Stephanie Durnford

Stephanie Durnford is an **Assistant Clinical Professor** at Loyola University Maryland, specializing in counselor education and supervision with a focus on pastoral counseling. She holds a Ph.D. (2020) and M.S. (2015) from Loyola University Maryland, alongside earlier degrees in Communication Studies (M.A., 2005) and Communication (B.A., 2003). Her clinical work integrates mindfulness, trauma processing, and LGBTQ+ mental health, alongside a private practice. Research emphasizes spiritual appraisals in yoga practices and psycho-spiritual outcomes. She has co-authored studies on Centering Prayer and contributed to wildland fire organization research.

**Education**:

• Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, Loyola University Maryland (2020)
• M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Loyola University Maryland (2015)
• M.A., Communication Studies, University of Montana (2005)
• B.A., Communication, Juniata College (2003)

**Research Interests**: Spiritual coping mechanisms, mindfulness-based interventions, LGBTQ+ mental health advocacy, and yoga’s role in mental wellness. Her work bridges clinical practice with theological and psychological frameworks.

**Professional Engagement**: Active member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), and SAIGE (LGBTQ+ mental health). Presented at conferences such as the APA Annual Conference (2020) and Loyola’s Emerging Scholars Conference (2019, 2015).