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Kurt Kumler, Ph.D.

Part-Time Assistant Professor, Psychology 

Director, University Counseling Center


Pictured is Kurt Kumler, Ph.D. Submitted photoContact Information

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Ohio State University
  • Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology, Seattle University
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Clinical Psychology, Duquesne University 

Certifications and Licensures 

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist
  • Registrant, National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology

Courses Taught

  • Lifespan Development
  • Brain, Body and Experience
  • Psychotherapy Methods and Practicum

Background

Kurt Kumler, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychology and director of the University Counseling Center. Kumler has been a licensed clinical psychologist in Pennsylvania since 2007. Prior to joining Point Park University, Kumler served as the executive director of Carnegie Mellon University Counseling and Psychological Services, where he led a multidisciplinary team of 17 clinicians and promoted holistic well-being and resilience for the university community. He served as a staff clinical psychologist and training coordinator at Carnegie Mellon prior to stepping into the director role.

Kumler has honed expertise in clinical service structures in higher education and late-adolescent development through clinical and administrative experience in a number of university counseling center settings at Eastern Kentucky University, The Ohio State University, University of Washington and Duquesne University. Additionally, Kumler has significant experience in community mental health settings as a case manager, behavioral consultant and therapist working with individuals living with chronic mental illness and developmental disability.

Kumler has taught at the California Institute of Integral Studies, Eastern Kentucky University and Duquesne University. In addition to his own scholarship, Kumler has worked on longitudinal research projects for the University of Washington and University of Pittsburgh.

Research Interests

  • Existential and phenomenological approaches to clinical treatment and psychology
  • Mental health treatment provision in higher education
  • Resilience and psychological well-being
  • Digital culture and psychological health

Selected Publication and Presentations

  • "Leading the Human Kind of Animal – Resilience in Leadership," guest speaker for Business Leadership Endeavor, Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University, 2018.
  • "Therapeutic Consultation," Presentation for CaPS doctoral trainees as a part of the didactic curriculum, Carnegie Mellon University, 2015-2018.
  • "Phenomenological Approaches to Clinical Practice," presentation for CaPS doctoral trainees as a part of the didactic curriculum, Carnegie Mellon University, 2011-2018.
  • "Worry in the Face of a Suicidal Other," presentation for Higher Education Suicide Prevention Conference, 2017.    
  • "Resilience – What Is It and Why Does It Seem Harder to Achieve?" presentation for Student Affairs Professional Development Conference, Carnegie Mellon University, 2016.
  • "Making Your Way to and through College," presentation for Health Initiative Program, Congregation, Beth Shalom, 2014.      
  • "Being Touched by Music: A Qualitative Investigation of Being Transformed by Listening," Monograph, Saarbrücken, Germany: VDM Verlag, 2008.
  • "Being Touched by Music: A Phenomenological-Hermeneutic Approach to Understanding Transformational Musical Experience," doctoral dissertation, Duquesne University, 2006.
  • "Introduction to Existential Psychotherapy," presentation for clinical trainees at The Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation Service, 2005.
  • "Phenomenological Approaches to Psychology," presentation for clinical trainees at The Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation Service, 2004.  
  • "The Creation of a Therapeutic Narrative: Multiple Narrative Approach to Case Conceptualization," paper presented at the American Psychological Association National Conference, 2001.
  • "Being in the Groove: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Experience of Creating Music with Others," master’s thesis, Seattle University, 1996.

Awards and Affiliations

  • Member, Pennsylvania Psychological Association, 2007-present

  • Member, American Psychological Association, 2010-present

  • Student Representative, Duquesne University Psychology Program, 2000

  • Grant Munro Scholarship, Duquesne University, 1998

  • Graduate Scholarship, Seattle University, 1994

  • Graduated with Honors, The Ohio State University, 1993

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