Denise Senter

“Building trusting relationships: the key to successful living” is my motto for the way I enjoy serving clients in my practice.  My name is Denise Senter. I am a licensed clinician with extensive experience serving adults and families with young children and/or adolescents. With over 25 years in practice, I enjoy helping others to be creative in resolving what can seem to be complex issues, while providing effective solution focused interventions.  I provide both brief therapy as well as long term, more psychodynamic work. I have extensive experience in these areas: 

• mood disorders,
• behavioral problems in home and/or school
• marital difficulty
• premarital counseling
• trauma, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, physical abuse
• attachment difficulties in children and adults
• infant and toddler mental health
• spirituality and faith
• cultural awareness and cross-cultural competency
• clinical support to graduate students, staff and providers of social services and educational institutions
• athletic and professional sports consultation
• pastoral support to church staff and ministers

My background includes the following: Upon completing coursework in Applied Social Psychology in 1984, I entered and completed a two year internship with the Raines Pastoral Counseling Center.  During that internship, I began a counseling center at Light of the World Christian Church in partnership with the Raines Pastoral Counseling Center.  For ten years, I provided assessment and counseling services in association with psychologist, Dr. Herbert Henry, ending in 2003. I then decided to enter the Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Christian Theological Seminary, graduating Magna cum Laude in 1996.  

Since 1999, I have been in private practice associated with Karis Klassen’s group, now known as the 921 Group.  From 2004 -2011 I served as the Coordinator for the Rookie Success Program (formerly known as the Conduct Management Program) for the National Football League, with the Indianapolis Colts.  I continue to serve as a clinical consultant with the National Football League.

As a trainer to providers of various professions, I enjoy providing skills training in the area of cultural competency, skilled dialogue, and impact of trauma on brain development and behavior as it relates to infants, toddlers, teens and adults.  I regularly provide training in the area of bonding and attachment, parenting skills and adult attachment issues.  I am a person of faith, a faith which guides my work and is a principle part of my daily life.  I welcome all who seek to explore ways to increase a sense of purpose, effectiveness, calm and wellness, and who would like to have therapeutic or spiritual support, to contact me for an appointment.

Contact Information:
Cell: 317.508.9873
Email Denise using the form below

Education:

• 1980  Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Manchester College. North Manchester Indiana
• 1984  Master of Science in Applied Social Psychology, Purdue Program at IUPUI (all but thesis)
• 1996  Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana. Magna cum Laude

Licensure and Certifications:

• L.M.H.C.  Licensed Mental Health Counselor, State of Indiana
• Level  IV Certification in Infant and Toddler Mental Health, in process

Boards and Professional Affiliations:

• 1990-1993  Board of Directors, YWCA, Vice-President of Programs
• 1993-1994  Board of Directors, YWCA, Executive Vice-President of Administration
• 1993-1996  Indiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT), Gender and Minority Taskforce, Co-Chairperson
• 1997-2000  Indiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (IAMFT), Marketing Committee Chairperson
• 1998-2000  Board of Directors, Christian Theological Seminary Counseling Center, Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, Indiana
• 2004-2006  Board of Directors, St. Christopher Center, (30th and College), Indianapolis, Indiana
• 2007-Present Board of Directors, Indiana Association of Infant and Toddler Mental Health
• 2012  Member, American Psychological Association, District 39

Publications:
Lyons, Brynolf. Tending the Flock: Congregations and Family Ministry; Chapter 9: Robinson Community AME Church: A Church’s Response of Liberation and Healing in its Community. Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville, Kentucky 1998

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