757-352-4296
How it Started:
The Research Team
The Family CARS training was one of a group of research studies (https://www.spiritualandreligiouscompetenciesproject.com/)
funded by the Templeton Foundation, through a grant administrated by University of South Alabama and Stetson University. Current research groups are from McClean Hospital of Harvard Medical School, Stanford University, Penn State University, Spalding University and others. We are grateful to Templeton Foundation and University of South Alabama/ Stetson University for funding our research.
Meet Our Team
Jim Sells, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Sells is a Professor of Counselor Education at Regent University. He is the co-director of the Charis Institute at Regent University. He has published dozens of articles, several books, and over 100 presentations with specific expertise in religion and couple therapy. He was the recipient of over $400,000 in grant funding to implement couple counseling through churches in China, funded by Templeton Foundation, and the Moffitt Family Foundation. His role is co-principal investigator.
Job Chen, Ph.D. Co-Principal Investigator
Dr. Chen is an Associate Professor at School of Nursing, and an affiliate faculty at Health Psychology. He received
his PhD in Psychology and a Master’s in Mathematics from the University of Oregon, after completing a Master’s degree in Psychology of Religion from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. His research interests are
broadly in the psychology of religion and spirituality, health and wellbeing, and applied quantitative methods. With collaborators in Tibet, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Germany, UK, Ghana,
South Africa, Colombia, and the US, he has studied and published on mysticism, spirituality and wellbeing, positive psychology, and beliefs and values.
Vanessa Kent, Ph.D. Co-Investigator
Dr. Kent is a Counselor Educator professor at Regent University. As a seasoned clinician of over 20 years, Vanessa served as clinical director in various agencies, as well as developed supervisory training programs. She is both licensed as a professional counselor supervisor and AAMFT marriage and family supervisor, making her a sought-after supervisor for those seeking dual licenses. Her passion is working with couples, families and women’s issues, using her training in attachment theory,
Emotionally Focused Therapy, EMDR and trauma-focused interventions.
Logan Hummel, Research Assistant
Logan is a second-year student in the Clinical Psychology doctoral program at Regent University. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Baylor University, with a minor in Child and Family Studies. Her research interests include the functioning of families as a unit, integrating religion and spirituality with clinical work, and child psychology.
Sarah Haught, Research Assistant
Sarah is a second year doctoral student in the PsyD program at Regent University and received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Hillsdale College. Her interests include faith integration and mindfulness techniques, and she is active in the Charis Institute, Society for Christian Accommodative Treatment and Programs, and the Hope Couples Clinic research team.
