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Research interests include anger as a positive and productive emotion and online XBOX videogaming as a viable resource for distance counseling.  Dr. McGinnis provides counseling services for troubled teenagers, adults, and families who struggle with anger as well as laity and religious who seek a faith-informed orientation.

Counselors and members of the community are invited to use free anger resources at

Dr. McGinnis is currently the Clinical Mental Health Track Coordinator with oversight of field experiences found in that discipline and associated coursework.  She practices as a Pastoral Counselor which means that she incorporates psychology and religion/spirituality equally in the counseling relationship with an emphasis that prioritizes the orientation of the client.  Her credentials include a B.A. in psychology with a minor in theology, an M.A. in counseling psychology, and a Ph.D. in pastoral counseling from Loyola University Maryland.  In addition to these traditional degrees, Dr. McGinnis holds a M.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Cyber Security from the University of Maryland University College (UMUC).  

• Ph.D. Pastoral Counseling (Loyola University MD)
• M.S. Counseling Psychology (Loyola University MD)
• M.S. Cybersecurity (University of Maryland University College)
• B.S. Psychology, minor in Theology (Loyola University MD)

• Professional Issues & Ethics for Counselors
• Counseling Theories
• Psychopathology and Diagnosis Across the Lifespan
• Spiritual Formation and Faith Based Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Internship I and II

Dr. McGinnis is a Pastoral Counselor which means that she incorporates psychology and religion/spirituality equally in the counseling relationship with an emphasis that prioritizes the orientation of the client. She is an ACPE Spiritually Integrated Psychotherapist (SIP) trainer and practitioner, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Approved Supervisor in the State of Maryland. Past clinical work experience has included work with teens and families, the elderly, disabled individuals, children in schools, and clients from a wide variety of ages and diagnoses. Dr. McGinnis has worked in a variety of settings that have included police headquarters, hospital environments, community and mobile clinic sites. Current work as President of the Maryland Counseling Association (MCA) has temporarily suspended her pro bono clinical work in private practice.