Course overview

Mentorship is a powerful tool in counselor education for promoting resilience, reducing burnout, and fostering the development of a strong professional identity. These qualities are especially critical within distance learning programs, where students may experience heightened isolation, reduced opportunities for informal connection, and unique challenges balancing academic, personal, and professional roles. Without intentional relational support, students can struggle to maintain motivation, persistence, and a sense of belonging within their programs.

This presentation explores the central role of mentorship in supporting student success and well-being, with particular attention to culturally responsive and equity-focused practices that address systemic barriers in counselor education. Presenters will draw on Relational-Cultural Theory to highlight the importance of growth-fostering relationships, as well as the Theory of Resilience and Relational Load to examine how emotional dynamics and shared meaning strengthen mentoring relationships and promote sustainable resilience.

Special attention will be given to the complexities of cross-race mentorship, which is an increasingly common but often underexplored dynamic in counselor education. Presenters will discuss strategies for addressing potential power imbalances, navigating cultural differences, and fostering authentic dialogue that validates diverse lived experiences. Attention will also be given to the opportunities cross-race mentorship create for modeling cultural humility, strengthening equity, and broadening perspectives for both mentors and mentees.

Finally, emphasis will be placed on practical strategies for implementing mentorship in both traditional and virtual environments. Attendees will leave with research-informed insights and actionable approaches for strengthening inclusive mentorship practices across teaching, supervision, and gatekeeping roles.

 Learning Objectives:

  1. Describe how mentoring relationships promote resilience, reduce burnout, and support professional identity development in counselor education.
  2. Identify strategies for creating mentoring relationships that are culturally responsive, promote equity, and foster belonging among diverse student populations.
  3. Apply theoretical frameworks such as Relational-Cultural Theory and the Theory of Resilience and Relational Load to understand mentorship dynamics in teaching, supervision, and gatekeeping contexts.

Course curriculum

    1. Webinar Video: Fostering Resilience and Belonging Through Mentorship in Counselor Education

    2. Webinar Quiz

    3. Webinar Evaluation

About this course

  • Free
  • Certificate Available
  • NBCC 1.5 CE Hours

Laura E. Fite M.A. LPC

Laura Fite is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands. She received her MA in counseling at Regent University. For the past 22 years, she has been counseling couples and individuals online and in person using EMDR and attachment-based theory. She is an adjunct instructor at Grand Canyon University in the Department of Behavioral Health Sciences. She is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, working on the mentorship committee, advocating for mentorship in the university setting. Research interests include contemplative practices for resilience, somatic disorders, wellness in counselor educators, and the relationship between women’s health and mental health.

Jessica F. Landaverde, M.A., LPC, NCC

Jessica Landaverde is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas and National Certified Counselor pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands. She provides trauma-informed therapy to children, adolescents, and adults at the Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center, where she also serves as the Clinical Director, integrating ACT, TF-CBT, and EMDR into her practice. Jessica is active in counselor education, serving as a teaching assistant and on the mentorship committee for Chi Sigma Iota, with a passion for supporting the development of compassionate, competent counselors and advocating for rural mental health access.

Peter J. Stern M.A. LPC

Peter J. Stern is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 31 years of experience providing mental health services across diverse settings. Specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused approaches, Peter works with children, adolescents, adults, elders, and families to help them navigate emotional challenges, build coping strategies, and enhance overall well-being. Since 1998, Peter served as a psychotherapist with Reading Hospital Tower Health Medical Group, where he provided individual, family, and group therapy, supervises and mentors fellow clinicians, and ensures high standards of care and documentation in compliance with state and federal regulations. His work has included both traditional clinical settings and school-based counseling. Since December 2024, he has worked as a psychotherapist for LifeStance Health. In addition to his clinical practice, Peter taught undergraduate and graduate psychology courses for nearly two decades at Pennsylvania State University and Alvernia University, covering topics such as Introduction to Psychology, Health and Wellness, and Research Design. He has also worked in community mental health and vocational rehabilitation, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving competitive employment. Peter is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands, with an expected graduation in 2027. His academic achievements include a 4.0 GPA in his Master’s program at Immaculata University and recognition as a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Academic Honor Society. In 2023, he earned second place in the American Counseling Association’s Doctoral Level Ethics Writing Challenge. Known for his empathy, critical thinking, and authenticity, Peter is deeply committed to empowering clients, supporting colleagues, and advancing the counseling profession.