What first drew Katie (Milliken) Cramer to the School of Education and Psychology at Southern was the opportunity to study and gain practical skills in a welcoming,
encouraging Christian atmosphere.
“The environment at Southern is so different from a state university—having prayers
and worship in class calmed me and helped me to focus on each day,” Cramer said. “I
was able to form close relationships with the other students in my cohort, and we
uplift each other, which has helped the process too.”
Cramer is a master’s student in the Professional Counseling program, completing a
dual specialty in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. She also
works as a graduate assistant for the program. She helps coordinate the Southern Center
for Counseling and Emotional Wellness, an on-campus service providing community members
with free counseling from graduate students.
“In addition to helping the community, these services benefit our counselors-in-training,”
said Ileanna Freeman, PhD, professor and director of Graduate Studies in Professional Counseling. “The counseling practicum prepares students to practice counseling after graduation
and teaches them to be responsible professionals, including how to follow the code
of ethics and the normal procedures of counseling centers.”
The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related
Educational Programs (CACREP), and each session is strictly supervised by licensed
professionals. During the school year, approximately 15 counselors are available to
help clients with issues such as mental health, relationship conflicts, and more.
Cramer completed her counseling practicum during the Winter 2021 semester.
“Throughout my practicum, I could see how the techniques and skills I had learned
in classes were working in my clients’ lives and making a difference,” Cramer said.
“I trusted that the Lord would guide me through each session and help me know what
to say and do. The process was a huge confidence builder.”
Anyone is welcome to sign up for a free counseling session; appointments can be made
by calling 423.236.2492. They are available in person on campus or virtually.
“The things I love most about counseling are the connections I make and seeing people
grow emotionally and mentally,” Cramer said. “Counseling is an art to learn, and not
every session will go the same way. It helps people realize different perspectives
in their life and start the healing process.”
-by Madison Reinschmidt, junior mass communication major
