For Immediate Release
[Bethany, OK] - Southern Nazarene University (SNU) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Scott Secor as Director of Graduate Programs in Counseling & Psychology (GPCP). These programs include a Master of Science in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology.
Dr. Secor's journey is coming full circle. An SNU alum, he received his Master of Science in Counseling Psychology in 2011. Dr. Secor began as an associate professor for the program in 2011, and he is now the director of the Counseling Psychology program.
In addition, he teaches several courses. "I love teaching our Survey of Psychological and Cognitive Assessment and the Neuropsychopharmacology course," says Dr. Secor.
"I love them both because I, a.) love assessment, and b.) love understanding the brain," he explains. "I love the philosophy of "it's the relationship that heals in therapy." But, I've greatly enjoyed learning, from a neurobiological perspective, why the relationship heals. That is, we are created to be relational beings. It is in our DNA, and it's incredibly rewarding to teach classes that help people realize the connection between the philosophical and scientific."
In 2018 Dr. Secor received his Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oklahoma. He is a licensed health service psychologist and maintains his master's level license (LPC). "I maintain that license in order to continue to supervise LPC candidates and stay connected to the master's level licensure process," he explains. This is important in helping him to better assist his students in this process.
Since 2018, Dr. Secor has served as the program's Director of Clinical Training, including as co-director of Renew Counseling Center. He will continue in this position and oversee Renew into the future. Built as a training center, Renew provides a variety of counseling services to the SNU community and the public.
"We take what we do seriously," says Dr. Secor. "Part of why I was so passionate about leading Renew Counseling Center is because I wanted to integrate it more into the training element of our program. We have a robust training clinic that all future students will get to participate in as trainees."
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Counseling Psychology program participate in a practicum experience at Renew Counseling Center during their second year in the program. This type of in-house experience allows for all trainees to hone their skills as future therapists and allows for oversight by program faculty. "I love what I do and am passionate about continuing to grow and learn," says Dr. Secor. "Training therapists is one of the most enjoyable parts of my job."
Students also get to participate in unique rotation experiences that focus on geriatric counseling, counseling athletes, learning Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, and providing counseling for university students. In addition, practicum experience allows students the opportunity to conduct groups, pre-therapy screenings, and crisis experience.
Dr Secor shared, "As a part of my duties as program director, I still oversee the Renew Counseling Center and have an active clinical load at the clinic," he says. "Professionally, I see therapy clients and also perform psychological and neuropsychological assessment routinely."
Personal experience with therapy as the client is what led Dr. Secor to pursue a psychology degree. "I came into this field because I have been in therapy as a client myself. It was a transformational experience, and I wanted to be a part of the process of healing for others," he explains. "I feel like this is my "home base" in that I was perhaps always meant to be a psychologist. There is not a day that goes by that I regret pursuing this degree/license."
A passion for psychology and counseling sets SNU's program apart from other available. "I think the biggest thing is that we love what we do here and are passionate about it. I hope that comes off in everything that we do and how we do it," says Dr. Secor. "We are intentional about our classes and curriculum. Our training experiences are meant to enrich your experience. If you want a program that brings out the best in you, we think we're a great fit."
To learn more about SNU's Graduate Programs in Counseling and Psychology, you can visit the website, contact us, or apply now!
