Tiffany
Rush-Wilson
Tiffany Rush-Wilson
- Campus: Online
- Department: Counselor Education
- Institution: The Chicago School
- Office Phone: 312-488-6231
Biography
Dr. Tiffany C. Rush-Wilson is a Professor and Program Chair for the Counselor Education Department- Online Campus. She received a Ph.D. in Counseling at the University of Akron in 2003. During the last 20+ years, she has been an administrator and taught Mental Health Counseling and Psychology courses in land-based and online graduate institutions. Clinically, Dr. Rush-Wilson maintains a small private practice and is independently, and dually, licensed as a Counselor- Supervisor/ Training Supervisor (PCC-S) and as a licensed psychologist (LP) in Ohio. She is also certified as a counselor in Canada (CCC), a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and a Board Certified TeleMental Health Counselor (BC-TMH). She also holds a graduate certificate in Sports Counseling from the California University of Pennsylvania (2020). She has been in clinical practice for more than 20 years with a focus on body image, athletes, gender, racial and cultural equity, and general mental health in-person and via telebehavioral health. Dr. Rush-Wilson's research interests focus on eating disorders and body image, elite athletes; gender equity, cultural humility, diversity, and empowerment in counseling. She has worked in community mental health, children's services, athletics, university settings and extensively in private practice. She is a member of both American and Canadian Counseling Associations and the Academy for Eating Disorders, where she served as co-chair of the Transcultural Special Interest Group (SIG) and has participated in community outreach. She is currently a board member for ANAD (The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) and presents/ co-presents at local, state, national, and international venues. She authors, and co-authors, works in a variety of publications.
Dr. Rush-Wilson's personal interests include spending time with her family (especially her daughter) and friends, yoga, long-distance running, studying languages (French and Spanish), podcasts, and travel. She is a huge fan of just about anything medical, including television (documentary, talk show, and scripted) and a huge fan of Grey's Anatomy. The Pitt (.......and the Resident, Chicago Med, House, and any medically-oriented show).
Education History
Degree Institution Year Ph.D. The University of Akron (Counselor Education and Supervision with cognate in psychology) , Akron, OH 2003 M.A. John Carroll University (Community Counseling) , University Heights, OH 1996 BA Cleveland State University (psychology with sociology minor) , Cleveland, OH 1994 post graduate Certificate California University of Pennsylvania , California, PA 2020 Professional Memberships
Role Organization member American Counseling Association member Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association member, SIG co-chair Academy for Eating Disorders member Association for Counselor Education and Supervision member American Psychological Association board member ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders) member IAEDP (International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) Presentations
Title Location Date Link Championing change: Honoring Black leadership in the eating disorder field [Panel discussion] ANAD and Project Heal online 2025 Broaching, addressing culture and context[Guest lecture]. ]. Seattle University, College of Education. (via Zoom ) 2025 Choosing your Direction at the Fork in the Road: Ethical Considerations with AI Integration in Counseling The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2024 Investigating the Impact of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Anxiety Symptoms in Adults with Comorbid ADHD and Eating Disorders.(co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2024 PFPF- Issues of Diversity: race, ethnicity and gender equity in teaching, learning, research and curriculum. PFPF - Issues of The Chicago School, Chicago-Online Campus.(co-presentation) The Chicago School, Online Campus 2024 Rainbow Railroad: Securing Physical and Mental Health Safety Needs for LGBTQI+ Refugees (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2024 The Invisibility of Black & Indigenous Survivors of Sex Trafficking. (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2024 Nourishing Diversity: Counseling Approaches for Eating Disorders Across Cultural Contexts (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference. 2024 Diagnosis: Understanding the changes with DSM-TR (SUD and treatment). A live, virtual workshop Emporia, KS; online 2023 Hey, That Was Creative! Using Metaphor As a Tool in Counseling and Counselor Education (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2023 The personal and professional impacts of working with athletes and high-profile clients. (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2022 Yes, I understand you. Please understand me. The power of multilingualism in counseling and Counselor Education. (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2022 Food and Mood: Eating Disorders and Self-Care. Cleveland, Ohio 2022 How food impacts bodies and mental health: an emphasis on ADHD, depression, sleep, movement and eating disorders. A live, virtual workshop presented to the staff of CrossWinds Counseling & Wellness Emporia, KS; online 2022 PFPF Diversity in Higher Education. (co-presentation) The Chicago School, online 2022 Walking in Their Shoes: Using A Multimodal Approach to Prevent Foster Care Placement Among Immigrant Children. (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2022 Complex Diagnosis of Eating Disorders. The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2018 Choking while holding my breath: The expectation of equanimity for African American faculty members in Counselor Education training programs. (co-presentation) ACES - online 2021 Judy Blume, Lenny Kravitz, Deadpool and Voltron: Using Pop Culture as a Portal to the Psyche and the Soul (co-presentation) The Chicago School, Virtual conference 2021 Early trauma and how we eat. Philipsburg, Sint Maarten 2021 Treating Suicidality in Ethnic Minority Groups. (co-presentation) NYC/ online 2021 Journey to the core: Exploring voice dialogue. (co-presentation) Budapest, Hungary 2017 Regenerative Supervision for Vicarious Trauma. (co-presentation) NYC, NY 2016 Counseling African American Women Serving as Caregivers. (co-presentation) Chicago, Illinois 2015 Scary coping: women, culture, eating disorders and Substance abuse. (co-presentation) Niagara Falls, ON 2015 Commonalities and Differences in the Treatment of Eating Disorders across Diverse Populations: Considering Transcultural Issues (A case of disordered eating in a mixed- culture black girl: “Mom is African-American, dad is African and I am anorexic”) Boston, MA 2015 Reframing the Student Development process in Counselor Education programs to a 360-degree Life Contingency Plan approach Victoria, British Columbia 2014 Trauma: Its impact on clients, families and counselors. A Learning Institute (co-presentation) Landsthul, Germany 2014 Trauma: Its impact on clients, families and counselors. A Learning Institute Workshop (co-presentation) NYC 2014 Eating Disorders: Reaching the community (co-presentation) Toronto, ON 2013 A womanist approach to ending violence against Black women Chicago, Illinois 2013 Addressing Vicarious Trauma Among Counselors, Supervisors, and Educators. (co-presentation) Halifax, NS 2013 Disorders Across Race/Ethnic Minority Groups: Challenges and Culture Montreal, QC 2013 Working Effectively and Affirmatively with Queer and Questioning Youth. (co-presentation) Cincinnati, OH 2013 Wow, THOSE women really love their bodies! Transcultural perspectives of body image from her point of view. Austin, TX 2012 SOS- Saving our Sisters: Counselor interventions in adolescent female relationship decision making (co-presentation) Bad Herrenalb, Black Forrest, Germany 2011 There is room for all family members at the table: Relinquishing turf and improving therapeutic outcomes through the active inclusion of mental health counselors in interdisciplinary eating disorder treatment teams Bad Herrenalb, Black Forrest, Germany 2011 Why Don't You See the Secrets I Hide? Treating and (Disordered) Eating Alone Salzburg, Austria 2010 Transparency in Counseling: Genuineness and modeling using Relational-Cultural Lens: Modeling Vulnerability and Authenticity in Counselor Training (co-presentation) Charlottetown, PEI 2010 Cultural Competence Through a Relational-Cultural Lens: Modeling Vulnerability and Authenticity in Counselor Training. (co-presentation) San Diego, CA 2009 Similarities and differences in eating disorder etiology and implications for treatment among self-identified Orthodox Jewish and African American women. Baltimore, MD 2007 Community Involvement
Role Organization Volunteer Eating Disorders of York Region (Ontario) Volunteer Give an Hour Special Interest Group Co-Chair Academy for Eating Disorders- Transcultural Issues Areas of Expertise
Area Expertise Clinical Psychology / Mental Health Anxiety Disorders Self-Injury Stress/Coping Diversity African American Psychology Cultural Issues Eating Disorders/Obesity Anorexia Binge Eating Body Dysmorphic Disorder Bulimia Mood Disorders Depression Therapeutic/Theoretical Orientation Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Feminist Psychology Multicultural psychology Licenses
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Training Supervision designation , Ohio Licensed Psychologist , Ohio Certified Canadian Counsellor , Canada Board Certified TeleMental Health provider (BC-TMH) , USA/ Can Approved Clinical Supervisor , USA Publications
Book Spadaro, N., Rush-Wilson, T. and Thorton, Rives. (2024). A Counseling Skills Primer: 3-Minute Microskills Videos for the Visual Learner. (Second Edition). Scottsdale, AZ: The Pensiero Press.
Spadaro, N., Rush-Wilson, T. and Thorton, Rives (2017). A Counseling Skils Primer: 3-Minute Microskills Videos for the Visual Learner.. Kindle DXversion: The Pensiero Press.
Chapter Rush-Wilson, T., Drew, M., Ordway, A., and Stauffer, M. (2025). Anorexia, bulimia and disordered eating.. In In Capuzzi, D. & Gross, D. (Eds.) (Ed.) Engaging youth and preventing risk: A resource for mental health professionals, teachers, and parents. (pp. Ch. 11). Solana Beach, CA.: Cognella.
Simmons, R., Rush-Wilson, T., Patton, J. and Pereiczka, M. (2025). Consultation and Referrals.. In D.S. Sheperis and C.J. Sheperis (Eds.) (Ed.) Clinical mental health counseling: Fundamentals of applied practice 2nd ed (pp. 199-228). Solana Beach, CA.: Cognella.
Rush-Wilson, T., Drew, M., Ordway, A., and Stauffer, M.. (2024). The secret and all-consuming obsessions: Eating disorders.. In Capuzzi, D. & Gross, D. (Ed.) Youth at Risk (8th ed.)Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association..
Trippany, R., & Rush-Wilson,T., Patton, J. & Perepiczka ,M (2023). Consultation and Referrals. In D.Sheperis and J. Watson (Ed.) Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Fundamentals of Applied Practice (2nd edition).Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Rush-Wilson, T., Drew, M., Ordway, A., & Stauffer, M. (2019). The secret and all-consuming obsessions: Eating disorders. In Capuzzi, D. and Gross, D. (Ed.) Youth at Risk (pp. ch. 9). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
M. D. Stauffer, Cook, J., Trippany-Simmons, R. & Rush-Wilson, T (2016). The many facets of human development: Spiritual and moral development theories.. In D. Capuzzi & M. D. Stauffer (Ed.) Human development across the life span: Implications for counselors.San Francisco: Wiley & Sons Inc.
Trippany Simmons, R., Rush-Wilson, T., Haizlip, B. (2015). Respecting diversity in an online environment.. In C. Sheperis and R.J. Davis (Ed.) Online Counselor Education: A Guide for StudentsThousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Trippany, R., & Rush-Wilson,T., Patton, J. and Perepiczka (2014). Consultation and Referrals.. In D. Sheperis and J. Watson (Ed.) Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Fundamentals of Applied PracticeUpper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Trippany-Simmons, R., Buckley, M., , Meany-Walen, K., & Rush-Wilson, T. (2014). Individual Psychology: Alfred Alder.. In R. Parsons and N. Zhang (Ed.) Counseling Theory: Guiding Reflective PracticeLos Angeles, CA: Sage.
Rush-Wilson, T. (2010). Binge/Purge Eating. In S. Goldstein & J. A. Naglieri (Ed.) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development.Heidelberg, Germany: Springer.
Journal Scott, S. K., Sheperis, D. S., Trippany Simmons, R., Rush-Wilson, T., & Milo, L. A. (2016). Faith as a cultural variable: Implications for counselor training.. Counseling and Values, 61 (2), 192-205.
Nirenberg, M., Trippany Simmons, R., and Rush-Wilson, T (2016). Law Enforcement Officers’ Experiences of Exposure to Trauma. The Alabama Counseling Association Journal, , 55-78.
Sadowski, A.D., Rush-Wilson, T. & Trippany Simmons, R (2014). Balancing Work and Family in the 21st Century: Implications for. Sexual Satisfaction among Dual-earning Partners. The Alabama Counseling Association Journal., 39 , 67-79.
Reicherzer, S., Coker, K., Rush-Wilson, T., Buckley, M., Cannon, K., Harris, S., & Jorissen, S (2012). Assessing clinical mental health counseling skills and practice standards in distance education.. Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation, 3 (2), 104-115.
Rush-Wilson, T. & Trippany Simmons, R. (2010). Toward an understanding of eating disorders among African American Women: Development of the BEST explanation. Journal of Counseling: Research and Practice, 1 , 5-18.
Berwick, A.S. & Trippany, R. L., Rush-Wilson, T. (2010). Complex posttraumatic stress disorder: Diagnostic reconceptualization for childhood sexual abuse survivors.. Journal of Counseling: Research and Practice, 1 , 5-13.
Media Exposure
Appearance Black representation in The eating disorder treatment field: an ANAD event. June 18, 2024
WEWS (Cleveland, OH affiliate) interview on mental health pandemic coping strategies. June 03, 2020
Sisters from AARP Magazine, expert featured: Let’s Talk About (Not Having) Sex. Dec 20,2019.
Walden Magazine, Expert Beacon feature: Combating Childhood Obesity (interview) . Feb, 2014
Walden Magazine, Spotlight on Walden: Overcoming Childhood Obesity (interview) , Sept. 17, 2012
Vaughan Citizen. Sessions to set record straight on eating disorders, (interview). Feb 2, 2012
Washington Hispanic News, ). Cómo luchar contra la obesidad infantile (How to fight against childhood obesity) (interview) , Oct 5, 2008
NBC Today, Life after eating disorders (guest with Aimee Liu), Feb. 22, 2007
Jet Magazine, Eating Disorders Among African American Women (interview) September, 2006
NPR (WCPN, Cleveland,OH affiliate), Panel discussion on eating disorders , Feb. 22, 2005
Question and Answer
Please describe your teaching philosophy. I believe that all students have strengths and preferred learning processes. As such, I work with students to identify their baseline knowledge of the broad subject matter, work with them to both satisfy academic/ professional curiosities and enhance their competencies. Students and I collaborate by working one-on-one, or in small groups, to meet learning goal. Working directly with students in this way has the dual benefit of facilitating learning and fostering a healthy learner-instructor relationship. I incorporate technology into the learning process (recordings, video conferencing, telephone) in my efforts to connect. I also use telephone and, because I am fortunate to travel for work, also like to meet my students in person when we are in the same city. To be successful in my class students must be willing to submit work in a timely manner, explain when events arise that may prevent timely submissions, advocate for themselves, share useful/ relevant experience, ask questions (as many as are necessary to foster understanding) and be willing to accept/ incorporate feedback. My goal is truly to help students reach success.
Please provide a statement or philosophy regarding the practice of psychology. My goal as a practitioner of mental health counseling and of psychology is to work with clients to identify client goals and help create (and implement) viable solutions. Using a biopsychosocial approach comprised of a combination of cognitive behavioral, multicultural and womanist approaches, clients and I collaboratively create treatment plans and identify timelines for short-term and long-term goals. I work collaboratively with clients because the people I have to privilege of supporting present with a variety of goals, backgrounds, body types and represent a variety of demographic categories. I believe that the overwhelming majority of people want to live productively and optimally. I also believe that all people can work with a professional mental health practitioner to introspect, develop, process and aspire.
Why did you choose to enter the field of psychology? Quite frankly, I have always wanted to help people reach their potential. I also have a great appreciation for the need to express, explore and process feelings and reactions to events. Historically, there have been barriers to treatment based in cultural humility for people who belong to certain disempowered demographic groups (racial and sexual minorities, immigrant people, people with physical differences, cognitive differences, socioeconomically under-resourced, etc). I am also acutely aware of many similarities that people share regardless of their access to resources and level of privilege. I entered the field of mental health counseling and psychology because accessing the common denominator between people, and supporting them through their problems, concerns and conflicts feels meaningful.
What advice would you give to a student entering The Chicago School? Study hard. Believe in yourself. Know that you can do this. Ask questions and envision the "finish line". It is rewarding and challenging.... and it worth it!