FACULTY PROFILE
"As a practicing clinician, I love that I can integrate real life experiences when advancing students’ knowledge and skills within the field of addictions and counseling. I love the curiosity and
enthusiasm I’ve witnessed with students and that I can be a small part in maintaining some of that.
The most rewarding aspect of academic work is really three-fold. I love that I can work with a variety of disciplines to advance the knowledge and skills of students. I love the collaborative and conversational temperament of my colleagues. And I love the opportunities that I find and can pass on to other colleagues and in some cases, students. I love being able to share my knowledge with students, both my successes and mistakes and observing how students make this information their own.
Okay, that’s four. What can I say. I find academia to be rewarding!
As a licensed clinical professional counselor and certified addictions counselor, I worked in the clinical field for more than 15 years. I’ve worked primarily with the substance use disorders and personality disorders. I’ve taught psychology, counseling and addiction courses. I’ve discovered while at GSU, that I really enjoy teaching group therapy and stress management, as taking care of oneself is a necessary task within the field of addictions. The highlight here is when students discover how much they may like these areas and want to learn more.
Community service is an integral part of paying it forward. Within the parameters of the university, I serve on various committees to develop a broader and richer understanding of the complexities that may exist within academia and the opportunities to find solutions. I also mentor when possible. Outside of the university, I mentor newcomers in the field of addiction counseling.
In addition, I am the Chair of the Webinar Taskforce for the Illinois Counseling Association, and host a "talk radio" show that provides free information and resources relating to wellness. I also serve as peer reviewer for several journals, and am the co-editor of the book review department for Trauma Psychology News. These are all important pieces of my service.
Finally, I do love writing (I have a blog) and want to eventually write a fiction trilogy."
- Serena Wadhwa, Psy.D., LCPC, CADC