My original motivation to join the counseling field was my interest to help families like mine to navigate everyday struggles. While still a passion of mine, what ultimately makes me passionate about counseling is the collaboration between counselor and client.
Edith Gonzalez, Ph.D., NCC Assistant Department Head/Assistant Professor
- Faculty
Edith Gonzalez, Ph.D., is a first-generation college graduate from Houston, Texas. She knew she wanted to be in the helping profession after her first clinical psychology class. Gonzalez decided to pursue her doctorate in counselor education and supervision to increase training for bilingual counselors and counselor educators.
A Conversation with Dr. Gonzalez
What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?
Our faculty at A&M-Commerce offer great diversity among their clinical and research interests. Additionally, our faculty are involved in different professional organizations in our field. So, no matter what clinical or research interest you have, you can find a faculty member to receive mentorship.
What draws you to your discipline?
My original motivation to join the counseling field was my interest to help families like mine to navigate everyday struggles. While still a passion of mine, what ultimately makes me passionate about counseling is the collaboration between counselor and client. Clients often come to counseling and are vulnerable for the first time. As counselors, we need to ensure we provide a welcoming environment and work with the client to help facilitate growth.
What has been your favorite course to teach?
My favorite courses to teach have been the multicultural cognate courses. I love helping students apply our multicultural, social justice and advocacy counseling competencies to the work they already do. Students in my courses get the opportunity to apply what they are learning in class to the field, and present the great work they are doing and will continue to do!
Tell us about a project you are currently working on or recently completed.
I am working on various projects that fall under my research and clinical interests. I am exploring how Latinx counselors’ cultural background impacts their work with older adults. I am also exploring how universities can improve the environment for Latinx students. I have two projects that look at school counselors' preparation to work with undocumented students.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., Counselor Education, William and Mary, 2018
- M.Ed., Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling, William & Mary, 2015
- B.S., Psychology, University of Houston, 2011
Honors and Awards
- Dr. Augustine “Chuck” Arize Junior Faculty Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2021
- Presidential GAR Initiative Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2021-2022
- Presidential GAR Initiative Award, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2020-2021
- NBCC Mentor of the Month, National Board of Certified Counselors, 2020
- Faculty Development Grant, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2019
Research Interests
- Undocumented Latinx families
- Bilingual counseling
- Family issues
Professional Organizations
- National Board for Certified Counselors
- American Counseling Association
- Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
- Southern Association for Counselor Education and Association
- International Association of Marriage and Family Counseling
- Association for Assessment and Research in Counseling
- Texas Counseling Association
- Texas Association for Counselor Educators and Supervision
- Texas Counselors for Social Justice