Kurt Gehlert

Kurt Gehlert serves as an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Professional Psychology within the Morrison Family College of Health at the University of St. Thomas. With over a decade of faculty experience, he is a licensed psychologist specializing in couple therapy and maintains an active private practice. His academic contributions span teaching, clinical supervision, and research in psychotherapy.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Educational and Counseling Psychology from the University of Missouri
• MA from the University of Missouri-Columbia
• BS from the University of Missouri-Columbia

Dr. Gehlert's research centers on couples counseling, counseling process, systems theory applications, postmodern psychotherapy approaches, clinical supervision, and social justice in therapy. He investigates transformational change in relationships through attachment strengthening and views all therapeutic encounters as cross-cultural, positioning effective counseling as integral to social justice. His work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical clinical applications.

Analysis of his 14 publications from 2012-2023 reveals consistent focus on therapist development, supervision methodologies, and couple therapy innovations. Key trends include adaptation of systems theory to diverse therapeutic contexts, trauma-informed couple interventions, and mindfulness applications in group therapy. His presentations at major conferences demonstrate active engagement with professional communities.

Professional recognition includes:

• Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

As an educator, Dr. Gehlert teaches doctoral practicum and marriage/family courses while providing clinical supervision that emphasizes authentic therapeutic voice development. His private practice specializes in couple therapy for trauma survivors and adult families, directly applying his research on attachment security. He previously taught at Penn State across multiple disciplines including psychology, social work, and business.

Through conference presentations and community practice, he actively disseminates knowledge on effective therapeutic habits, supervision techniques, and culturally responsive care. His work consistently connects clinical practice with broader social justice imperatives.