Description

This panel discussion aims to acquaint attendees with the journeys of Latinx individuals in counseling, including counselors-in-training, counseling professionals, and counselor educators. The Latinx panelists will delve into the personal obstacles encountered throughout their counseling careers, as well as the factors that have contributed to their success. Additionally, the panelists will engage in conversations about how the counseling profession can enhance its support and advocacy efforts collaboratively for the Latinx community.

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this activity, attendees will:

Gain understanding of the experiences of Latinx counselors in training, counselors in the field, and counselor educators in the counseling profession..
Identify ways in which they might support Latinx students, faculty, and administrators in the counseling profession
Increase understanding of multicultural and social justice competencies

Faculty Bios

Katherine Fuerth Coule, Ph.D., LMHC, NCC

Dr. Katherine Coule has been teaching in CACREP-accredited graduate and doctoral counseling programs since 2006. She is a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida and a National Certified Counselor. Dr. Coule has experience working with bilingual children and families in both the private and public sectors and has specialized in treating survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She has also provided supervision to diverse counselors in training for the past 17 years. Dr. Coule is an advocate in her community, she has published in professional journals, and has presented at community, state, national, and international conferences and workshops. She has been a member of Walden’s faculty since May 2012.

Alejandra Chavez Stuart, EdD, LPC

Dr. Alejandra Chavez Stuart is an Academic Coordinator in the School of Counseling. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Journalism from Michigan State University, and received a Master’s in Community Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University, Dallas. She completed her Doctoral degree at Argosy University in Counselor Education and Supervision. Her dissertation was on the transitional relationship from companions to co-therapists: examining the human dog bond. Her research interests include Animal Assisted Therapy, Multiculturalism, Inclusive Teaching, and Ethics. Clinical experience has centered around early childhood and childhood counseling. She has worked in schools, private practice, and clinical centers for over five years before moving into a school counselor position. She was an elementary and high school counselor as well. At the university level, she has taught Research and Program Evaluation, Multicultural Counseling, Assessment, Ethics and Laws, Trauma and Disaster Mental Health, and Skills. Multicultural studies are a major part of her personal and professional experiences. She has given lectures and presentations on multiculturalism and diversity in counseling, and in the classroom at regional and national conferences. Her passion is working with counseling students to expand cultural awareness (personally and professionally), along with their skills, and knowledge. As an educator, she is learner-centered, valuing the student’s strengths and ambitions. She believes in gaining real world practice through experiential learning to develop the skills, knowledge, and awareness necessary to become effective counselors and/or school counselors.

Lyz Amarillo, Ed.D., LPC, LCPC, LPC-MHSP, NCC, CADC

Dr. Lyz Amarillo is a seasoned mental health provider who has been making a profound impact in the field since 2008. As a bilingual psychotherapist and counselor educator licensed in Illinois, Texas, and Tennessee, Dr. Amarillo brings a wealth of knowledge, compassion, and expertise to her practice and her role as an educator. She is also a consultant evaluator at THRIVE which further enhances her contribution to mental health services. Dr. Amarillo's career encompasses a vast array of experiences in the mental health sector. She has worked with domestic violence survivors, community violence, substance detoxification and residential programs, minors in residential programs, psychiatric hospitals, crisis teams, and in private practice. Her experience is notably marked by her dedication to serving communities of color and high-risk areas, particularly in the city of Chicago. Treating a diverse clientele including youth, adults, couples, families, and geriatric clients, Dr. Amarillo believes in the transformative power of psychotherapy. She sees it as a tool to help individuals recognize their strengths and embrace their authentic selves. Her approach in academia and in private practice is tailored to each individual, acknowledging that everyone's life journey and needs are unique. A passionate advocate for the mental health profession, with her volunteer advocacy and activity at both state and federal levels. She is deeply committed to promoting mental health wellness discussions, especially in communities of color, to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Her message emphasizes the importance of recognizing signs and symptoms of mental health issues and advocating for self-help and support for others. Dr. Amarillo encourages clients and students to take an active role in their therapeutic journey, including the selection of their psychotherapist. She believes in the importance of autonomy and finding the right therapeutic match. In situations where someone might feel uncertain, she ensures that their comfort and success are the priority, even if it means referring them to a colleague better suited to their needs. Dr. Lyz Amarillo is not just a psychotherapist & Evaluator; she is a guide, an advocate, and a dedicated professional committed to the well-being and success of clients, students, and the counseling field. Her work and passion has been instrumental in shaping effective mental health services that resonate with and empower diverse communities.

Luis E. Lacourt PhD, LPC, School Counselor

Dr. Lacourt served as a school counselor from 2002-2020, working with middle and high school students. In this capacity, he specialized in career and crisis counseling and led multidisciplinary teams in problem-solving to assist students. He has expertise in suicide postvention as well as the use of coping mechanisms to help students mediate stress. Dually licensed in Ohio as a school counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor, Teaching counseling courses in online as well as traditional settings as an adjunct since 2007, Dr. Lacourt started teaching at Walden in August of 2019 and has been an Academic Coordinator since December of 2020 in the Field Experience Department. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dr. Lacourt grew up speaking Spanish and learned English when his family moved to Ohio. He is grateful that his family surrounded him with native customs and culture through his upbringing in the United States.

Accreditation

Omega Zeta chapter of Chi Sigma Iota is presenting this program with Walden University Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program’s oversight.

Walden University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 4546. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Walden University’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Successful completion of this resource provides 1 NBCC clock hour; partial credit will not be offered.

ACEP contact information:

100 Washington Ave. S Suite 1210, Minneapolis MN, 55401
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waldenu.edu

$0.00

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All Level
1 NBCC Hour
Estimated 1-Hour Workload
Accessible for 180 days

WNBC1035 - Navigating the Counseling Profession: Understanding the Latinx Experience