Jennifer Kiehl: From Stage to Classroom - A Journey in Counseling Education

For Jennifer Kiehl, the path to becoming a counselor educator began on a different stage entirely. With a background in theater, her journey to PAU's PhD program in Counselor Education and Supervision illustrates how diverse experiences can enrich the counseling profession.

"I was a theater major previously, and I still actively use a lot of those skills in my therapy practice," Kiehl explains. Her later work in victim advocacy, particularly supporting survivors of child sexual abuse, gradually revealed her true calling. "When I was working in theater and victim advocacy, it started to become clear that my desire to help people hands-on was coming front and center."

Kiehl's initial connection with PAU came during her search for a master's program in counseling. "My therapist told me the interview would be where my gut tells me what was right," she recalls. "In the interview for PAU, my gut just told me to go there." That same intuition brought her back for the PhD program, despite a weekly commute from Southern California. "I feel safe at PAU and the people here have created an environment where I can both learn and feel challenged."

Her theatrical background has significantly influenced her counseling approach, particularly in her work with the LGBTQ+ community. "I use a lot of creative practices in my work," she notes. "The population I work with is incredibly open to creative and expressive modalities that explore topics like trauma through a narrative framework."

The transition from clinician to doctoral student was inspired by her experience as a teaching assistant at PAU, particularly working with Dr. Rachel Jacoby. "It fueled my soul," Kiehl shares. "Prior to starting the program, I was intimidated by the idea of research and supervision, but I am enjoying those components of the program now. However, the teaching aspect of the PhD CES program and playing an active role at Counseling residencies is what really cemented this path for me."

Surprisingly, research has emerged as an unexpected passion. "Learning from professors has really helped build my knowledge and confidence in research. I started to realize, I might actually be good at research. It’s been exciting," she says with enthusiasm. Her research interests span various areas, including athletes and mental health, trans athletes, creative modalities in therapy, and couples counseling for non-heterosexual couples. "Couples assessments don't always hit the mark. Domestic violence and intimate partner violence also operates differently for queer couples. It’s important that we actively work to reduce heteronormative biases in our treatment frameworks, so that we can meet the needs of the population."

One of her most meaningful clinical experiences involves working with an older African American client in his 70s. "Being able to support someone creatively while they work through their trauma can be cathartic for both the clients and myself," she reflects. "Artistic and expressive mediums create a form of safety to explore and externalize trauma."

Outside of her academic and clinical work, Kiehl finds balance through ceramics, a practice recommended by her own therapist. "I do it for me," she says simply.

Looking ahead, Kiehl embraces the versatility that her PhD program offers. "I think the great thing about being a CES student is that the program sets me up to be adaptable and versatile," she explains. "I have often downplayed my skills by saying 'jack of all trades, master of none' but I am stepping into being a 'jack of all trades, master of all.'"

Her aspirations for contributing to the field of counselor education are deeply personal. "I want to contribute to each student individually. I don't want anyone to get lost in the process of being a Counseling student," she says. "It is a courageous practice and unique space to be a Counselor. I want to answer the call to support those people who are stepping into this career."

To others considering a career change into counseling, Kiehl offers straightforward advice: "There's no good time to make a change. Your life will change in ways you couldn't possibly imagine. Buckle up and just go for it. Trust your gut."