UMKC Counseling Center

Rachel Pierce, Ph.D.

Dr. Pierce received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The University of Akron in 2005 and is a licensed psychologist in Missouri. She has worked at several university counseling centers in the Midwest, with clients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide variety of concerns. In addition to the developmental concerns experienced by many college students, her special interests include depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief/loss, family of origin issues, spirituality, diversity issues and career development concerns.  She practices from a humanistic/developmental framework, incorporating elements of cognitive-behavioral and person-centered therapies, as well as multicultural counseling principles. In her work with clients, Dr. Pierce typically helps clients improve coping skills, followed by working to increase insight about the underlying causes of presenting concerns.  She coordinates outreach activities and enjoys presenting on stress management, goal-setting, motivation, life transitions and other prevention-focused topics.  She is also very interested in supervision and training, and supervises from a developmental framework.  Dr. Pierce loves to read and cook, and is an avid fan of all Ohio sports teams but is particularly enthusiastic about the Ohio State Buckeyes.