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Terra Wagner, PhD, LPC-S is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Counseling at Southern Methodist University. She also serves as a Cultural Intelligence Officer within the Simmons School of Education and Human Development, supporting students, faculty, and staff in navigating complex interpersonal and systemic dynamics.

Dr. Wagner brings extensive clinical experience across high-acuity settings, including psychiatric hospitals, emergency departments, community agencies, and university counseling centers. Her clinical work has focused on individuals navigating chronic mental illness, trauma, and repeated hospitalization, as well as high-performing professionals experiencing significant internal strain. She is known for her ability to help clients move through complex life challenges in ways that promote clarity, growth, and sustained well-being.

At ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ, Dr. Wagner has taught courses across the counseling curriculum, including Group Counseling, Diverse Communities, Basic Counseling Skills, Advanced Skills, and Practicum. Her teaching emphasizes ethical decision-making and the development of clinical identity. She is particularly committed to creating experiential learning environments where students can build confidence, engage in meaningful self-reflection, and develop the skills necessary to work effectively with all populations.

She earned her PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas, where her dissertation explored multicultural issues in counselor education through a phenomenological lens. She also holds a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bethune-Cookman University.

Dr. Wagner is a frequent conference presenter and is recognized for her ability to translate complex clinical and cultural concepts into practical, meaningful application. Her recent work includes serving as a keynote speaker at the Texas University and College Counseling Centers Conference presenting on “Nurturing Your Next Chapter: Moving Through Seasons Without Breaking,” along with presentations on clinical supervision, humility, connection via telehealth, and leadership at the Texas Counseling Association Professional Growth Conference and Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision conferences.

Her work is grounded in developing counselors who are not only clinically competent, but also self-aware, culturally responsive, and prepared to meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve while having awareness of the impact of systemic and institutional barriers.