Karen Herzel

Professor of Counseling

Education

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Regent University

Biography

Prior to becoming a part of CIU’s School of Counseling programs, I spent numerous years in private education as a tutor, musician, copy editor, and homeschool educator, and adjunct faculty. I have masters degrees in psychology, music therapy, and clinical counseling, and a PhD in counselor education and supervision. I love integrating clinical counseling and music therapy in Christ-centered service and education.

My hobbies include spending time with God and family, music, hiking, gardening, reading, and travel. I am an eternal optimist, and love being a part of God’s great adventure. Something I try to pass along to others is that God’s love, mercy, grace, and faithfulness are indeed new every morning, and learning to trust His truths and walk in His ways will bring joy in the journey in the midst of it all.

Selected Publications & Presentations

Presentations:

Herzel, K. L., Kinney, N., & Stuhlreyer, S. (2025, March 22). Support for Christians with Same-Sex Attraction who choose Celibacy. Conference presentation for 2025 CAPS International Conference.
Herzel, K. L. (2024, April 12). Mental health for celibate gay Christians [Webinar]. Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender, Dr. Greg Coles, host. https://www.centerforfaith.com
Herzel, K. L., Solomon, S., & Stuhlreyer, S. (2021). MAG Presents: Caring for those who give the Most: Military Suicide Prevention. State Farm Corporate Military Affinity Group Corporate-wide Presentation, November 2021.
Herzel, K. L., & Jenkins, A. (2021). Team Up: Counselors and Music Therapists in Collaborative Treatment for Military Trauma. Conference presentation for 2021 ICA Southern Region Virtual Conference, March 2021.
Herzel, K. L., & Jenkins, A. (2021). Team Up: Counselors & Music Therapists for Military Trauma. Conference presentation for 2021 ACA Virtual Conference, April 2021.
Herzel, K. L. (2020). Partnering with the Wonderful Counselor. Forum presentation: Regent University Chapter of American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) Fall 2020 Forum.

Publications:

Herzel, K. L. (2023). PhD Dissertation. Perceived mental health protective factors of celibate gay Christians. Regent University.
Herzel, K. L. (2010). MS Thesis. Program evaluation of music therapy: Social joint attention behaviors in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorders. Illinois State University.
Hourihan, T., Harris, S. M., & Herzel, K. L. (2021). Emerging adults and the quarter-life crisis (pp. 155-184). In C. R. Williams and T. Hourihan (Eds.), Career, Lifestyle, and Spiritual Development: Work, Purpose, Calling, and God (2nd ed.). Cognella.
Williams, C. R., Hourihan, T., & Herzel, K. L. (2021). Modern career counseling theory (pp. 61-84). In C. R. Williams and T. Hourihan (Eds.), Career, Lifestyle, and Spiritual Development: Work, Purpose, Calling, and God (2nd ed.). Cognella.

Recognitions & Awards

Awarded: Springfield Association of the Arts Artists in Residence, Spring 2013/2014
Invited: Grammy Foundation, Music Theatre Program for Special Needs Youth, Spring 2015