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Lennis G. Echterling, Ph.D.
Email: echterlg@jmu.edu
Phone: 540-568-6522
Office: Johnston Hall, Room 211
Education & Professional Qualifications
Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia
| Ph.D | Purdue University |
|---|---|
| M.S. | Purdue University |
| B.A. | Rockhurst College |
Biographical Statement
I was the oldest of six children in a working-class family and was raised by loving parents. Growing up in St. Joseph, Missouri, a block away from the home of the famous outlaw Jesse James, my early dream in life was to appear on a Wanted poster. Mary Lou Wylie, my wife of over 39 years, inspired me not to pursue the career of a scoundrel and brigand. Nevertheless, if I ever do become a desperado, I can rely on my son Caleb, who is an attorney, to keep me out of the slammer. I am also very fortunate that he and his wife Amanda live here in Harrisonburg.
For nearly two decades, I have been blessed to have the JMU Counseling Psychology Program as my learning community. My colleagues here – the professors, staff and students – are wonderful sources of inspiration, support and encouragement.
Teaching Interests & Program Affiliations
| Faculty: | Counseling Psychology |
|---|---|
| Courses: | Crisis Intervention Community Counseling Internship Independent Research Projects |
Scholarship
My research interests include counselor education, crisis intervention, disasters and terrorism, resilience and thriving, and brief counseling.
Selected Publications:
- "Becoming a Community Counselor: Personal and Professional Explorations"
- "Crisis Intervention: Promoting Resilience and Resolution in Troubled Times" published by Merrill/Prentice Hall
- "Beyond Brief Counseling," published by Merrill/Prentice Hall
- "Thriving! A Manual for Students in the Helping Professions" published by Lahaska/Houghton Mifflin.
Professional Service
Early in my training at Purdue University, I helped organize a volunteer telephone hotline and crisis center. When tornadoes swept through the Midwest, I worked as a disaster outreach volunteer. Since my graduation, I have continued to promote resilience, particularly during crises and disasters. I am a member of a volunteer team that offers support to fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical service providers. I have provided disaster intervention services across the country, including Mississippi and Texas after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Following the 9/11 attacks, I worked as a Red Cross volunteer with survivors at the Pentagon. More recently, I was a crisis counselor after the shootings at Virginia Tech University. I have received the College Award for Distinguished Service, James Madison University’s Distinguished Faculty Award and Altogether One Award, Virginia Counselors Association’s Humanitarian Award, and the national Counseling Vision and Innovation Award from the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.
