Ruth Ouzts Moore

Ruth Ouzts Moore, Ph.D., NCC is an Associate Professor in the Department of Counselor Education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, teaching in the Masters of Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program. With over 30 years of clinical experience across community mental health agencies, private practice, residential facilities, and schools, she specializes in child and adolescent trauma counseling and forensic applications.

Her educational background includes:

• BA in Psychology from Delta State University (1993)
• M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Delta State University (1996)
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Mississippi (2001)

Dr. Moore's research focuses on trauma interventions for abused children, creative counseling techniques, and ethical/legal dimensions of high-conflict divorce cases. Her work integrates play therapy, courtroom testimony protocols, and innovative approaches for diverse populations including incarcerated individuals. She emphasizes humanistic principles in addressing complex family dynamics and vicarious trauma among clinicians.

Her recent publications reveal a consistent focus on trauma resilience, ethical practice in legal contexts, and technology-enhanced counselor education, demonstrating evolving expertise from foundational play therapy to contemporary mindfulness applications in correctional settings.

Professional recognition includes:

• Lisa S. Sosin ACC Spirit Award (2023)
• ACC Thelma Duffey Vision and Innovation Award (2017)
• ACC Professional Service Award (2018)

As a leader in professional organizations, Dr. Moore serves as incoming ACC Governing Council Representative for the American Counseling Association while maintaining active roles in the Association for Humanistic Counseling and Society for Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities. She frequently provides expert witness testimony in child abuse and custody cases and conducts national workshops on bullying prevention and creative interventions. Her community engagement includes developing therapeutic programs for cancer patients and at-risk youth through YMCA partnerships.

Though not affiliated with formal research laboratories, Dr. Moore advances the field through her leadership in the Association for Creativity in Counseling and practical applications in community settings like the Islands YMCA's Live Strong and Priceless Gifts programs.