Diane Stutey

Dr. Diane Stutey is an Associate Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs Department of Counseling and Human Services. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Northern Colorado, an MA in Counseling and Human Services from UCCS, and a BA in Elementary Education from Benedictine College. As a licensed professional counselor (LPC), registered play therapist-supervisor (RPT-S), licensed school counselor, and national certified counselor (NCC), she maintains memberships in the American Counseling Association, American School Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and Association for Play Therapy.

Dr. Stutey's research examines:

• School-based interventions for non-cognitive stressors affecting youth
• Effectiveness of play therapy and animal-assisted interventions
• Trauma processing in grief, abuse, violence, and suicide contexts

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on therapeutic interventions for vulnerable populations, with recent work examining pandemic adaptations in youth mentoring, suicide prevention frameworks (SHORES model), and military-affiliated student support. Research frequently incorporates creative methodologies like photo-elicitation.

She teaches graduate courses including Play Therapy and Counseling Children, Organization and Administration of School Counseling, and Theories and Techniques of Individual Counseling. Her clinical experience includes school counseling (elementary/middle schools) and play therapy practice.