About Dr. Ciepcielinski
Dr. Ciepcielinski received her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Prior to that, she received her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Political Science and Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Clinical Interests and Specialties
Dr. Ciepcielinski has worked in a variety of different clinical settings: a large community counseling center in Los Angeles, CA, three different eating disorder treatment centers all across the country, a university counseling center, as well as a children’s bereavement center. Her clinical specialties include eating disorders and the full range of disordered eating (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, chronic dieting, etc.), body image struggles, self-compassion and self-identity work, anxiety and depressive disorders, and general women’s wellness and stress management issues. Dr. Ciepcielinski’s theoretical approach is shaped by the principles of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT). Additionally, she is influenced by her studies of both mindfulness practices and relational-cultural theory.
Supervision Interests and Specialties
In addition to earning her doctorate in counselor education and supervision, Dr. Ciepcielinski is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in the state of North Carolina, which means she is uniquely qualified to supervise LCMHCA's as they gain hours towards full licensure. Supervision is a vital part of a counselor’s development, and Dr. Ciepcielinski is committed to helping each supervisee receive the highest quality of training. She believes strongly in taking a developmental approach to supervision, one that is marked by a strong supervisory relationship based on mutual respect and feedback. She also incorporates creative, diverse techniques into the supervisory process: role-plays, live supervision, tapescript review, as well as activities aimed to increase a supervisee's sensitivity and comfort when working with clients with diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns.
While pursuing her doctoral degree, Dr. Ciepcielinski co-taught several master's level courses, which included professional development courses and an ethics of counseling course. She plans on joining a local university as an adjunct faculty member to continue her passion for teaching counselors-in-training. She will also continue to present to fellow counselors on the state and national level, sharing her knowledge of eating disorders and helping to train counselors and other mental health professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of the full range of disordered eating behaviors.
Dr. Ciepcielinski has been involved with research in the following areas: body image interventions, binge eating disorder and weight stigma, and effective models for counselor supervision. Other research interests include: women's wellness and mindfulness practices, counselor wellness, and community interventions to promote healthier dialogues regarding food and weight.