Faculty Spotlight: Danielle Ung, PhD

Published July 26, 2024

At Bastyr University, we believe that exceptional faculty inspire exceptional students. In our Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology program, one such inspiring figure is Dr. Danielle Ung. As a licensed clinical psychologist and the Director of Clinical Training, Dr. Ung embodies the dedication and compassion that set our program apart. With a focus on hands-on clinical experience and a commitment to whole-person healing, Dr. Ung's work is at the heart of what makes our program unique.

In her role at Bastyr, Dr. Ung supervises counseling psychology students during their clinic shifts and oversees their practicum experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to impact the field positively. Her approach to teaching-grounded in authenticity, mutual respect, and trust-creates an environment where students thrive and develop their unique counseling identities. Dr. Ung's enthusiasm for mentoring is evident in her daily interactions with students, making her an integral part of their educational journey.

Q: Introduce yourself and your role at Bastyr

A: I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Washington. I'm also the director of clinical training for our master's students in the counseling program. In my role, I supervise our students during their clinic shifts at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health and oversee their practicum experience.

I received my doctorate at the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL, and completed my postdoc at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OH. I specialize in working with children and adolescents with autism and their families, as well as those dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety.

One of the main reasons I entered the field of clinical psychology was my desire to connect with individuals, listen to them, and help them achieve their life goals. I saw how mental health stigma creates significant barriers for individuals seeking treatment. It was essential for me to enter this field to break mental health stigma and support and advocate for marginalized families struggling with mental health issues, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and valued. Addressing structural levels of oppression, discrimination, and racism is also a priority for me, as these factors often contribute to the mental health symptoms we see in marginalized communities.

Working with children is especially rewarding because I want to help them find their voice in a world that often silences them or does not give them much value or power in their lives. I try to help them find their voice or be that voice for them because I can see the impact that not having it has when they become adults.

I emphasize starting from a foundation of mutual respect and trust. When students trust and respect you, they are more willing to engage and embrace new ideas, even when they may not fully understand or agree. This approach is a crucial part of how I teach and conduct clinical training.

Q: What is exciting about teaching and mentoring students in this field?
A: What excites me the most about teaching and mentoring students in this field is their curiosity, passion for learning, compassion towards others, and dedication to improving mental health. These qualities are very apparent in our students. I often tell my students that teaching them is the highlight of my day and why I wake up excited in the morning. I genuinely live that sentiment when I'm with them. Hopefully, they can see how much I love what I do. I come in with a lot of energy and strive to make the experience worthwhile for them.

I also believe that, as professors, we have a huge responsibility. We are the start of a ripple that students will carry forward, becoming ripples themselves in society. This can significantly impact the mental health of others.

I believe this is a huge responsibility. If we ask our students to be ethical, responsible, and professional counselors, we must model those qualities ourselves. As professors in counseling, we are preparing students to make a significant impact on the world and work with vulnerable populations. Therefore, we must take our job very seriously.

You need to be the ripple you want to see in society. Each student has the potential to make a positive impact or, conversely, to cause harm. My primary responsibility is to protect the community from harm, and I train them to ensure that doesn't happen.

Q: What is a favorite course or aspect of the program?
A. Many students rave about the Theory and Practice course taught by Dr. Rosen. This class exposes them to various counseling approaches, allowing them to explore and choose the methods that resonate most with them. They learn about these approaches and see them in action, which helps them define the kind of counselor they want to be and how they want to engage with clients.

Another standout experience is the clinic shifts. Students participate in two clinic shifts during the spring and summer of their first and second years at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health. This hands-on experience is unique because many programs don't offer such early clinical practice. Our students apply their learning in real-time, work directly with clients, and receive immediate supervision. This practical experience allows them to see their knowledge in action and receive valuable feedback, which is crucial for their development.

Lastly, the Multiculturalism, Diversity, and Social Justice class taken in the winter quarter of their first year is incredibly important. This course embodies the university's and program's mission and values. It introduces students to cultural humility and multicultural competency, essential skills for working effectively with diverse populations.

These elements of our program prepare students to be effective, compassionate, and culturally competent counselors in a diverse world.

Q: In your opinion, what sets Bastyr's Master of Counseling and Psychology program apart from other similar programs?

A:Our program stands out due to its hands-on clinical skills development, which includes internships and shifts at Bastyr's clinics. Additionally, our focus on whole-person healing is a significant differentiator. We emphasize the integration of mind, body, and spirit, treating them as inseparable. You cannot address mental health without considering the physical and spiritual dimensions. Many come to us after finding that traditional and Western medicine often address only parts of their needs. They are looking for a more comprehensive approach that considers the entire individual.