CWC Staff Team
DB Palmer, Ed.D (ABD), MA, LMHC, LPC
Hometown: Ashland & Jacksonville, Oregon
Degrees: BS Recreation Management, MA Human Services: Marriage & Family Counseling, Ed.D (ABD) Counseling Psychology.
Favorite things to do in Alaska: Canoe Tripping & Nordic Skiing, Canine Search & Rescue/Wilderness Medicine (WFR), Sea Kayaking, Rafting, Backpacking, Fishing, Sailing, reading philosophy & theology in local cafes, and singing with the Anchorage Opera.
Favorite Ice Cream: Starbucks Java Chip
Why APU?: I have spent over ten years in the Adventure-Based/Wilderness Therapy field, leading treks across the western states from Minnesota to Alaska, and all places in between, as well as in the Czech Republic and Canada. Working with at-risk teens and families, corporate business leaders, crisis mental health and in prison mental health units; I have amassed a wide experience base which gives me a solid repetoire in training and supervising students at all levels from high school through graduate studies, as well as in provision of direct service to the APU community. At the root of my work is a firm belief that people must become aware and responsible for their choices in order to engage life to the fullest. APU's intentional focus on Active Learning puts students' engagement in their environment, their education, and their life as front and center. APU is a fit for students who are ready and willing to engage life and take on new challenges, and I am thrilled to be a small part of each student's journey!
Areas of Particular Interest: Wilderness & Adventure-Based Therapy, Adventure Leadership, Health Psychology, Psychodynamic & Existential Psychotherapy, Group Counseling, Schizophrenia & Culture, Adolescent Counseling, Social Dynamics of Global Warming & Environmental Concerns, Contemporary Education & Social Policy, Program Consultation & Research (particularly within wilderness therapy, therapeutic boarding schools, and experiential programs). I am particularly interested in the work of the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP), National Association of Therapeutic Wilderness Camps (NATWC), Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Research Cooperative (OBHRC), American Counseling Association (ACA) and American College Counselors Association (ACCA), and is actively involved in research and practice in these areas.
Caron McKee
Hometown: It's complicated! I grew up in an army family and moved all over, but I lived in the Washington, D.C. area the longest.
Undergraduate Degree: B.S. Natural Resource Mgmt, English Minor - Colorado State University
Favorite things to do in Alaska: Hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dance for fun or fitness, reading in coffeeshops, and trips to the dog parks.
Favorite Ice Cream: Baskin Robbins Peanut Butter & Chocolate or Rocky Road (I can never decide).
Why I am working in the CWC: After nearly ten years in the federal sector, I realized I wasn't using my natural abilities in the way I wanted. I needed to give back to society on a regular basis to feel fulfilled. After lots of soul-seraching and research, I decided counseling would be the best path for me, as it combines the empathy and compassion that are part of my personality with the ability to really make a difference on the job.
Areas of Particular Interest: Counseling for depression, anxiety, self-esteem, counseling those who are choosing or changing careers or life path, adjustment issues, and grief counseling.
Nina Vicente
Hometown:
Undergraduate Degree:
Favorite things to do in Alaska:
Favorite Ice Cream:
Why I am working in the CWC:
Areas of Particular Interest:
Making a Referral to the Counseling & Wellness Center
- Approach the student you are concerned about in a gentle, caring, and non-judgmental way.
- State specifically why you are concerned. Describe behaviors then suggest a visit to the Counseling & Wellness Center.
- Explain that normal, healthy people get counseling.
- When referring students to Counseling Services, suggest it as a possible resource rather than telling a student to go because he or she "needs help" or is "causing a problem" for others.
- Present the Counseling & Wellness Center as a resource used students, staff and faculty.
- Receiving counseling can be like "taking a class to learn about yourself."
- Remind students that they do not have to have a "deep dark" problem nor does the problem need to reach crisis proportions for them to benefit from professional help. We would rather have someone come in with a small problem than wait for it to become a big one.
- Reluctant students might also be relieved to know that they can just come in for Walk-in and speak to a counselor on a one-time basis without making a commitment to on-going therapy.
- If you want to offer extra support you can have the student call the Counseling & Wellness Center from your room or office, and/or you can offer to accompany the student to his or her first session.
- Remind the student that the services are free and the same service in the private sector can cost between $75 and $125 per hour.
- Inform the student that Counseling & Wellness Center staff tries to help people help themselves.
- Remember that many students will feel ambivalent about seeking help from any source including the Counseling & Wellness Center. You may need to remind them that, "What you are currently doing to solve your problems is not working."
- Remind the student that they do not always have to know what's wrong before asking for help.
- The ambivalence can often be characterized by statements such as, "I do not want to go there because my problem is not that serious." Or, "I do not want to go there because I think my problems are too serious and they cannot help me." In either of the two preceding cases, the person you are trying to refer may be fearful of the unknown. A direct response to such objections can sometimes be helpful. "If your problem is not appropriate for the Counseling & Wellness Center, they can make sure that you are directed to the right place."
How Do I Know If This Person Received Counseling? Ask that person. Because counseling is confidential, we cannot inform you if the person of concern came to the Counseling & Wellness Center or reveal what they talked about. Therefore, the best way to find out if the person came to the Center is to follow-up with this individual, yourself. If you feel that it is vital for you to learn whether this student came to the Center from the counselor, ask the student to sign a release of information form when they are here, giving us permission to confirm with you that they came.
Location:
Counseling & Wellness Center
Atwood Center 110
4455 University Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
Phone: 907.564.8232
counseling@alaskapacific.edu