MACC: Inside the Session

Hosted by Alliant MA in Clinical Counseling associate professors Dr. Cheryl Fisher and Dr. Jason Branch, this new podcast series from the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) at Alliant explores the intersection of current events and the counseling profession to provide insights and guidance that can make a difference for clinical counselors and their patients.

Drs. Cheryl Fisher and Jason Branch take you Inside the Session with fellow Alliant MACC faculty members Dr. Donnette Deigh and Samantha Guber. Together, they explore the intersection of mental health, social media, and technology, featuring insights from mental health professionals on the impact of social media on mental health, the role of AI, and practical strategies for managing technology use. The conversation emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, understanding generational perspectives, and using AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human connection.

About the Alliant MACC program

Accredited by CACREP, the Alliant Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling program supports you in developing skills and expertise in professional counseling, diagnosing, treating, and guiding individuals and groups as they work to overcome disability, grow, and embrace change. As you progress through the program, you can gain 700 hours of valuable, hands-on experience counseling individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, loss, anger management, infidelity, and other issues.

The MACC program prepares you to earn your California Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) credentials by providing the tools you need to enter this rewarding field.

About Dr. Cheryl Fisher

Cheryl Fisher, PhD, NCC, LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and counselor-educator with 30 years of clinical and educational experience with individuals, families, and children. She is a certified trauma professional and an abuse and domestic violence specialist with extensive clinical experience working with trauma survivors of all ages. Dr. Fisher has a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis in the integration of psychology and spirituality, and an M.S. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola University Maryland.

About Dr. Jason Branch

Dr. Jason Branch has almost 20 years of experience in the mental health and counseling profession. Dr. Branch has worked in higher education, community and agency mental health centers, city government, and substance abuse treatment facilities. Dr. Branch is an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a National Board for Certified Counselor (NBCC) Minority Fellow (2016). He is also a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC), a consultant, and a counselor educator. Dr. Branch obtained a dual degree in psychology and sociology from the University of West Alabama. He completed his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Branch earned his doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision from Auburn University.

About CSPP

Founded in 1969 as one of the nation’s first free-standing schools of professional psychology, CSPP has educated thousands of students who are now working professionals in clinical psychology, couples and family therapy, social work, and organizational psychology. Our degree programs prepare the next generation of mental health professionals and advocates to help improve access to quality care in every community.

CSPP is also well known for our powerful connections to the field of psychology and highly regarded faculty and alumni, both past and present. CSPP has a legacy of academic excellence and supporting a multicultural, diverse culture.