Daniel Gutierrez, Ph.D., LPC, CSAC
Dr. Daniel Gutierrez is a professor in the Department of Counseling and Special Education. He is also a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Substance Abuse Counselor, and a fellow of the American Counseling Association. His research draws on his clinical experience working with underserved communities. He is motivated by a belief in the potential for research to be a pathway that supports positive social transformation. The mission of his research efforts has been to better understand the factors and pathways by which historically marginalized, vulnerable, and at-risk individuals thrive in response to chronic stress, systemic injustices and life challenges, for the purpose of helping develop a more just, healthy, hopeful and flourishing society. This research mission has led to two distinct but overlapping lines of research: 1) the development of cross-cultural, evidence-based mental health strategies for fostering individual and community thriving; and 2) an exploration of contemplative practices and spirituality as catalysts for self and social transformation.