What is your name and pronouns? 

Emily Boswell, she/her.

What is your program and year? 

I am a rising 4th year Counseling Psychology Ph.D. candidate at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. 

What brought you to CSOGD? 

I had been interested in engaging in advocacy work for the LGBTQ+ community for several years, but I had never been aware of leadership positions. I applied to CSOGD after experiencing anti-LGBTQ+ prejudice as a psychologist-in-training and I did not have a large network of LGBTQ+ psychologists to consult or receive support in navigating these experiences. I wanted to use this platform to support other LGBTQ+ students in psychology who also found themselves in need of support, advocacy, and connection. 

What LGBTQ+ advocacy projects are you involved in? 

In addition to coordinating APAGS-CSOGD’s efforts, I’ve provided trainings to clinicians-in-training regarding multicultural competence in working with LGBTQ+ clients, with specific focus on working with LGBTQ+ youth. I’ve also advocated for the creation of community check-ins within my program’s department. 

What are your research interests and experiences? 

My research is currently focused on assessing clinicians’ competency in working with clients who hold an asexual-spectrum identity, and how clinicians’ attitudes impact clinical decision-making when working with asexual clients.  

What are your clinical interests?
I have primarily worked with LGBTQ+ adolescents and young adults and I love working with folx who are navigating identity development. I also enjoy working with folx who have experienced sexual trauma, anxiety, depression, and family of origin concerns.  

What other interests do you have? 

I currently have approximately 30 plants that I try to keep alive (some more successfully than others), and two cats (that I very successfully keep alive) named Loki and Onion. I love lifting weights, drawing with charcoal, playing my bass guitar, and watching TV – I’m currently obsessed with Stranger Things.