New core faculty for the Pastoral Counseling program

In September 2009, Christie Eppler, PhD will join STM as one of the core faculty for the Pastoral Counseling program. Dr. Eppler is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and mental health counselor. She is conducting ongoing research on resilience and its effects on survival and health. Future qualitative research will focus on the intersections of pastoral and spiritual counseling with narrative therapy, and on issues of social justice. She will assume a full load of teaching in 2009 and will assist STM to complete the MAPC accreditation process.

In a recent interview for STM’s continuing education newsletter, Dr. Eppler said:

“I would love to convey how excited I am to join the MAPC program. I was drawn to the program, school, and university because of the strong emphasis on social justice. One of my goals is to care for the poor, marginalized, and underserved. My hope is to collaborate with future counselors who can provide sensitive, empathic, and compassionate services to all.

“Additionally, I’m interested in teaching and conducting qualitative research regarding how to infuse narrative therapy with individual and family resilience and spirituality.

“Above all, my hope is to connect with my students.”

Dr. Eppler holds a BA in English Literature from Wheaton College, an MA in Counseling Psychology/Counseling and Guidance from University of Missouri, Kansas City, and both an MA in Marriage and Family Therapy and a PhD in Family and Child Ecology from Michigan State University.

Dr. Eppler’s clinical training covers the complete age span of children, youth, and adults. She has done two years of counseling with children and families in an elementary school setting; several years of clinical work with children, teens and their families at community-based clinics; and work as a mental health counselor at a college counseling center. In addition, she completed an academic and clinical pre-doctoral internship at the University of Oregon, where she worked clinically with individuals, families, and groups.

Dr. Eppler was previously an associate professor at Seattle Pacific University in the Counselor Education program, an assistant professor at Seton Hall University in their Marriage and Family Therapy Program, and has taught family nursing classes at the University of Michigan, Flint. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT, Washington) and holds an approved supervisor designation from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). She is also a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA) and served as president of the Washington State Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors (WSACES).

Dr. Eppler lives in Seattle with her dog, Luke. They love to jog, hike, and relax with either a film or a good book. She looks forward to building connections with students in both classes and practicum experiences.