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Patrzalek, Kaitlin
FIXED-TERM FACULTY
Biography
Dr. Kaitlin Patrzalek completed her Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Spanish, Communications & Theatre from Saginaw Valley State University, Master of Arts in School and Community Mental Health Counseling from Oakland University, and Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Education and Supervision from Oakland University. Dr. Patrzalek originally taught PreK-12th grade students in both public and private education systems before transitioning to counseling private practice. Within private practice, Dr. Patrzalek has had the pleasure of working with individuals, couples and families ages 3+ on issues pertaining to trauma, mood disorders, behavioral issues, relational issues, educational/vocational concerns and wellness counseling in addition to serving in supervisory and administrative roles. Furthermore, Dr. Patrzalek has held appointments as an adjunct professor for both Oakland University and Central Michigan University and is looking forward to transitioning to a full-time, fixed-term position here at Central this fall. Dr. Patrzalek enjoys teaching experiential classes such as Counseling Skills and Internship, as well as theory-based courses such as Professional Orientation & Ethics, Counseling Children & Adolescents, and Career Counseling. Dr. Patrzalek's academic research interests center on ecotherapy and subsets in mental health counseling and education throughout the lifespan.
More about Kaitlin Patrzalek
Publications & Presentations
Patrzalek, K. (2026). The natural roots of regulation: A qualitative phenomenological study of kindergarten-eighth grade nature-based schools and their perceived effects on self-regulation and wellness (Publication No. 32447515) [Doctoral dissertation, Oakland University]. Proquest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Just Add Nature: Planting the Seeds of Ecotherapy in Schools (Oral Presentation; March 21st, 2026)
Let's Get Outside!: Creative Ecotherapy Interventions for Kids & Teens (Oral Presentation; November 7th, 2025)
Credentials, Certifications & Awards
PhD, LPC, NCC, ACS, SCL, CHAIS, CCTP-II, CIMHP
Graduate of a CACREP accredited counseling program.
Education
Oakland University (Rochester Hills, MI)- Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision (2026)
Oakland University (Rochester Hills, MI)- Master of Arts in School and Community Mental Health Counseling (2019)
Saginaw Valley State University (University Center, MI)- Bachelor of Arts in K-12 Spanish Education, 6-12 Communications & Theatre (2014)
Research Interests
Investigations focusing on evidence-based development and application of holistic theory and interventions for ecotherapy and its subsets in mental health counseling & education throughout the lifespan.
Membership in Professional Organizations
American Counseling Association (ACA)
ACA: Association for Creativity in Counseling Division (ACC)
ACA: Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling (ACAC)
American School Counseling Association (ASCA)
Association For Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Honorary Society (CSI)
Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association (MMCHA)
Oakland Counseling Association (OCA)
Current Licenses/Certifications Held
Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Michigan
License Number: 6401019786
Expiration Date: 09/09/2028
Standard Teaching Certificate, State of Michigan
Endorsements: School Counseling (NT), K-12 Spanish (FF), 6-12 Speech (BD)
License Number: PV0000000866285
Expiration Date: 06/30/2031
Courses Taught
CED 610- Career Counseling
CED 630- Professional Orientation and Ethics
CED 651- Child and Adolescent Counseling
CED 660- Counseling Techniques
CED 665- Personal and Professional Development Across the Lifespan
CED 679- Crisis and Trauma Counseling
CED 690- Counseling Practicum
CED 691- Internship
CED 695- Research in Counseling
CED 699- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
