I am a mental health counselor in private practice and a lecturer committed to the growth and development of future counselors. Through my telehealth practice, I serve clients across South Dakota, with a focus on culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. I am especially passionate about working with Indigenous clients, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and underserved populations..
Teaching allows me to stay grounded in current research and best practices while sharing real-world insights from my clinical work. Likewise, my time in the classroom sharpens my counseling skills by keeping me connected to emerging perspectives and the curiosity of new professionals entering the field. I believe the relationship between teaching and counseling is reciprocal—each makes the other stronger.
In my teaching, I strive to create inclusive, reflective learning environments where students are challenged to grow both personally and professionally. I emphasize cultural humility, ethical practice, and community-centered healing in all aspects of counselor education. Whether in the classroom or in session, my goal is always to hold space for people’s stories, strengths, and resilience.
- Bachelor's: Colorado State University- Human Development and Family Studies
- Master's: South Dakota State University- Counseling
- Doctorate: Adams State University- Counselor Education and Supervision
“The only thing that I know is that anyone who wants to learn will learn. And maybe a teacher is a facilitator, a person who puts things down and shows people how exciting and wonderful it is and asks them to eat.” — Carl Rogers
Philosophy
My philosophy of teaching in counselor education is rooted in student-centered, creative, ethical, interactive, and genuine practices. I believe students bring immense value to the learning environment through their skills, experiences, and identities. The learning process is enriched when students are active contributors, co-creating knowledge in collaboration with each other and their instructor.
Values
I value fostering a safe, inclusive environment where students feel supported in developing the skills necessary for professional counseling. Recognizing the diversity of student experiences and learning styles, I strive to ensure all voices are honored. Ethical behavior and authenticity are core values I model and expect from my students, both in and out of the classroom.
Instruction
I believe students learn best in environments that promote exploration, discovery, application, and growth. I incorporate creativity and playfulness into my teaching, encouraging curiosity while adapting to students’ needs and the subject matter. While Humanistic Learning Theory informs my approach, I remain flexible in my methods. I use clear learning objectives to guide instruction through lectures, discussions, group work, case studies, role plays, creative expression, writing, and feedback. Students are expected to engage actively with course material and with one another.
Classroom Environment
I aim to model and promote ethical and professional behavior, approaching all students with respect and genuineness. I am committed to creating a culturally responsive classroom that is sensitive to diverse identities and abilities. Social justice and advocacy are essential components of my teaching, and I encourage students to bring their cultural perspectives into class discussions, assignments, and shared expectations.
Student Evaluation
Student progress is assessed through a combination of feedback, activities, and assignments. I believe in the value of continuous and multi-source feedback—students will receive input from me, their peers, and through guided self-reflection. Students needing additional support are encouraged to meet with me individually to develop strategies for deeper understanding and success.
I am currently working on research related to Posttraumatic Growth in Counselors. Past research includes understanding the barriers Indigenous counselors-in-training face when in their graduate counseling programs.
- Virtual Intake and Rapport Building Colorado Counseling Association 2021
- Evan Woodall, EDS, LPCS
- Lena Abourezk, MS, LPC-MH, NCC
- Starting Your Private Practice, South Dakota State University, March 2021
- Lena Abourezk, MS, LPC-MH, NCC
- Dr. Lisbeth Leagjeld, PhD, LPC-MH, LCPC, NCC
- Counseling Indigenous Clients
- Lena Abourezk, PhD, LPC-MH, ACS, NCC
- Adams State University Chi Sigma Iota
- North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference
- South Dakota Counseling Association Conference (with Jordon Mendoza)
- NBCC Global Conference and NCNBCC Counselors
- South Dakota State University CPETE
- Indigenous Counselors-in-Training: Barriers experienced in their Graduate Counseling Programs
- South Dakota Higher Education Association Conference (with Jordon Mendoza)
- American Counseling Association
- Association for Counselor Educators and Supervision
- Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society International
- North Central Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors
- South Dakota Association of Counselor Educators and Supervisors
- South Dakota Counseling Association
- South Dakota Native American Counselors Association
- South Dakota West River Counseling Association