Congratulations Dr. Jayme Peta!

We are thrilled to announce the publication of Dr. Jayme Peta's book, The Trans and Gender Diverse Teen Resilience Guide, available now through New Harbinger Publication and bookstores near you. This an evidence-based self-help book written for trans and nonbinary teens as a guide to developing resilience, community, and a life worth living. It's written by Dr. Jayme Peta, Dr. Deb Coolhart, and Dr. Rylan Testa, who are queer and trans psychologists. It also features the real stories of four trans and gender diverse youth and how they developed resilience, strength and community despite the challenges of living in a world that is increasingly hostile to trans and gender diverse people.

Congratulations to Kameron Edwards!

Kameron Edwards, a doctoral student in the Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology Program, has been featured in the latest issue of the Research in Action newsletter from the California Psychological Association (CPA).

Her article, “Unseen Wounds: Doctoral Candidate Kameron Edwards Sheds Light on Undiagnosed PTSD in ACE-Affected Populations,” highlights groundbreaking research examining how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) relate to undiagnosed PTSD. Using both current and retrospective measures of PTSD symptoms, Kameron's findings show that over half of participants met the clinical threshold for PTSD in adulthood—and even more did based on their adolescent experiences. This work powerfully advocates for trauma-informed screening and early intervention strategies in mental health care.

Obituary: Dr. Rebecca Proehl

Dr. Rebecca Proehl, a 1985 graduate of the Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology Program, passed away on May 4, 2025 after a long battle with lung cancer.

Her obituary stated: "Rebecca was a much beloved faculty member, colleague, friend, and mentor to many. In the last weeks of her life, she was showered with an outpouring of love from the many lives she touched from all corners of the country. Her positive impact will be felt for many years to come. It is evident by the loving tributes she received, especially the doctoral students she taught. Her zest for life will live on through those she loved."

Read the full obituary here.

Alumni Spotlight: Hazel Zetino

“They say, as therapists, we hold the hope for our clients, but when you’ve been in the field long enough, you also get to see that hope fulfilled,” shared Hazel Zetino, a 2016 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Counseling Psychology program. “Seeing that journey is what keeps me in the work.”

Obituary: Andrea Bassman-Young

Andrea Bassman-Young, a 2011 graduate of the Wright Institute's Counseling Psychology Program, passed away unexpectedly on April 4, 2025.

"Andrea was a dreamer, she loved planning and doing big things," he obituary stated. "She enjoyed her children, revelling in the chaos they could bring, and loved talking with them about the world and their interests."

Read the full obituary here.

Alumni Spotlight: Dr. Thảo-Châu Trịnh

“Losing my dad was a pivotal event in my life - it was devastating and heartbreaking, but I think it also led me to become the person that I am today,” shared Dr. Thảo-Châu Trịnh, a 2022 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Clinical Psychology program. “There are a lot of aspects of my life where I feel like I had to grow up a little earlier than my friends did, but at the same time, I feel like it helped me become an empathic person who would be good at this kind of work.”

Obituary: Dr. Ofer Zur

Dr. Ofer Zur, a 1984 graduate of the Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology Program, passed away after a short illness on February 19th, 2025.

"From 1990 until recently, he worked as a psychotherapist, consultant and educator. From 1995 to 2020, he offered online continuing education courses for psychologists through the Zur Institute, based in Sebastopol," his obituary states. "But mostly, he was an adventurer—both intellectually and in the real physical world."

Read the full obituary here.

Faculty Spotlight: Allyson Troxel-Galang

“When it comes to thinking about the work we do, I think if we're not willing to actually be in the mess with our clients, we're doing them a disservice,” shared Dr. Allyson Troxel-Galang, an adjunct faculty member and 2019 graduate of the Wright Institute’s Clinical Psychology program. “If we come in as complete experts, acting like we know everything, we’re going to miss things.” Dr. Troxel Galang’s passion is working with adults who have suffered from trauma and she recognizes that her clients are the experts in their own experiences.

Obituary: Dr. Barbara Bunn McCullough

Dr. Barbara Bunn McCullough, a graduate of the Wright Institute's Clinical Psychology Program, passed away on March 2nd, 2025.

"Beginning in the late 1970s, with the founding of Karibu House in Sonoma County, now known as Community Support Networks, she devoted her life to caring for disadvantaged and vulnerable communities, with a special focus on children and families," her obituary states. "No matter the responsibility, big or small, Barbara always did her best. And her best was more than good enough for her colleagues, friends, and family."

Read the full obituary here.

Student Spotlight: Chiara Ogan

“When I got my first master’s in library science, I told myself I was done with school. Famous last words because here I am again,” laughed Chiara Ogan, a second year student in the Wright Institute’s Counseling Psychology Program. “I’ve been so excited about my classes and what we’re learning - I haven't felt this invigorated about my work for years.”