Division of Student Affairs > About > Staff Directory > Christian Carey

Christian Carey, PhD


Staff Therapist

Education
  • Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, West Virginia University
  • M.A. in Counseling, West Virginia University
  • B.S. in Psychology, West Virginia University
Relevant Experience

José Esteban Muñoz wrote, "To accept the way in which one is lost is to be also found and not found."" Dr. Carey (he/him) considers therapy in a similar vein- a dynamic, fluid process where uncertainty is both an opportunity for growth and a reminder of progress made. Through collaboration and the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Carey hopes to foster mindfulness in the present and develop a client's values to paint what "progress" will look like for each client.

Dr. Carey has worked in various clinical settings but has gravitated back to university counseling centers. He enjoys the energy of the new semesters and the excitement at the possibilities ahead for many of the students he works with. His therapeutic conceptualization combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Feminist-Multicultural Therapy to deepen discussions about values, mindfulness, and empowerment.

Before DePaul University's Counseling & Psychological Services, Dr. Carey had completed his Pre-Doctoral Internship at the Ohio State University's Counseling and Consultation Service. He was previously a staff member at West Virginia University's counseling center and accessibility office. He has provided various services at each site, including individual therapy, group therapy, crisis/urgent stabilization, psychological testing, staff consultations, supervision, and outreach programming. Finally, he enjoys teaching and mentoring students. He has a history of teaching online and in-person academic success courses and undergraduate counseling courses.

Clinical Interests

Dr. Carey's primary clinical interest is values-driven work and differentiating personal values from societal expectations that may disempower clients. Clients with a variety of clinical presentations (anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, trauma) along with clients who are exploring identity (LGBTQIA+, international student identity, disability identity, first-generation student identity, non-traditional student identity) can benefit from mindfulness and engaging in behaviors that align with their values. Additionally, Dr. Carey enjoys facilitating identify-affirming support groups and psychological testing that conveys strengths and empowerment throughout the process.

Fun Fact

Dr. Carey loves being around water and is often out on or by the lake on any warm day. However, when not by the water, he is binging watching reality TV or random crime documentaries with his cat, Walter.