The Existential Trauma (ET) Lab, housed within the University of Montana’s Department of Psychology, focuses on the application of existential theory to better understand potentially traumatic events and responses. Research projects emphasize expanded conceptualizations of trauma and traumatic stress responses. Although clinical conceptualizations of trauma, i.e., PTSD, are often included, we tend to focus on potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and responses that exist on the margins of diagnostic criteria. This involves the examination of, for example, collective and systemic traumas that may be impactful, not necessarily due to a literal threat to one's safety, but because of a threat to one's existential security and ability to maintain meaningful connections to others and the world. The diversity that students and other collaborators bring to the research process is a resource and a strength—I am always happy to merge my interests and skillset, when appropriate, to support specific topics meaningful to my students and colleagues.   

Graduate Courses:

PSYX 534 Applied Clinical Methods

PSYX 551 Advanced Personality

PSYX 631 Conceptualizations and Treatment of Trauma

PSYX 632 Psychology and Climate Change

Undergraduate Courses:

PSYX 120 Research Methods

PSYX 378 Intro to Clinical Psychology

PSYX 222 Psychological Statistics