果冻视频

Dr. Jonathan Ricks believes the most effective counselors see people not as problems to solve, but as individuals with strengths, experiences and the capacity to grow.

That philosophy has guided his work with graduate students in UNC Pembroke鈥檚 Counseling department for nearly a decade, shaping how future school counselors, play therapists and clinical mental health professionals serve children, families and communities across the region.

Now, Ricks鈥� commitment to empathy, authenticity and human connection has earned national recognition.

Ricks, associate professor and program director for School Counseling and Play Therapy in UNCP Counseling , recently received the Humanistic Counselor Educator/Supervisor Award from the . The award was presented during the organization鈥檚 annual conference in New Orleans.

The national honor recognizes counselor educators who demonstrate a clear humanistic philosophy through teaching, advising, supervision and mentoring while making a positive impact on the development of students and new professionals in the counseling field.

Ricks believes the award reflects the values that have shaped his career as a counselor and educator.

鈥淚t is important to me to see my students as whole people instead of just as students or counselors in training,鈥� Ricks said. 鈥淭he award recognizes my beliefs and my emphasis on genuine relationships, empathy, authenticity and respect for people. Those qualities are really at the heart of the counseling profession, but also counselor education and supervision.鈥�

Since joining the faculty in 2017, Ricks has taught graduate students in school counseling, play therapy and clinical mental health counseling while helping prepare future professionals to address the growing mental health needs of schools and communities throughout southeastern North Carolina.

Among his greatest sources of pride is watching students from the region return to serve the communities they call home.

鈥淚鈥檓 proud that I have had a part in preparing counselors and play therapists to work in schools and communities,鈥� Ricks said. 鈥淚 am prouder that they are students from our region, learn and work hard and grow, then return to serve our region. It gives me the drive to continue to support and do what I do.鈥�

Dr. Tracy Mulvaney, dean of the School of Education , said Ricks exemplifies the department鈥檚 commitment to preparing highly skilled counselors.

鈥淭his national recognition is a reflection of Dr. Ricks鈥� unwavering commitment to his students and the counseling profession,鈥� Mulvaney said. 鈥淗e leads with empathy, authenticity and a genuine desire to help others grow. His impact extends far 果冻视频 the classroom, as he prepares future counselors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across our region.鈥�

Ricks views the award as a reflection of the people who have contributed to his professional journey.

鈥淚 was honored to receive the award, especially on a national level,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut I was even more excited that it puts UNCP, my students and my colleagues out there to show that we are doing great things and training professional counselors at our university.鈥�

Ricks hopes students leave his classroom remembering one lesson.

鈥淚 want them to remember the counseling skills and theories,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut most importantly, I want them to remember that when they are with a student or client, they are one human connecting with another human 鈥� and that connection is what matters most.鈥�