Ruth Palmer

Ruth Baugher Palmer

Chair of Counseling Psychology Department, Director of Clinical Counseling Program, Professor of Counseling Psychology

610-341-5921
rpalmer@eastern.edu

 Joined Eastern: 1998

Education
  • Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Temple University
  • M.Ed., Counseling Psychology, Temple University
  • B.A., Behavioral Science, Messiah College
Licenses/Certifications
  • Licensed Psychologist, Commonwealth of PA
  • Educational Specialist II, Secondary School Guidance Counselor, Commonwealth of PA
  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist, International Association of Trauma Professionals 
  • Certified Field Traumatologist, Certified Compassion Fatigue Therapist, and 
    Certified Compassion Fatigue Educator, Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
Research Interests
  • Psychotherapy process and outcome
  • Counselor supervision and training
  • Traumatic stress
  • Adolescent development
Clinical Interests
  • Interventions with traumatized populations:  disaster mental health, veterans, domestic violence, childhood abuse
  • Grief counseling
  • Prevention and treatment of behavioral problems in adolescence
Journal Articles
  • Palmer, R.B., McNaughton-Cassill, M., & Schoenfeldt, M. (2022). Wanted: Mental health support for disaster trauma, Domestic Preparedness Journal, 18(8), 39-43.
  • Palmer, R.B. (2017). Calling and gatekeeping in counselor training, Journal of the Pennsylvania Counsleing Association, 16(1), 13-22
  • Edgar-Smith, S. & Palmer, R.B. (2017). Alternative school student perceptions about forgiviness, Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, DOI: 10.1080/1045988X.2016.1272540
  • Chung, W., Chung, S., Edgar-Smith, S., Palmer, R. B., DeLambo, D., & Huang, W. (2015). An examination of in-service teacher attitudes toward students with autism spectrum disorder: Implications for professional practice. Current Issues in Education,18(2). Retrieved from http://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/1386
  • Edgar-Smith, S. & Palmer, R.B. (2015). Building supportive school environments for alternative education youth.  Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 0(0), 1-8, DOI:10.1080/1045988X.2013.865587.
  • Edgar-Smith. S., Gill, J, & Palmer, R.B.  (2013). Bringing youth with special needs into the church community: A practical guide. Journal of Youth Ministry, 11(2), 57-72.
  • Edgar-Smith, S.E. & Palmer, R.B. (2010).  Does psychodynamic theory have a place within the school?  The Pennsylvania Psychologist, 70(3) 26-27.
  • Chung, W., Edgar-Smith, S.E., Palmer, R.B., Bartholomew, E., & DeLambo, D.  (2008). Psychiatric re-hospitalization of children and adolescents:  Implications for social work intervention.  Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, 25(6), 483-496.
  • Palmer, R.B., White, G.M., & Chung, W. (2008).  Deficient trainees: Gatekeeping in Christian practitioner programs.  Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 27, 30-40.
Conference Publications
  • Palmer, R.B., and Schoenfeldt, M. “Interviewing Disaster Survivors” Green Cross Academy of Traumatology presentation to the Holiday Farm Wildfire Team (Environmental Leadership Program at the University of Oregon), April 2, 2021.
  • Palmer, R.B., Unpacking your suitcase:  The clinician’s personal preparation for working with grieving clients, Workshop presented at the Greater Philadelphia Area Counseling Association's 2nd Annual Trauma Symposium, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, February 23, 2019. 
  • Palmer, R.B., Pre-Gatekeeping: New Student Orientation, Panel Discussant for Pennsylvania Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors, Annual Conference of the Pennsylvania Counseling Association, King of Prussia, PA, November 4, 2017.
  • Palmer, R.B., Gatekeeping, more than just “kicking them out”: Best Practices and Student Supports. Panel Discussant, Pennsylvania Counseling Association Eastern Regional Conference, Eastern University, March 6, 2015.
  • Palmer, R.B.  (2012, April). Developing and Using Grading Rubrics, Panel Discussion of the Spring Conference of the Eastern Region of the Pennsylvania Association of Counseling Education and Supervision, West Chester University, West Chester, PA.
  • Edgar-Smith, S.E., & Palmer, R.B. (2012, March). Building Supportive School Environments for Alternative Ed Youth.   Poster presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, annual national conference, Washington, DC.
  • Palmer, R.B.  (2011, October). Gatekeeping Responsibilities of Counselor Educators, Panel Discussion of the Fall Conference of the Eastern Region of the Pennsylvania Association of Counseling Education and Supervision, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA.
  • Chung, W., Edgar-Smith, S.E, Palmer, R.B, DeLambo, D., Chung, S., & Huang, W. (2011, January). Teacher Perceptions of Students with Autism. Poster presented at the annual International Autism Conference, Washington DC.
  • Edgar-Smith, S.E., Palmer, R.B., & VanHorn, K. (2010, April). Yo, step off! Altering Youth Perceptions about Justice in School Communities.  Poster presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, annual national conference, Kansas City, MO.
  • White, G.M., & Palmer, R.B., & Edgar-Smith, S.E.  (2009, April). Gatekeeping in Action:  A Formalized Best Practices Model.  Paper presented at the Christian Association of Psychological Studies, annual national conference, Orlando, FL.
  • Edgar-Smith, S.E., Palmer, R.B., & Gill, J.  (2009, March). Bringing Special Needs Children and Youth into the Church Community: A Practical Guide.  Paper presented at the fourth annual Messiah College Youth Workers Conference, Grantham, PA.
  • Edgar-Smith, S.E., Palmer, R.B, & Gill, J.  (2007, November).  Are We Prepared to Invite Everyone to the Table? Special Needs Children and Youth in Church Communities.  Workshop presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies eastern regional conference, Chambersburg, PA.
  • White, G.M., & Palmer, R.B.  (2007, November). Preserving the Relationship: Using Re-enactments of Relational Distortions to Deepen the Therapeutic Alliance.  Workshop presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies eastern regional conference, Chambersburg, PA.
  • Chung, W., Guinyard, C., Palmer, R.B., White, G.M., & Shayne, Y.  (2007, March). Body Image and God Image:  Are They Related in Christian Women?  Paper presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies annual conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Chung, W., Palmer, R.B, White, G.M., Shaffer, J., & Nash, R  (2007, March).  I’m Overwhelmed!  Helping Counseling Students Care for Themselves While Caring for Clients.  Paper presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies annual conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Palmer, R.B., White, G.M, & Chung, W.  (2006, March). Helping Students Discern Calling and Gifting for Clinical Vocations.  Paper presented at the Christian Association of Psychological Studies annual conference, Cincinnati, OH.
  • Palmer, R.B., White, G.M., & Chung, W.  (2005, November). Love, Grace, and Responsibilities in Supervision/Training: Preliminary Results of a National Survey of CCCU Mental Health-Related Graduate Programs.  Paper presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies eastern regional conference, Chambersburg, PA.
  • Chung, W., Wicklund, K., Palmer, R.B., & White, G.M.  (2005, April). Knowing our Counseling Students:  Career Choice and Gatekeeping.   Paper presented at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies annual conference, Dallas, TX.
Grants
  • Eastern University Provost Grant 2008
Professional Associations
  • Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS)
  • Green Cross Academy of Traumatology
  • International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP)
  • Pennsylvania Association of Counselor Education & Supervision (PACES)
  • Pennsylvania Counseling Association (PCA)
  • Pennsylvania Psychological Association (PPA)