with our Sport Management Department head to find out which field of study would best complement Sport Management for my long term goals of coaching basketball or becoming a golf teaching professional. Both of those people told me, “Psychology.”
That was in 2004, and I have been working at Horizon for almost fifteen years now. I started out as a clinician working with students in the alternative school setting, as well as an after school therapeutic day treatment program. The last twelve years, I have been the site supervisor for our treatment program at schools such as Dearington Elementary, Heritage Elementary, Linkhorne Elementary and Middle (all in Lynchburg), and now at Amelon Elementary in Madison Heights.
This recommendation led me to not only take the required amount of credit hours for my psychology minor, but also a few extra credits hours as well. I learned many valuable life lessons such as professionalism in communication, time management, how to network with others, and how to understand and appreciate cultural diversity.
My future goals include continuing to coach as well as continuing to make an impact in our community through working with children and their families that are affected by mental health limitations and disabilities. I also want to continue to be a part of ministry in our local church and continue to volunteer in the community. My ultimate goal is to live my life to glorify God through my actions and abilities, and be the dad to my children, that would let them see the Father’s love through me, and in turn, would foster in them the desire to give their best in whatever they choose to do in life.
Being a Sport Management major, I was on my way to becoming a PGA golf professional, working as an assistant professional at Boonsboro Country Club. Unfortunately, my position was cut from the budget there at the club. At that time, the choices were either a career change or a move. My wife, Sarah, a psychology major at LU, had just taken a job as a behavior specialist with an organization called Central Virginia Community Services (which 19
Jonathan Bathe BS in Sports Management & Minor in Psychology ‘03
KALI PSYCHI: A Publication From The School of Behavioral Sciences Kali Psychi (The Good Mind or Soul) is published once a term for all faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of Liberty University’s School of Behavioral Sciences, and it is delivered through email and via the Web.
KALI PSYCHI Vol. 1, No. 2
We want to hear from you! Please let us know about the good work in behavioral sciences that you are doing in the world as Liberty University community members, graduates, professionals, and friends! If it is important to you, then it is important to us, so we welcome any relevant news, press releases, publications, or potential feature articles that faculty, students, or alumni might want to share in upcoming issues of Kali Psychi.
John S. Knox General Content Editor John G. Knaus Graphics/Layout Editor Student Assistant
For more information, please contact the General Editor at kalieditor@liberty.edu. 20