Sue W. Lucas

Associate Professor of Psychology, Director of Family Psychology Program
325-670-1538
Cynthia Ann Parker College of Liberal Arts
Psychology
slucas@hsutx.edu

I joined the HSU Family Psychology Department in 2001 and teach both undergraduate and graduate courses. In addition, I supervise our graduate students in the Family Psychology Master's Program. My current areas of interest include: adolescent and adult development; training/supervision of counselors-in-training; and the use of the MBTI in areas of career decision-making, relationship-enhancement, spirituality development and stress management.

I attended Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, and received my Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology. I completed my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1986, preceded by a year-long internship at the Student Counseling Service (SCS) at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. My doctoral dissertation centered around my interest in adolescent and adult development and was entitled: The Influence of Family Structure on Identity Development in Adolescent Girls: A Comparison of Girls Raised in Dual-Career and Traditional Family Structures.

Since receiving my doctoral degree, I have worked exclusively with college students at several different universities, providing therapy to some students while teaching others in various undergraduate and graduate psychology courses. Throughout these past fifteen years, I have continued to experience a sense of anticipation with the beginning of each new semester and, as well, have remained grateful for having such a wonderful job!

As a teacher, I believe one of the most important aspects of this profession is the relationship that is established between teacher and student. When there is a mutual connection between student and teacher-one characterized by respect, regard, and commitment-subsequent learning is significantly enhanced. I also strive to engage each student in the process of uncovering the wonders inherent in the field of psychology, regardless of their expressed major. To me, it is in understanding the foundations of psychology that we all are enabled to truly live out the plan that has been fashioned for each one of us by our loving Creator. As a psychologist, I understand the therapeutic change process through the lenses of the family systems and relational models. From the family systems perspective, I strive to facilitate clients' growth by enhancing their understanding of the roles, behaviors, and expectations that have been placed upon them during their formative years. I believe it is often these roles/rules, behaviors and expectations that keep clients "stuck" in pain and confusion. I also believe that in order for clients to change during the course of therapy, a trusting relationship must exist between therapist and client. Only with such a working alliance can clients feel empowered to risk becoming vulnerable and open-two essential aspects that must be present if change and growth are to occur during therapy.

I have been blessed with three grown sons who are married to three fantastic young women and live in Austin and Dallas. In addition, I have five wonderful grandchildren (four grandsons and one granddaughter), whose ages range from three months to ten years. There is an awful lot of activity in these homes, as you might imagine! My hobbies and interests outside the classroom include reading, photography, collecting angels and hymnals, and watching basketball during March Madness. I am also a flutist and enjoy playing in church and performing with various chamber groups. I am a member of 1st Central Presbyterian Church in Abilene and enjoy attending Bible studies, participating in small group and retreat activities, and providing visitation to members currently in local hospitals.