Welcome to the official page for the SMU Department of Counseling. We offer the education and training needed for licensure across diverse settings.
Our Master's program equips students with culturally sensitive skills to support individuals and families. The counseling program provides the elements necessary for certification, licensure, and actual counseling practice. Students acquire knowledge in the disciplines that underlie counseling–including education, psychology, human development, sociology, learning, and social change. They develop
05/28/2026
The National Alliance on Mental Illness hosted the 2 mile NAMI walk fundraising event! Our student organizations, SATS, SMU Play Therapy Association, CSI, and CSJ and faculty joined to raise awareness about mental health resources and providing accessible services to underserved communities!
05/22/2026
As the school year ends, we get to reflect on the accomplishment of our students, faculty, and alumni throughout the year. We are so thankful to have a community that continues to learn, advocate, and share the love of counseling!
05/19/2026
Congratulations to the Spring and Summer 2026 graduates! We cannot wait to see how you change the world! Pony Up!đź’™
05/16/2026
Join us in congratulating our 2025-2026 Distinguished Students! Your commitment and enthusiasm for the counseling profession continue to inspire those around you. We are so proud of you!
Outstanding Counseling Student: Shira Stevenson
Outstanding Clinical Performance: Lily Grace Hoodis, Avery Hammer, Kyle Bendiksen
Outstanding Scholarship: Liz Mullins, Cessia Gonzalez
Outstanding Leadership: Divya Yadavalli
Outstanding Service: Storm Simonin, Caitlin Paslay, Sarah Gleason
Faculty promotions!!! Huge congratulations to our very own Dr. Mario De La Garza, Dr. Cindy Anderton, and Dr. Greta Davis! Dr. De La Garza and Dr. Cindy Anderton have been promoted to Associate Clinical Professors and Dr. Greta Davis has been promoted to Full Clinical Professor!
05/14/2026
Last week, the SMU Counseling program recognized students for their Oustanding Scholarship, Clinical Performance, Service, and Leadership, as well as the top award of Outstanding Counseling Student. Great work students!
05/09/2026
POV: When the last class ends, but the relationships don’t. You stay. You process. You connect. You linger.
05/07/2026
The SMU Department of Counseling is pleased to announce that Dr. Rakima Parson is joining the full-time faculty as the Assistant Director of the SMU Center for Family Counseling and a Clinical Assistant Professor for the program!
05/01/2026
SMU Counseling alumni Meredith Moderi and Elizabeth Bresnahan presented alongside Dr. Misty Solt at the 2026 TxAPT conference on “Enhancing Play Therapy Through Sensory Processing Awareness!” We are proud of our past students for continuing to learn, connect, and play in the field!
04/30/2026
The 2026 Texas Association for Play Therapy conference took place this past weekend, center on the theme "The Healing Magic of Play." SMU Counseling Faculty had several presenters to represent the program. Thank you to Dr. Taylor-Holman, Dr. Solt, Dr. Godhwani, Dr. Martinez, and Dr. Balch for your wonderful contribution to Texas Play Therapy!
04/29/2026
A big congratulations to Dr. Misty Solt for being awarded the highest honor from the Texas Association for Play Therapy!! Dr. Solt received the Nancy Guillory Award for her dedicated service to the play therapy field. The SMU Counseling program is so proud of Dr. Solt!
TxAPT honored the dedication and passion for play therapy by naming an award after Nancy Guillory. Nancy was involved in the establishment of the first TxAPT Chapter, Sam Houston, of greater Houston. She coauthored an article in the International Journal for Play Therapy and presented at an APT Conference. Her dedication to and passion for play therapy was apparent to all.