Joyce Baptist

Dr. Joyce Baptist is a Professor of Couple and Family Therapy at Kansas State University's College of Health and Human Sciences, Department of Applied Human Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Human Development from Virginia Tech and is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in EMDR and trauma interventions.

Education includes:

• Ph.D., Human Development (Marriage and Family Therapy), Virginia Tech
• M.A., Community Counseling, Loyola University
• Chartered Management Accounting, SEGi University

Her research examines relationship resilience amidst societal stressors, clinical interventions for trauma/depression, and affirmative therapy approaches. She leads randomized controlled trials on EMDR efficacy funded by the EMDR Research Foundation.

Publication trends show strong focus on cross-cultural couples therapy (Black, Muslim, interracial couples), EMDR mechanisms, military families, and discrimination impacts. Recent work emphasizes neurobiological markers (theta cordance) in depression treatment.

Awards include:

• Excellence in Research nomination for military family studies (2016)
• Dissertation awards for students (AAMFT 2015, Chickasaw Nation 2013)
• Best Poster Award, National Council on Family Relations (2016)

Advising spans 50+ graduate students (PhD/MS) in trauma, diversity, and family systems. Secured $100,000+ in grants for clinical trials. Founded study abroad programs in Malaysia/Borneo and serves on Kansas Suicide Prevention Taskforce.

Directs clinical training at The Family Center and co-leads the EMDR Think Tank international research consortium.