Donna Hurst, Ph.D.
Bio
Dr. Donna Hurst is the Director of the Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies program and an Assistant Professor at Regent University. Dr. Hurst is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and Arizona and a Critical Incident Responder. Dr. Hurst brings extensive experience in trauma, crisis intervention, and counseling.
Dr. Hurst enjoyed a successful career in corporate leadership and co-founded a California-based nonprofit serving survivors of intimate partner violence and stalking. As Executive Director, she partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Center for Victims of Crime to provide training, education, and direct assistance to crime victims, offenders, and justice system professionals nationwide. As a result of these experiences, Dr. Hurst discovered her passion for helping others and transitioned from corporate leadership supporting military families into professional counseling.
Dr. Hurst has additional training in spiritually integrated therapies, EMDR, critical incident debriefing, trauma treatment, disaster and crisis response, and leadership/career development.
Credentials
- Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies, Regent University
- M.A. in Marriage, Couples, & Family Counseling, Regent University
- B.S. in Psychology, Regent University
Memberships and Affiliations
- American Association of Christian Counselors
- Christian Association of Psychological Studies
- EMDR Trained Counselor
- Licensed Professional Counselor and approved Counseling Supervisor, Virginia
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Arizona
Honors and Awards
- Women’s History Month Honoree, JCOCE, 2024
- USAA Woman of the Month, 2019
- Sacramento County Citizen of the Year, 2000
- Victim Services Provider of the Year, California Youth Authority, 1999
- USAA Volunteer of the Year, 1999
Research Interests
- Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
- Integration of Theology and Psychology
- Trauma Recovery