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.

Dr. Jason Branch and Dr. Cheryl Fisher delve into the complexities of trauma and its far-reaching effects on individuals and communities in this episode of Inside the Session. They explore the definitions of trauma, the impact of the pandemic as a collective trauma, and the concept of intergenerational trauma. Through engaging analogies, such as the house and the backpack, they illustrate how trauma manifests in our lives and the importance of self-awareness and therapy in the healing process. The conversation also touches on the roots of racism and privilege, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and understanding in addressing these issues. Ultimately, the episode serves as a call to action for listeners to confront their own traumas and embark on a journey of healing and liberation.

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.