Keith completed his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision at Mercer University (Atlanta) in December 2016. He taught as an adjunct instructor for over 6 years. He has practiced in the mental health profession for more than 14 years and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). He is the former Co-Chair for the American Counseling Association (ACA) Ethics Committee and was recently elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the Military & Government Counseling Association (MGCA). He also owns a private practice where he works with and advocates for combat veterans and others who have experienced trauma. Research interests include trauma, Motivational Interviewing as a supervisory model, veterans, combat PTSD, counseling ethics, and secondary traumatic stress. He began his new full-time academic post with Richmont Graduate University in January 2017 as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Reflections of a PhD 
Question
Keith,
You seem to want to teach rather than see clients. Is that why the Ph.D.? I am a 1st yr mental health counseling student. I have an MA in Applied Healing Arts, and I decided not to do a Ph.D. because I am not interested in doing research and when I think of the Ph.D I see research. I care more about people.
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Hi Soni,
Thanks for your response. Yes, ultimately I do want to teach in a full-time role while continuing to see private clients part-time. So I guess you could say I want the best of both worlds. And unless you want to do research or teach, I would not recommend the PhD for clinical training alone even though some do it for that purpose.
Best to you in your studies!
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Keith,
My PhD committee chair sent me the link to your blog…I am beginning the arduous journey down the PhD path and am thrilled…maybe the wrong word…to have someone struggling down the same path with some of the same experiences (wife, job, part time adjunct, etc.). Good luck to all of us working on the “union card”.
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Gary,
I’m delighted that your chair sent you the link. And I’m also thrilled to know we have some things in common as we journey down this path. How far are you along?
Will you be attending ACA next year in Orlando? If so, we should connect!
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Hi Keith,
I am beginning the second year of my doctoral studies in CES and can’t describe how refreshing it is to know that a fellow counselor educator is writing from this unique perspective. I have considered the prospect of chronicling my journey and am feeling empowered toward that goal now. Part of my interest in doing so relates to catharsis through writing, while the other part stems from a growing interest in increasing public awareness of CES in support of professional identity development. Thanks for the motivation 🙂
Best,
Courtney
PS: I’m male. Perhaps it’s unecessary to specify gender, but I can’t count the number of times I have been addressed as Ms. Boddie!
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Courtney,
Thank you for your post here. That’s excellent! I will be interested in seeing what you find as you examine catharsis through writing. I have found it to be at times a relief and some of my clients say the same. Good luck in your work!
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Keith,
I recently found your blog and I must say it has been a great resource. I am a first year CE doc student and it’s so good to read someone else’s perspective. I am also writing my way through this journey on my blog, and I have found it very helpful and empowering to some extent. My first semester was a real struggle adjusting, but I think I am better prepared now. Thanks so much for sharing your journey, I look forward to your posts.
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KC,
Thanks for posting this, and I’m glad I can be an encouragement! You also have a lot of great content on your blog as well, and I’m excited that I found another CES doctoral student blogger. 🙂
Be well,
Keith
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