.gif "Visit the JMU Homepage")
Lennis G. Echterling, Ph.D.
Director of Counseling Psychology
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 35 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.
For over 16 years, 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 Hypnotic Techniques in Counseling 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
- "Ideas and Tools for 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 do crisis intervention and disaster work. I am a member of a volunteer team that offers support to fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical service providers. Following the 9/11 attacks, I worked as a Red Cross volunteer with survivors at the Pentagon. More recently, I provided disaster intervention services in Mississippi and Texas following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I have received the Counseling Vision and Innovation Award from the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and the James Madison Distinguished Faculty Award.
