Kara Wettersten, Ph.D.
(University of Kansas)
Associate Professor

Advising, Therapy, and Supervision

My theoretical orientation is primarily interpersonal and feminist. Whether I am acting in the capacity of a therapist, advisor or supervisor, I work to facilitate the goals and strengths of the person(s) with whom I am working. Interactionally, we define what a good outcome would look like and the possible paths for achieving those outcomes. Within in this interaction, I frequently bring to the table pieces of interpersonal, gestalt, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also keep current on information regarding empirically validated treatments, and within the framework of social constructivism, attempt to match the treatment modality with the needs and worldview of the person or persons sitting across from me.

Teaching

My philosophy of teaching is centered on the same basic elements that make for a good therapeutic relationship. That is, I believe good teaching is centered on (a) a mutual sense of trust and caring between myself and my students, (b) a mutual understanding and agreement on the goals (or purpose) of the class or learning experience, and (c) a mutual understanding and agreement on the tasks required to complete those goals. Of course my philosophy of teaching dictates that these important relationship factors must work in conjunction with a challenging learning environment?one that sets a high bar for both teacher and learner.

Research

My research pursuits are in the area of violence prevention (more specifically, teaching people healthy relationship skills, especially in line with some of the work of John Gottman and others) and the vocational needs of underserved or under-resourced populations (particularly survivors of domestic violence). Therapy process issues have also been an interest to me as well, including an examination of how therapeutic relationships develop differently?or are used differently?across styles of therapy.

Publications

Chronnister, K.M., Brown, C., O'Brien, K.M., Wettersten, K.B., Burt, M., Falkenstein, C., & Shahane, A. (2009). Domestic Violence Survivors: Perceived Vocational Supports and Barriers. Journal of Career Assessment, 17, 116-131.

Herlickson, A.,Wettersten, K.B., Herrick, C., Kim, G., Hunter, P., Guilmino, A., Faul, K., Jagow-France, D., Mach, B.M., Napton, S., Beecher, T., Holzer, K., & Rudolph. S. (2009). Initial Development and Psychometric Properties of the Adolescent Perceptions of Parental Pro-Educational Attitudes and Behaviors Scale. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development, 41, 194-209

Juntunen, C.L. & Wettersten, K.B. (2006). Work Hope: An initial evaluation of a measure. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 53.

Wettersten, K.B., Guilmino, A., Hunter, T., Kim, G., Jagow, D., Beecher, T., Faul, K., Baker, A., Rudolph, S., Ellenbecker, K., & McCormick, J. (2005). Predicting educational and vocational attitudes among rural high school students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52.

Wettersten, K.B., Lichtenberg, J.W., & Mallinckrodt, B. (2005). Relationship of working alliance to outcome in brief solution-focused and interpersonal therapy. Journal of Psychotherapy Research, 15, 35-43

Wettersten, K.B., Rudolph, S., Faul, K., Gallagher, K., Transgrud, H., Adams, K, Graham, S., & Terrance, C. (2004). Freedom through self-sufficiency: A qualitative examination of the impact of domestic violence on the working lives of women in shelter. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 51(4), 447-462.

Chronister, K.M., Wettersten, K.B. & Brown, C. (2004). Vocational research for the liberation of battered women. The Counseling Psychologist, 32(6), 900-922.

Krieshok, T.S., Ulven, J.C., Hecox, J.L., & Wettersten, K.B. (2000). R鳵m鍊therapy and vocational test feedback: Demonstrating intervention effectiveness with measures of self-efficacy. Career Development Quarterly, 8, 267-281

Krieshok, T.S., Hastings, S., Ebberwein, C., Wettersten, K.B., & Owen, A. (1999). Telling a good story: Using narratives in vocational rehabilitation with veterans. Career Development Quarterly, 47, 204-214.

Lopez, S.J., Gariglietti, K.P., Merkley, K.B., Reynolds, S.C., & Wettersten, K.B. (1999). Degree-granting institutions and characteristics of psychologists with both diplomate and fellow status in Counseling Psychology. Psychological Reports, 84, 969-972.

Lichtenberg, J.W., Wettersten, K.B., Mull, H., Moberly, R.L., Merkley, K. B., & Corey, A.T. (1998). Relational formation and relationship control as correlates of psychotherapy quality and outcome. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 45, 322-337.

Book Chapters (refereed)

Juntunen, C.L. & Wettersten, K.B. (2005). Broadening our understanding of work-bound youth: A challenge for career counseling. In S.R. Brown and R.W

Lent's (Ed.) Handbook of Vocational Psychology. Wiley & Sons.

Whitcomb, D. H., Wettersten, K. B, &. Stolz, C. (in press). Career Counseling for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Clients. In D. Capuzzi & M. Stauffer (Eds.), Career and Life Style Planning: Theory and Application. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Journal Review

Journal of Counseling Psychology (Editorial Board)
Journal of Career Development (Ad Hoc Reviewer)

Honors and Awards

North Dakota Spirit Award; University of North Dakota
Outstanding Research in Counseling; American Educational Research Association Division E: Counseling and Human Development.
Lydia and Arthur Saiki Prize for Graduate/Professional Teaching Excellence; University of North Dakota
Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation, School of Education; University of Kansas