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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”

swunderlich@adler.edu

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, he 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. He 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

2025 Journal of Assessment and Research in Applied Counseling (JARAC)
Author(s): Wunderlich, S. and Tadros, E.
Publication Link: https://journals.kmanpub.com/index.php/jarac/article/view/3665

Help us, support them: Doctoral students ask professors and supervisors for guidance

2021 The Advocate Magazine
Author(s): Dudek, M., Wunderlich, S., Metcalf, T., and Tadros, E.

Presentations

EFT Family Therapy [Lecture]

2022 Governors State University
Author(s): Wunderlich, S.

Bowen Family Systems Theory [Lecture]

2021 Governors State University
Author(s): Wunderlich, S.

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.