Shawn Wunderlich, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Chicago, Online
I love to mentor students and help them to fulfill their dreams. One quote that really speaks to me is from Irvin Yalom who said “To love means to be actively concerned for the life and the growth of another”
OVERVIEW
Dr. Wunderlich specializes in counseling practice with a focus on EMDR therapy for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, working primarily with adult survivors of abuse and neglect. In addition to owning a private practice, she brings extensive practitioner experience into the classroom through a teaching style that bridges theory with real-world application.
Committed to authenticity, Dr. Wunderlich fosters a classroom environment that is safe, supportive, and engaging, encouraging students to grow in their professional identity while preparing for clinical practice. She began teaching at Adler University as an adjunct professor in January 2022 and transitioned into a full-time faculty role in Summer 2023.
MEMBERSHIPS + ASSOCIATIONS
- American Counseling Association
- EMDRIA
PUBLICATIONS + PRESENTATIONS
Publications
Childhood sexual trauma: Impacts and counselor competencies
Survivors of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse and their therapeutic experiences.
The impact of therapists self-disclosing sexual orientation with LGBTQ+ clients.
Help us, support them: Doctoral students ask professors and supervisors for guidance
Presentations
EFT Family Therapy [Lecture]
Bowen Family Systems Theory [Lecture]
CURRENT RESEARCH + OPPORTUNITIES
My main research interest is in understanding the experience of survivors of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse in therapy. Other research interests include understanding reporting rates of abuse within the therapeutic setting and understanding challenges in reporting. Additionally, I am interested in researching trauma coursework in CACREP programs and how to close the gap on trauma competency and training in masters level students working towards a counseling degree.