Carol Parker, Ph.D., LPCC

Dr. Carol Parker, Ph.D., LPCC Counseling Program Chair, Southwestern Counseling Center Clinical Supervisor & Ecopsychology Certificate Program Director “Earth based transformational practices bring balance to the individual and healing to the community by restoring our deep relationship to Nature”

Carol began her spiritual and professional journey in 1971 when she entered graduate studies in Counseling Psychology and also found her spiritual teacher. As she deepened her knowledge and experience in the Vedic tradition of India, she also created a private practice in psychology, consulted with mental health organizations, and taught in graduate programs in several universities.

For five years Carol directed counseling centers in Alaska and Colorado. In 1995 she began studying with indigenous healers in Peru, Bolivia and the U.S., and in 2000 completed her training as a vision quest guide with the School of Lost Borders in Big Pine, California.

During the last ten years Carol has lead vision quests and spiritual treks in Peru, India, the Yukon Territory, Hawaii, Death Valley and Canyon de Chelly. Currently, she directs the Transformational Eco-Psychology Certificate Program at Southwestern College, advises graduate students at Prescott College and leads vision quests and spiritual journeys around the world. She also serves on the board of the Andean Research Institute.

Her publications include essays on wilderness and healing in “Circles on the Mountain” (a journal for wilderness guides), a monthly newspaper column on spiritual travel as well as numerous professional articles in counseling journals.

Carol’s life purpose is to help people reclaim their soul-level authenticity through deep connection with nature, and to bring this authenticity as a healing force to their families, communities and the planet.

Teaching Philosophy

Whether I am teaching a graduate course or leading a wilderness vision quest, I want students to be able to answer two questions: "What is your soul's purpose? and What gifts will you bring to your community? If  students know  the ground they stand on, and speak and act from that truth, they will transform the world. No matter what "subject" I am teaching, I find ways to shine the light on those individual and collective truths.

What students have to say about her classes

There were many experientials, which was great.  It made the class very profitable and I looked forward to this class.  And I loved Carol's down-to-earth nature. I was able to apply this class information to my life easily. Carol is a great teacher. 
- SWC student

Truly a wonderful positive caring, nurturing, honest human being. Someone I could talk with and know she truly cares for all around . . .
- Frank McDaniel

I love to participate in Carol's classes.  I always feel seen, heard, and understood. 
- Kristina March

Carol . . . lassooed my heart and loved me just as I am . . . and helped me to see that I am needed, as we all are, to bring our own special medicine back to our people. I love her for her wisdom and grace, her enthusiasm, and the hope she continues to carry . . . for a better world . . . one heart at a time . . .
- Kristina March

The instructor was amazing. I learned so much. I loved the weekend component and our walks outside. I truly reconnected with nature through this course. . .
- SWC student