I hold advanced degrees in mental health, and have worked as a clinical psychologist, serving the mentally ill who were either adjudicated or awaiting adjudication based on crimes committed that were associated with their mental illness. Additionally, I have counseled women dealing with issues associated with domestic and childhood sexual abuse, children and adults in the context of individual and family therapy, along with veterans dealing with homelessness and substance abuse. I hail from Alaska, having grown up in Anchorage. My love of nature and the outdoors birthed early during my Alaska years, and remains a vital component to my character and wellbeing. Since leaving Alaska in 1995, I have lived in southern and northern California, and now reside close to the capital of Idaho. Presently, I involve myself in activism including issues associated with social justice, the environment, and homelessness. I serve on a board for a non-profit that offers an international home school program along with staff who train and support educators, families, and students primarily in rural Alaska and Montana communities. Additionally, I serve as an adjunct teaching coursework that deals with issues of addiction along with law, ethics and legal reporting.
University Email: diane.ryssel@sofia.edu
Pronouns (optional): she/her
Research Interests (Ph.D. Faculty):
- Issues of trauma
- Addiction along with a completed dissertation topic of the Impact of Childhood Incest on God Image
Education:
- Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University
- Master of Arts Degree from Azusa Pacific University
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from Biola University
