ETAMU Adjunct Professor Desiree Stephens Featured in Voyage Dallas Interview

Dr. Desiree Stephens, adjunct professor of counseling at East Texas A&M University, was recently featured in Voyage Dallas, a regional publication known for spotlighting the stories of local entrepreneurs, creatives and community leaders.

In the interview, Stephens shared the deeply personal journey that led to her founding The Desired Journey, a private counseling practice she created during her father’s battle with cancer. Her story reflects a blend of resilience, compassion and advocacy—qualities that shape both her clinical work and her approach to counselor education.

A proud graduate of East Texas A&M, where she earned all her degrees, Stephens told Voyage Dallas, “Alongside my direct work with clients, I have a deep passion for supervision and counselor education. As a counselor educator and licensed professional counselor supervisor, I love helping emerging clinicians grow in confidence, competence and cultural awareness. Supporting the next generation of mental health professionals is one of the most meaningful aspects of my career—the ripple effect goes far beyond any one session or classroom.”

As a member of the Department of Counseling, Stephens teaches courses like Introduction to Play Therapy, which she has indicated is her favorite to teach. In her own practice, Stephens explained in her interview, she often uses play and sandtray therapy to approach healing in a nonverbal, expressive way.

Stephens’ feature in Voyage Dallas not only highlights her personal and professional path but serves as inspiration for students considering careers in counseling or higher education. For more information about a career in counseling, please contact Department Head Michael Schmit.