Heather Pendleton-Helm

Faculty

Interim Dean and Professor

Email heather.helm@unco.edu
Phone 970-351-1630
Location McKee 124
portrait of Heather Pendleton-Helm

Education

  • Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision; University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (CACREP accredited)
  • M.A. in Counseling, Mental Health Track; University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS (CACREP accredited)
  • B.S. in Psychology; Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Professional Experience & Affiliations

  • 2018-Present: Interim Director, UNC Counseling Center
  • 2014-Present: Professor, University of Northern Colorado: Teaching, Research, and Service
  • 2009-2014: Associate Professor, University of Northern Colorado: Teaching, Research, and Service
  • 2004-2009: Assistant Professor, University of Northern Colorado: Teaching, Research, and Service
  • 2001-2004: Therapist and Supervisor, University Counseling Center: Counseling and Supervision
  • 2001-2004: Counselor/Research and Grants Coordinator, Oxford Play Therapy Training Institute: Counseling, Supervision and Research

Research Expertise & Interests

  • Adolescent Aggression
  • Attachment
  • Campus Connections
  • Imposter Syndrome
  • Play Therapy Outcome Research
  • Play Therapy Supervision
  • The Doctoral Student Experience
  • Trauma Reenactment and Secondary Trauma
  • Supervision

Publications

  • Rose, J., Helm, H., Critchlow, C. (submitted). The impact of death anxiety on counselors’-in-training efficacy with substance use populations. Journal of Death and Dying.
  • Weingartner, A., Helm, H., Murdock, J. (2024). A CACREP accreditation simulation: Career intervention and preparation for doctoral students. Teaching Practice Briefs, 4, 40-49.
  • Strear, M., Murdock, J., & Helm, H. (2018). CACREP accreditation simulation: Transformative learning in counselor education. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision.
  • Clemens, E., Helm, H., Myers, K., Thomas, C., & Tis, M. (2017). The voices of youth formerly in foster care: Perspectives on the educational attainment gap. Children and Youth Services Review, 79, 65-77.
  • Lamar, M., Helm, H. (2017). Understanding the researcher identity development of counselor education and supervision doctoral students. Counselor Education and Supervision, 56, 2-18.
  • Stutey, D.M., Helm, H., LoSasso, H., & Kreider, H. (2016). Play therapy and photo-elicitation: A narrative examination of children’s grief. International Journal of Play Therapy, 25(3), 154-165.
  • Williams, A., Helm, H., Clemens, E. (2012). Examining the effect of therapist, work, and supportive factors on vicarious traumatization. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 34 (2), 133-153.
  • Helm, H., O’Halloran, S., & Kahlo, D. (2010). Funding training clinics. In A. K. Mobley & J. E. Myers. Developing and maintaining counselor education laboratories (2nd edition). Alexandria, VA: Association of Counselor Education and Supervision.
  • Helm, H., Drewes, A., & Stewart, A. (2010). Clinical play therapy supervision. International Association for Play Therapy E-Learning Institute. Association for Play Therapy E-Journal.

Honors & Awards

  • Lucille M. Harris Award, University of Northern Colorado, 2019
  • Outstanding Service Provider, College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, 2019
  • National Service Award, International Association for Play Therapy, October, 2009
  • Provost Award, Teaching Excellence in Graduate Education, University of Northern Colorado, May 2009
  • Outstanding Teacher, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, May 2007