Amna Jaffer

Amna Jaffer is Lecturer and Fieldwork Coordinator in the Department of Counselor Education at San José State University. Originally from Pakistan, she earned her MA in Education from SJSU and BA in Theater/Psychology from Agnes Scott College. Certified as Trainer, Educator and Practitioner by the National Board of Examiners in Psychodrama and Group Psychotherapy, she specializes in experiential group therapies and multicultural counseling approaches.

Research Expertise: Focuses on psychodrama applications in educational settings, substance abuse counseling frameworks, and cultural adaptation processes. Her work integrates theatrical techniques with therapeutic interventions to address:

• Cross-cultural identity development
• Academic-career exploration
• Group dynamics in treatment settings
• Community support system design

Publication Focus: Recent works examine immigrant resilience narratives, school counselor advocacy during crises, and psychodrama methodologies in diverse communities. Research employs qualitative methodologies including case studies and participatory action research.

Teaching Portfolio: Develops and instructs courses including EDCO 004 (Personal, Academic and Career Exploration) and EDCO 293 (Practicum in Child and Substance Abuse), emphasizing field-based application of psychodrama techniques.