Rob McKinney, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Counselor Education & Director of Clinical Mental Health

Having an opportunity to work for the Department of Counselor Education was really exciting and appealing to me. I knew I wanted to work with a great group of professional educators who had teaching at the heart of what they were doing and I found that...

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Robert Mckinney

Contact Information

Education & Curriculum Vitae

Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, Kent State University

M.S., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Eastern Illinois University

M.Div., Pastoral Care and Counseling, Lincoln Christian University

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Preaching Ministry, Lincoln Christian College

Associate of Science (A.S.), General Studies, John Wood Community College

Having an opportunity to work for the Department of Counselor Education was really exciting and appealing to me. I knew I wanted to work with a great group of professional educators who had teaching at the heart of what they were doing and I found that at Gonzaga. Also, I was previously working at another Jesuit university and I greatly appreciated the Jesuit principles incorporated into higher education. Gonzaga seemed like a very natural "fit" for me. One of my professional passions is multicultural counseling considerations. I hope within my teaching, service, and research here at Gonzaga that I can share this passion in various ways with the SOE. Already I am teaching Diversity in Counselling for students in Vancouver and I hope to only increase the amount of work I can do for the SOE related to this passion. When I was younger, I wanted to be a paleontologist. I was convinced I was going to live in Montana and use a tiny chisel and toothbrush to dig up dinosaur bones. The first Jurassic Park movie came out around this time and it only added fuel to my early professional desire. I shared this early dream with a colleague a few years ago and she told me that as a counselor I can help dig up, not dinosaur bones, but buried thoughts and feelings within others.    

Manuscript Publications

  • McKinney, R., & August, M.* (2024). Experiences of CCU counselors with LGBTGEQIAP + students: Holding tensions and honoring sacredness. Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling, 18(3), 236–252.
  • August, M.,* & McKinney, R. (2023). Support for counselors at Christian colleges and universities, Interactions, 33(1), 6-7.
  • Champagne, B.,* & McKinney, R. (2022). A rollercoaster experience: Gay males pursuing couples counseling, Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling, 16(2), 130- 147. 
  • West, E., Moate, R., & McKinney, R. (2022). Novice school counselors’ role closing the achievement gap with low-income adolescents. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development.
  • McKinney, R. & Storlie, C. (2021). A narrative understanding for counselors: An inquiry into gay Christian male identity. Journal of LGBTQ Issues in Counseling, 15(4), 372-388.
  • McKinney, R. & Britton, P (2021). Coming alongside supervisees: Introducing the skillset of companioning to counselor supervision. Journal of Counselor Practice, 12(1), 24–47.
  • McCarthy, J.,* & McKinney, R. (2021, Winter). More than a mat: Infusing counseling with spirituality through yoga. Interactions, 31(2), 5-6.
  • McKinney, R., Desposito, M., & Yoon, E. (2020) Promoting identity wellness in LGBTGEQIAP+ adolescents through affirmative therapy, Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 14(3), 176-190.
  • Buchanan, L.,* & McKinney, R. (2020, Winter/Spring). What counselors need to know when working with clergy members. Interactions, 30(2-3), 10-11.
  • Kocet, M. M., Rose, J. S., Thompson, I., Flores, M., McKinney, R., & Suprina, J. S. (2019). Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Issues in Counseling’s Best Practices in Addressing Conscience Clause Legislation in Counselor Education and Supervision. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 13(1), 2-27.
  • Storlie, C., Hilton, T., McKinney, R., & Unger, D. (2018). Family career genograms: Beginning life design with exploratory students. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 27(1), 84-91.
  • McKinney, R., West, E., Fye, M., Bradley, R., & Storlie, C. (2018). Chi Sigma Iota chapter faculty advisors’ experiences of professional identity. Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy, 5(1), 56-70.
  • McKinney, R., Larson, H., Moody, A., Schwartzkopf, M., Hale, A., & Conn, S. (2014). Altruism, commitment, and leadership in high school mentors. Journal of Counseling in Illinois, 3(1), 17-26.
  • Larson, H., Kim, S., McKinney, R., Swan, A., Moody, A., Offenstein, K., German, D., & Puchalski, S. (2014). This is just a test: Overcoming high stakes test anxiety through relaxation and gum chewing when preparing for the ACT. Eastern Education Journal, 43(1), 42-55.

Book Chapters

  • McKinney, R. (2024). Choosing your giant: Mentorship in graduate education. In C. Williams & T. Mikolon (Eds.), The Making of a Mental Health Professional: Inspirational, Motivational, and Humorous Stories of Challenges, Victories, and Wisdom. Cognella Publishing.
  • McKinney, R. (2024). Leaning in: The more you put in, the more you get out. In C. Williams & T. Mikolon (Eds.), The Making of a Mental Health Professional: Inspirational, Motivational, and Humorous Stories of Challenges, Victories, and Wisdom. Cognella Publishing.
  • McKinney, R. (2018). The tale of an elephant: Trumpeting the acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in religious communities. In P. C. Miller (Ed.), Negotiating Spiritual Violence in the Queer Community. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.

Professional Papers Presented

National & International

  • Allgood, N.,* & McKinney, R. (2024, October). Counseling considerations in Greece: Identity, advocacy, and the future. Poster presentation for Chi Sigma Iota, virtual.
  • McKinney, R., Robson, M.,* Lenig, E.,* & Livingston, J.* (2024, October). Lived experiences of bisexual women in heterosexual-presenting relationships: A literature review and proposed study. Poster presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, Golden Colorado.
  • McKinney, R., Pinto, S., White, M., & Akers, W. (2024, October). From competencies to guidelines: Upcoming changes from SAIGE taskforces. Educational presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, Golden Colorado.
  • August, M.,* & McKinney, R. (2024, April). Working with LGBTQ+ student clients at Christian colleges: A phenomenological study. Poster presentation for the American Counseling Association, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • Dockery, G., Davis, T., Fulton-DeLong, B., Man, J., & McKinney, R., (2024, April). Changing times: Addressing present concerns for LGBTQ+ individuals for future success. Educational presentation for the American Counseling Association, New Orleans, Louisiana.
  • McKinney, R., August, M.,* & Lenig, E.* (2023, October). How to hook ‘em: Engaging students and supervisees with creativity and intentionality. Educational presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Denver, Colorado.
  • Schramm, M., Tapia, J., Lollar, S., & McKinney, R. (2023, October). RMACES Grad Student Louge. Panel discussion for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Denver, Colorado.
  • McKinney, R., (2023, October). Presidential address and welcome. Presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, virtual.
  • McKinney, R., & Westcott, J. (2023, September). SAIGE presidential address & town hall. Presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, online
  • Bell, T., Sierra, M., McKinney, R., & Jenkins, C. (2023, March). Inclusive representation in leadership: A call to action. Presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, Toronto, Canada.
  • McKinney, R., & Coria, M.* (2022, October). Experiences of Christian university counselors: Using leadership to develop mentorship and advocacy. Education presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, Chicago, Illinois.
  • Toscano, M., Rheineck, J., McKinney, R., & Bell, T. (2022, October). LGBTGEQIAP+ inclusivity in leadership: A panel discussion. Presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, Chicago, Illinois.
  • Michaels, K., Landrum, D., Hawkins, P., * McKinney, R. (2022, April). Examining mental health needs in aging LGBTGEQIAP+ populations. Poster presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Tjaden, S.* Gillette, A., * McKinney, R., & Ausloos, C. (2022, April). Advocacy in identity: Working with community stakeholders for LGBTGEQIAP+ youth. Poster presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • McKinney, R., Michaels, K., Landrum, D., & Kabera, P. (2021, October). Introduction to LGBTGEQIAP+ issues in counseling: A primer. Education presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, online.
  • McKinney, R., Mayers, K.,* Boyle, C.,* Champagne, B.,* & Lewis, M. (2021, April). Creative approaches to difficult situations: Speed dating style. Educational presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, virtual.
  • McKinney, R., Therthani, S., Scott, B., Ayers, J. (2021, April). Counseling considerations for transgender adolescents presenting with substance concerns. Presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, virtual.
  • McKinney, R., & Champagne, B.* (2020, October). Considerations when counseling gay males couples: It can be a rollercoaster!. Poster presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, online.
  • Flores, C., Marasco, V., Smith, H., & McKinney, R. (2020, October). LGBTGEQIAP+: How counselors can work with people across the acronym. Poster presentation for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities, online.
  • McKinney, R., & Champagne, B.* (2019, October). Professional considerations and mandates for educating future counselors on gay male couples. Presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Seattle, Washington.
  • McKinney, R., & Buchanan, L.* (2019, October). Ableism in counselor education: Creating an inclusive learning environment through electronic accessibility. Presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Seattle, Washington.
  • McKinney, R., Bennett, E., Cram, D.,* Singh, S.,* Singh, R.,* Swanson, S.,* Paulson, M.,* Brinser, H.,* Champagne, B.,* & Durstling, N.* (2019, March). Creative approaches to difficult situations: Speed dating style. Presentation for the International Family Therapy Association, Aberdeen, Scotland.
  • McKinney, R., Bennett, E., Brinser, H.,* Champagne, B.,* Cram, D.,* Singh, R.,* Singh, S.,* Paulsen, M.,* Durstling, N.,* & Swanson, S.* (2019, March). Attachment: Family therapists partnering with schools and communities. Presentation for the International Family Therapy Association, Aberdeen, Scotland.
  • McKinney, R. (2018, September). Stories in action: Counseling implications from a narrative analysis of gay Christian. Presentation for the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Issues in Counseling, Portland, Oregon.
  • McKinney, R., Desposito, M., & Yoon, E. (2018, April). Affirmative counseling as a way to promote identity wellness in LGBTQI+ adolescents. Poster presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • McKinney, R., & Storlie, C. (2018, April). From research to practice: Spiritual wellness among gay Christian males. Poster presentation from the American Counseling Association Conference, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • McKinney, R. (2018, February). Sexual and religious identity: A narrative analysis of gay Christian males. Roundtable presentation for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Baltimore, Maryland.
  • McKinney, R., & Britton, P. (2017, October). Companioning: An experiential teaching method of supervision in Counselor Education. Presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R., West, E., & Storlie, C. (2017, October). The professional counselor identity of Chi Sigma Iota chapter faculty advisors. Presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R. (2017, March). Storied-experiences of gay males’ interactions with Christianity: A narrative analysis. Poster presentation at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Tampa, Florida.
  • Storlie, C., Lara, T., & McKinney, R. (2016, June). Using career genograms to support young adult development: A grounded theory. Roundtable presentation for the National Career Development Association Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
  • Storlie, C., & McKinney, R. (2016, March). Narrative career insights: Using career genograms with exploratory students.
  • McKinney, R., West, E., & Storlie, C. (2016, March). Chapter faculty advisors’ experience of professional identity within Chi Sigma Iota. Poster presentation for the American Counseling Association Conference, Montreal, Canada.
  • McKinney, R. (2016, February). The role of religion among gay male individuals. Poster presentation for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • McKinney, R., & Ratchen, Z. (2015, October). Does location really matter?: Rural and urban health of LGBTQ. Presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • McKinney, R., & Litam, S. (2015, October). Multicultural therapeutic play: Promoting creativity within diverse groups. Presentation for the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
  • McKinney, R., Litam, S., & Akbar, N. J. (2015, February). The business of diversity in higher education: From rhetoric to reality. Diversity Panel Speaker for the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Conference, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • McKinney, R. (2015, February). Effective pedagogical strategies for multicultural counseling courses. Poster presentation at the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Atlanta, Georgia.

Regional & Local

  • McKinney, R., Allgood, N.,* & Robinson, A.* (2024, October). Measuring multicultural competency: Introducing the IDI within counselor education curriculum. Presentation for the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Whitefish, Montana.
  • Schramm, M., McKinney, R., Tapia, J., Castle, M. (2024, October). Doctoral student panel. Presentation for the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Whitefish, Montana.
  • McKinney, R. (2024, April). Helping LGBTQ+ individuals within mental health. Presentation for NAMI Spokane.
  • McKinney, R., & Lenig, E. (2024, March). Let’s talk teaching: How to hook ‘em. Presentation for Gonzaga University’s Center for Teaching and Advising.
  • McKinney, R. (2024, March). Shaping tomorrow’s mental health work: A future-focused perspective. Keynote address for Delta State University’s 42nd Annual F.E. Woodall Conference.
  • McKinney, R. (2023, September). Serving LGBTQIA+ student mental health needs. Presentation for Gonzaga University’s Health and Counseling Services.
  • McKinney, R., Coria, M.,* & Bourn, K.* (2022, October). Eating elephants and other pedagogical techniques for research and statistics courses. Presentation for the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
  • McKinney, R., Coria, M,* Destler, D., Nolte, M., & Golden, N. (2022, October). Education and advocacy through state-level leadership. Poster presentation for the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
  • Destler, D., McKinney, R., Golden, N., Nolte, M., Munson, D. (2021, June). LGBTGEQIAP+ 101. Presentation for Washington SAIGE, online.
  • McKinney, R. & Person, M. L. (2021, April). Ethics of boundaries in mental health care. Workshop presentation for Luther Community Services NW, Spokane, Washington.
  • McKinney, R., (2021, January). 8 for rel8ionship. Presentation for Gonzaga University’s Learning Assessment Day, Spokane Washington.
  • Young, M., Person, M., McKinney, R., Bennet, L., Garner, C., & Wissel, A. (2020, October). What do counselor educators do best? Presentation for the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, online.
  • McKinney, R. & Lewis, M. (2020, May). Fostering hope for academic success: Adopting a multicultural perspective. Presentation for Gonzaga University School of Education, Spokane, Washington.
  • Thompson, W. & McKinney, R. (2019, September). Identifying beliefs and values. Workshop presentation for the Ethnicity, Race, and Indigenous Peoples’ Conference, Spokane, Washington.
  • Person, M. L. & McKinney, R. (2019, April). Values in ethics. Workshop presentation for Passages Family Support, Spokane, Washington.
  • Person, M. L. & McKinney, R. (2019, April). Ethics of counseling children and families. Workshop presentation for Luther Community Services NW, Spokane, Washington.
  • Parker, M. L.* & McKinney, R. (2019, April). A social justice approach to disability in higher education. Presentation for the Institute for Hate Studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Washington.
  • Vasiloff, N., Tappa, C., & McKinney, R. (2018, November). Managing student mental health aboard: Experiences from the field. Presentation for study aboard faculty leaders at Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington.
  • McKinney, R. (2018, October). Supervision: Discussing the Integration of Clients' Sexual and Religious Identities with Supervisees. Presentation for the Western Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Santa Rosa, California.
  • McKinney, R., & Storlie, C. (2016, October). Illuminating and educating on intrapersonal spiritual conflict with gay males. Presentation for the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Bloomington, Minnesota.
  • McKinney, R. (2017, April). Storied-experiences of gay males’ interactions with Christianity: A narrative analysis. Poster presentation for the Graduate Research Symposium, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
  • McKinney, R., & Walker, T. (2017, January). Professionalism in the workplace. Presentation for Towpath Trail High School, Akron, Ohio.
  • Storlie, C., McKinney, R., & Giegerich, V. (2016, October). Examining counselor’s development through conceptual metaphors. Presentation for the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, Bloomington, Minnesota.
  • McKinney, R. (2016, April). The role of religion among gay male individuals. Poster presentation for the Graduate Research Symposium, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
  • Storlie, C., & McKinney, R. (2015, November). What is counseling? Presentation for Heritage Middle School, Painesville, Ohio.
  • Storlie, C., & McKinney, R. (2015, October). Understanding the impact of culture and poverty on career development. Presentation for the Auburn Career Center, Painsville, Ohio.
  • Litam, S., & McKinney, R. (2015, June). Creativity in counseling. Presentation for the Association of Humanistic Counseling Conference, Cleveland, Ohio.
  • McKinney, R., & Ratchen, Z. (2015, April). Does location really matter?: Rural and urban health of LGBTQ. Presentation for the Graduate Research Symposium, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
  • McKinney, R., Litam, S., & Fye, M. (2015, April). Multicultural therapeutic play: Promoting creativity within diverse groups. Presentation for the Graduate Research Symposium, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
  • Mostade, J., & McKinney, R. (2015, February). Family diversity: Understanding it & working with it. Workshop presentation for Belfair JCB, Cleveland, Ohio.
  • McGlothlin, J., Miller, J., & McKinney, R. (2015, February). Assessing suicidality to avoid malpractice and ensure client care. Workshop presentation for continuing education of counselors, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
  • Larson, H., German, D., McKinney, R., Moody, A., Carrell, C., Novak, J., Adade, G., & Miller, R. (2014, November). B.I.O.N.I.C.(believe it or not I care): A mentoring program changing students’ lives and the school culture. Presentation for the Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Schaumberg, Illinois
  • Larson, H., McKinney, R., Moody, A., & German, D. (2014, November). Creating community within group counseling master students. Poster presentation for the Illinois Counseling Association Conference, Schaumberg, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R., (2014, September). Introduction to assessment and diagnosis. Presentation for Orientation to Mental Health Counseling, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
  • McKinney, R., Leasher, T., Christina, L. (2014, May). Addressing LGBT multicultural issues in counseling. Panel discussion presentation for Cross-Cultural Counseling, Eastern Illinois University, Parkland Community College Cohort, Champaign, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R., Larson, H., Moody, A., Swan, A., Puchalski, S., & Offenstein, K. (2014, April). Test anxiety interventions for adolescents preparing for the ACT: Gum chewing and relaxation strategies. Poster presentation at Graduate Student Exposition, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
  • Swan, A., McKinney, R., Moody, A., & Lucas, S. (2014, April). Counselor education supervision facilitated by master’s level graduate students: Exploring self-efficacy of first-year counseling students. Poster presentation at Graduate Student Exposition, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
  • Moody, A., McKinney, R., Schwartzkopf, M., Hale, A., & Larson, H. (2014, April). B.I.O.N.I.C.: An analysis of a high school student mentoring program. Poster presentation at Graduate Student Exposition, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
  • Moody, A., McKinney, R., Schwartzkopf, M., Hale, A., & Larson, H. (2014, April). B.I.O.N.I.C.: An analysis of a high school student mentoring program. Presentation for the Illinois School Counseling Association Conference, Springfield, Illinois.
  • Larson, H., Moody, A., McKinney, R., Hale, A., & Schwartzkopf, M. (April 2014). Behaviors, Warning Signs, & Realities in Children’s lives today: What new teachers should look out for. Presentation for EIU Educators, Charleston, Illinois.
  • Moody, A., McKinney, R., Schwartzkopf, M., Hale, A., & Larson, H. (2014, March). B.I.O.N.I.C.: An analysis of a high school student mentoring program. Presentation for the Illinois Counseling Association Southern Conference, Collinsville, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R., Larson, H., Moody, A., Swan, A., Puchalski, S., & Offenstein, K. (2014, March). Test anxiety interventions for adolescents preparing for the ACT: Gum chewing and relaxation strategies. Presentation at Illinois Counseling Association Southern Conference, Collinsville, Illinois.
  • Williams, R., Yoder, A., McKinney, R., & Madlem, H. (2014, March). What language do they play in?: Multicultural considerations for play therapists. Presentation at Illinois Counseling Association Southern Conference, Collinsville, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R., Larson, H., Moody, A., Swan, A., Puchalski, S., & Offenstein, K. (2014, February). Test anxiety interventions for adolescents preparing for the ACT: Gum chewing and relaxation strategies. Poster presentation at the 17th Annual College of Education and Professional Studies Research Fair, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
  • Moody, A., McKinney, R., Schwartzkopf, M., Hale, A., & Larson, H. (2014, February). B.I.O.N.I.C.: An analysis of a high school student mentoring program. Poster presentation at the 17th Annual College of Education and Professional Studies Research Fair, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
  • Swan, A., McKinney, R., Moody, A., & Lucas, S. (2014, February). Counselor education supervision facilitated by master’s level graduate students: Exploring self-efficacy of first-year counseling students. Poster presentation at the 17th Annual College of Education and Professional Studies Research Fair, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois.
  • McKinney, R. (2014, January). B.I.O.N.I.C.: A high-school mentoring program. Presentation at Parkland College, Champaign, Illinois.