Cristen Wathen, PhD, LCPC, NCC

Position:

Tenured Associate Professor,
Director of the Center for Educational Excellence

Contact Information:

cwathen@paloaltou.edu

Programs:

Master's

Education:

Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Counseling, May 2013
Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho, CACREP Accredited
Dissertation: Visions in Our Heads: Lived Experiences of Cross-Cultural Study
Abroad Trips for Counselors-In-Training

Master of Science in Education, Community Counseling, May 2005
Baylor University, Waco, Texas

Biography:

Dr. Wathen is an Associate Professor in the Counseling Department at Palo Alto University and the director of PAU's Center for Educational Excellence. Her research and writing center on innovative pedagogy and andragogy both online and in person, Group Counseling, and mental wellness needs for those with chronic illnesses and organ transplantation. She has a background in working with survivors of trauma and child sexual abuse. She also has experience counseling and advising college students and working with underserved populations in educational settings. Cristen attended Baylor University for her master’s and Idaho State University for her PhD. Before joining PAU, she was an Assistant Professor at Montana State University for four years. She has served as the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision president and as the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision's secretary among other professional service positions. She is a licensed counselor in California, Montana and in Idaho and is Board Certified in Telemental Health.

Areas of Interest:

Innovative Pedagogy, Group Counseling, Chronic Illness & Organ Transplantation

Talks and Lectures:

Online Training

Wathen, C., & Luke, M. (2022) Group Work Basics in Changing Times: An Application of Skills and Cultural Competency Amidst COVID 19 & Across
Telehealth Platforms. [Webinar]. Concept Continuing and Professional Studies at PAU.

Wathen, C. (2022). Counseling and Chronic Illness: An Overview. [Upcoming Webinar]. Concept Continuing and Professional Studies at PAU.

Podcasts

Speciale, M. (Host). (2020, Sept. 8). Living with Chronic Illness and Immunosuppression During COVID-19 – A Conversation with Valen Keefer and Cristen Wathen (Ep. 185) [Audio Podcast Episode]. In The Thoughtful Counselor: CONCEPT, Palo Alto University.

Conference Presentations

Wathen, C., Keefer-Cover, V., Wells, P., & Luke, M. (Feb. 2022). Culturally competent group counseling for organ transplant recipients and their caregivers. 20 minute research presentation session. Accepted Presentation for ASGW Conference. Atlantic Beach, FL.

Chen, S.-Y., Coker, K., & Wathen, C. (Feb. 2022). Online deliberate pedagogy: Experiences of students learning counseling skills virtually. Accepted Presentation for CEDL Conference. (Online).

Chen, S.-Y., Wathen, C., & Coker, K. (Oct. 2021) Translating counseling skills training: Technology and pedagogy for the quality virtual classroom. 50 Minute Education Session. Presentation for ACES Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Wathen, C. & Keefer-Cover, V. (Oct. 2021). Transplanting hope: Training counselors to work with severe chronic illness and organ transplantation in integrative health care settings. 50 Minute Education Session. Accepted Presentation for ACES Conference. Atlanta, GA. (Changed to Virtual Roundtable Session due to Covid 19).

Chen, S.-Y., Coker, K., Sheperis, D. & Wathen, C. (2021) Students' experiences of in-person and online clinical residencies: Outcomes from a qualitative study. Presented at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference, Online.

Speciale, M., Wathen, C., Chen, S., & Sheperis, D. (2021). Effective online synchronous group counselor training: Challenges, strengths, and solutions. Presented at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference, Online

*Chesterson, H., Wathen, C., Ju,J., & Pinneke, S. (2021). Navigating the uncharted waters of the clinical field experience during the COVID pandemic. Presented at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference

Chen, S.-Y., Wathen, C., & Sheperis, D. (2019, October). Transitioning from Traditional Classroom to Virtual Learning: Online Pedagogical Practice. Education session presented at Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Seattle, Washington.

*Koltz, R., Wathen, C., Franklin, K., Forney, L., Hensen, B. (2017). An exploration of practicum student wellness. Presented at the 2017 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision in Chicago, IL.

Tarabochia, D., Koltz, R., Koltz, D., Wathen, C. (2016). The development and impact of a well- being group for older adults living in an assisted living community: An intergenerational, community-based project. Presentation at the 2016 Association for Gerontology in Higher Education in Long Beach, CA.

Kleist, D. & Wathen, C. (2016). Internationalization of counselor education: Lived experiences of US counselors-in-training. Paper presented at the 7th Annual Qualitative Report Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Wathen, C. & Elliott, A. (2015). Ways to teach the Ways: Creatively integrating Cheston’s (2000) Ways paradigm into the counseling theory classroom. Education session presented at the 2015 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES) in Philadelphia, PA.

*Chowdhury, Moitreyee & Wathen, C. (2018). Supporting South Asian Females through Group Counseling: Implications for Counselors, Supervisors, and Educators. Education session at the Western Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors Conference (WACES), Santa Rosa, CA.

Chen, S.-Y. & Wathen, C. (2018). Transitioning from Traditional Classroom to Virtual Reality. Roundtable at the Western Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors Conference (WACES), Santa Rosa, CA.

Wathen, C., Theimann, J., & Kostohryz, K. (2016). Spiritual Journeys in Counselor Education: Giving Voice through Photography. Education session presented at the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES), Steamboat Springs, CO.

Wathen, C., & Kostohryz, K. (2016). "A Child Advocacy Center? What's That?": A CE’s Guide to working with and understanding Child Abuse. Roundtable session presented at the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES), Steamboat Springs, CO.

*Wathen, C., Koltz, R., McKinley, H., & Lamb, B. (October, 2014). The Montana cowboy and the British stiff upper lip: Comparing and contrasting counsel(l)or identity globally. Education Session at the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES), Jackson Hole, WY.

Bohecker, L., Vereen, L., Wells, P., & Wathen, C. (October, 2014). What is the MESG? Results of research on the process of going through a mindfulness experiential small group. Education Session at the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, Jackson Hole, WY.

International

Wathen, C. (May, 2014). Visions in Our Heads: Lived Experiences of Counsellors-in-Training Participating in Study Abroad Programs. Poster presented at the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference (BACP), London, England.

Meekums, B., Wathen, C., & Koltz, R. (May, 2014). Cross Cultural Perspectives: An Online Learning Environment. Poster presented at the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference (BACP), London, England.

Koltz, R. & Wathen, C. (May, 2014). Wellness Counselling. What is it? What are its applications? Presented at the University of Leeds Counsellor Training Program Student Research Conference, Leeds, England.

National

Oct. 2021 Translating Counseling Skills Training: Technology and Pedagogy for the Quality Virtual Classroom. 50 Minute Education Session. (Chen, Wathen, & Coker). Accepted presentation for ACES Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Oct. 2021 Transplanting Hope: Training Counselors to work with Severe Chronic Illness and Organ Transplantation in Integrative Health Care Settings. 50 Minute Education Session. (Wathen & Keefer-Cover). Accepted Presentation for ACES Conference. Atlanta, GA.

Feb. 2022 Culturally Competent Group Counseling for Organ Transplant Recipients and their Caregivers. 20 minute research presentation session. (Wathen, Keefer-Cover, Wells, & Luke). Accepted Presentation for ASGW Conference. Atlantic Beach, FL.

Feb. 2021 Students' Experiences of In-person and Online Clinical Residencies: Outcomes from a qualitative study. Presented at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference (Chen, Coker, Sheperis & Wathen)

Feb. 2021 Effective Online Synchronous Group Counselor Training: Challenges, Strengths, and Solutions. Presented at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference (Speciale, Wathen, Chen, & Sheperis)

Feb. 2021 Navigating the Uncharted Waters of the Clinical Field Experience during the COVID Pandemic. Presented at the Counselor Education Distance Learning Conference (Chesterson, Wathen, Ju, & Pinneke)*

Chen, S., Wathen, C., & Sheperis, D. (2019, October). Transitioning from Traditional Classroom to Virtual Learning: Online Pedagogical Practice. Education session presented at Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Seattle, Washington.

*Koltz, R., Wathen, C., Franklin, K., Forney, L., Hensen, B. (2017). An exploration of practicum student wellness. Presented at the 2017 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision in Chicago, IL.

Tarabochia, D., Koltz, R., Koltz, D., Wathen, C. (2016). The development and impact of a well- being group for older adults living in an assisted living community: An intergenerational, community-based project. Presentation at the 2016 Association for Gerontology in Higher Education in Long Beach, CA.

Kleist, D. & Wathen, C. (2016). Internationalization of counselor education: Lived experiences of US counselors-in-training. Paper presented at the 7th Annual Qualitative Report Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Wathen, C. & Elliott, A. (2015). Ways to teach the Ways: Creatively integrating Cheston’s (2000) Ways paradigm into the counseling theory classroom. Education session presented at the 2015 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES) in Philadelphia, PA.

Chen, S., Wathen, C., & Sheperis, D. (2019, October). Transitioning from Traditional Classroom to Virtual Learning: Online Pedagogical Practice. Education session presented at Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Seattle, Washington.

Tarabochia, D., Koltz, R., Koltz, D., Wathen, C. (2016). The development and impact of a well-being group for older adults living in an assisted living community: An intergenerational, community-based project. Presentation at the 2016 Association for Gerontology in Higher Education in Long Beach, CA.

Wathen, C. (June, 2016). Impact on Crime Victims. Invited Training session for the 2nd Annual Montana Victims Advocate Academy, Missoula, MT

Wathen, C. (May, 2014). Visions in Our Heads: Lived Experiences of Counsellors-in-Training Participating in Study Abroad Programs. Poster presented at the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference (BACP), London, England.

Meekums, B., Wathen, C., & Koltz, R. (May, 2014). Cross Cultural Perspectives: An Online Learning Environment. Poster presented at the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Conference (BACP), London, England.

Wathen, C. & Elliott, A. (2015). Ways to teach the Ways: Creatively integrating Cheston’s (2000) Ways paradigm into the counseling theory classroom. Education session presented at the 2015 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (ACES) in Philadelphia, PA.

Koltz, R., Odegard, M., Wathen, C. (2015). Wellness strategies to thrive during the pre-tenure experience. Education session presented at the 2015 Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference in Philadelphia, PA.

Wathen, C., Bohecker, L., Wells, P., Theimann, J., & Anekstein, A. (2015). Personal and professional: Authoethnographic pictures integrating spiritual and religious development and counselor educators. Education session presented at the Association for Spiritual, Religious, and Ethical Values (ASERVIC) Conference, New York, NY.

Wathen, C. & Kleist, D. (October, 2013). Visions in our heads: The experience of counselors-in-training participating in study abroad programs. Presentation to the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Denver, CO

Wathen, C., Koltz, R., McKinley, H., & Lamb, B. (October, 2014). The Montana cowboy and the British stiff upper lip: Comparing and contrasting counsel(l)or identity globally. Education Session at the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES), Jackson Hole, WY.

Selected Publications:

Sheperis, D., Gomez, R., Wathen, C., Frank, M., & Brown, L. (In Press, Accepted May 2022). Addressing isolation, loneliness and mental health of older adults living during COVID-19: A university training partnership with senior living communities. Gerontology and Geriatrics Education.

Wathen, C., Speciale, M., Chen, Szu-Yu, & Sheperis, D. (2021). Effective online synchronous group counselor training: Challenges, strengths, and solutions. Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.22371/tces/0010

Chen, Szu-Yu, Coker, K., Wathen, C., & Sheperis, D. (2021). Effects of clinical skills training: Technology and pedagogy for the quality virtual classroom. Journal of Technology in Counselor Education and Supervision, 1(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.22371/tces/0009

Chen, Szu-Yu, Wathen, C., Speciale, M. (2020). Online clinical training in the virtual remote Environment: Challenges, opportunities, and solutions. The Professional Counselor, 10(2). doi:10.15241/syc.10.1.78

*Brown-McCormick, L. M., Todd, S., Schmuldt, L., Russ, K., & Wathen, C. (2019). Clinical implications in Vaginal Orgasm Response. Journal of Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness: Research, Practice, and Education, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.34296/01021011

Koltz, R. L., Smith, A., Tarabochia, D. S., & Wathen, C. (2017). A pedagogical framework for counselor educators working with millennial students. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 9(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.7729/91.1150

Meekums, B., Wathen, C., & Koltz, R. (2016). Technology as a bridge: Developing inter-cultural understanding through a student videoconference. British Journal of Guidance and Counselling. doi: 10.1080/03069885.2015.1135875.

*Koltz, R., Tarabochia, D., Wathen, C., Koltz, D., Foote, A., Cuyle, N., Volkman, A. (2016).
Living well into later years: A psychoeducational support group. In ideas and research you can use: VISTAS 2016. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/docs/default- source/vistas/article_15e3bf24f16116603abcacff0000bee5e7.pdf?sfvrsn=4

Bohecker, L., Vereen, L., Wells, P. & Wathen, C. (2016). A mindfulness experiential small group: A study to explore ambiguity. Counselor Education and Supervision 55, 16-30. doi: 10.1002/ceas.12030. (equal participation by both Wells & Wathen).

*Bateman, J., & Wathen, C. (2015). Understanding rape myths: A guide for counselors working with male survivors of sexual violence. In ideas and research you can use: VISTAS 2015. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center/vistas/by-year2/vistas- 2015/docs/default-source/vistas/understanding-rape-myths

Wathen, C. & Kleist, D. (2015). Internationalization of counselor education: Exploring the lived experiences of counselors-in-training internationally. The Qualitative Report. 20(1), 59-83. http://www.nova.edu/ssss/QR/QR20/1/wathen4.pdf.

Wathen, C. & Wells, P. (2015). Sharing strengths. In K. Goodrich and M. Luke
(Eds.), Group work experts share their favorite supervision activities. Alexandria, VA: Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW).

Wells, P. & Wathen, C. (2015). Open to page 57. In K. Goodrich and M. Luke
(Eds.), Group work experts share their favorite supervision activities. Alexandria, VA: Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW).

*Kostohryz, K., Wells, P., Wathen, C. & Wilson, D. (2014). More than a vacation:
Exploring the impact of reentry for international sojourners. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 36(4), 315-327.

Bohecker, L., Wathen, C., Wells, P., Salazar, B. (2013). Mindfully educating our future: A group curriculum for training emergent counselors. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 39(3), 257-273. doi: 10.1080/01933922.2014.919046.

Wells, P. & Wathen, C. (2013). Our photos, our voices. In J.S. Glass and K. Dotson-Blake (Eds.), Online group activities to enhance counselor education (pp. 65-71). Alexandria, VA: Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW).
*Gardner, R., Adkins, J., Gillespie, W. & Wathen, C. (2012). Needs assessment for counseling LGBT clients. Vistas 2012. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.

Harrawood, L., Wathen, C. & Nelson, J. (2012). Music and lyrics: Understanding addiction cravings. ACA-ACC Creative Interventions and Activities Online Clearinghouse, Charter Member.

Harrawood, L., McClure, C. & Nelson, J. (2011). Using experiential activities to prepare counselors-in-training to understand the power of cravings when addressing clients with addiction. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 6(2), 105-117, doi: 10.1080/15401383.2011.579872.

Websites and Other Relevant Links:

Upcoming research projects:

Wathen, C., Chapman, D. & Cordova, M. (2022). Needs assessment: Mental health support for polycystic kidney disease and organ transplantation. (Received $2260 for research funding Fall 2021 from PAU OAA)

Wathen, C., Vaishnav, S., & Coker, K. (2021). Virtual reality in the counseling classroom: Experiences of innovative technology for counselors-in-training. Awarded by PAU Office of Academic Excellence Innovative Grants. Grant Award Amount: $5338.