Laura M. Schmuldt

Dr. Laura M. Schmuldt serves as the Interim Department Chair and Associate Professor in the Counseling Department, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Trauma Counseling, and Group Counseling. She holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Central Florida, an M.A. in Counselor Education from Northeastern Illinois University, and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. With over 25 years of counseling experience across psychiatric rehabilitation, addiction treatment, and private practice, she is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Associate (LMHCA) in North Carolina.

Her research focuses on trauma, women's mental health, abortion, anxiety, and the intersection of childhood abuse and addiction. She has presented at conferences globally and authored numerous publications on EMDR therapy, counselor supervision, and innovative teaching methods. Dr. Schmuldt is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association and the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.

Her teaching spans virtual, hybrid, and in-person formats, emphasizing experiential learning and creative techniques. Notable contributions include developing the My Crime Card Sort for counselor education and pioneering EMDR approaches in crisis settings.