Faculty Biography | Lance Smith

I earned my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Syracuse University and joined The Graduate Program in Counseling at the University of Vermont in 2008. In addition to an active scholarship agenda, I teach a number of core CACREP courses and am an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with experience supervising school, college, and clinical mental health counselors, as well as marriage and family therapists and clinical social workers. I began my counseling career as a professional school counselor among the Tikiamu people of Northern Alaska. Following my time in Alaska, I worked as a clinical mental health counselor in a community mental health clinic in an urban setting. My teaching and scholarship are directly informed by my counseling work with adults, couples and families who struggled valiantly against the social forces of generational poverty, sexism, racism and heterosexism and instilled within me a deep awareness of social inequity and systemic oppression.

• Expertise
• Scholarship
• Courses
• Education
• Awards
• Certification
• Associations

Areas of Expertise:

Counselor Education

Scholarship

Selected Publications

• Smith, L. C. (forth coming) Heteronormativity and multicultural counseling: We can do better. In R. Goodman & P. Gorski (Eds.), Decolonizing “Multicultural” Counseling and Psychology: Visions for Social Justice Theory and Practice, New York: Springer.
  Abstract:
• Geroski, A. M., Smith, L. C., & Tyler, K. B., (forth coming). Failing to address dominant discourses in multicultural school counseling.. In R. Goodman & P. Gorski (Eds.), Decolonizing “Multicultural” Counseling and Psychology: Visions for Social Justice Theory and Practice, New York: Springer.
  Abstract:
• Smith, L. C. & Shin, R. (forth coming). Queer blindfolding: Difference “blindness” towards persons who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. Journal of Homosexuality.  [abstract]
  Abstract: The purpose of this article is to introduce and explore the narrative strategy of queer blindfolding. Utilizing psycho-discursive qualitative methodology, the authors will demonstrate how some beneficent, well-intended persons who identify as heterosexual adopt the narrative strategy of queer blindfolding as they negotiate the discourse of heteronormativity. Drawing upon a case study, we will map this narrative strategy, compare and contrast it to racial colorblindness, and unpack the accompanying intra-psychic conflict and defense mechanisms that are utilized by participants. We will also demonstrate how this discursive strategy positions participants within systemic heterosexism.
• Smith, L.C., Shin, R. Q., & Officer, L. M. (2012). Moving counseling forward on LGBT issues: Speaking queerly on discourses and microaggressions. The Counseling Psychologist, 40, 385-408.  [abstract]
  Abstract: Using a case example, the authors explore how the counseling field’s participation in the discourse of heterosexist dominance fosters microaggressions toward sexual and gender-transgressive minorities. Specifically, the authors deconstruct four linguistic assumptions of the discourse of heterosexist dominance:(a) the sex/gender binary,(b) decontextualized disposition language of homophobia, (c) hierarchical disposition language of affirmation, and (d) gendered pronouns.The authors will also examine how these assumptions influence egalitarian, well-intended counselors and counseling psychologists to engage in microinvalidations of LGB and transgender clients. Implications regarding more effective practice, training, and research will be discussed.
• Smith, L.C., & Shin, R. Q. (2008). Social privilege, social justice, and group counseling: An inquiry. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 33, 351-366.  [abstract]
  Abstract: The construct of social privilege is ubiquitous within the multicultural and social justice literature. However, the group work literature has yet to integrate the construct into group theory, processes, and training. In this article, we review the group literature on multicultural and diversity issues. Also, we examine the multicultural and social justice literature for an operational definition of social privilege. Finally, we make an argument for the impact of social privilege on group work and for the necessity of integrating social justice competencies into group work.

Selected Presentations

• Smith, L. C., & Shin, R. (2013). Moving Counseling Forward on LGBT Issues: Speaking Queerly. Presented at the The American Counseling Association Conference and Exposition, Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Smith, L. C, Shin, R. Q., & LaRosa, N. D. (2010). Walking the Social Justice Talk: Increasing Diversity Within Accredited Counseling Masters Programs. Presented at the North Atlantic Region Association of Counselor Education and Supervision Regional Conference, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
• Smith, L. C., & Officer, L. (2010). Moving Counseling Forward on LGBT Issues: Speaking Queerly. Presented at the North Atlantic Region Association of Counselor Education and Supervision Regional Conference, New Brunswick, New Jersey
• Smith, L. C., & Shin, R. Q. (2010). The Intersection of Racial Oppression and Heterosexism. Presented at the North Atlantic Region Association of Counselor Education and Supervision Regional Conference, New Brunswick, New Jersey.
• hin, R. Q., Goodrich, K. M., & Smith, L. C. (2009). Diversity in Counselor Education Doctoral Programs. Presented at Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference, San Diego, CA.

Courses Taught in the Last 5 Years

Counseling Lab; Counseling Theory; Diversity Issues in Counseling; Internship ; Practicum ; Research Methods in Counseling

Education

• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from Syracuse University

Awards & Honors

• Doctoral Research Prize from School of Education, Syracuse University: Awarded by the School of Education at Syracuse University for excellence in scholarship at the doctoral level (2010)
• Doctoral Prize from Graduate School, Syracuse University : Awarded by the Graduate School at Syracuse University for exemplifying excellence in scholarship and research at the graduate level (2010)
• Syracuse University Fellowship from School of Education, Syracuse University: Awarded by the School of Education in recognition of service, leadership and scholarship (2006)

Licensure or Certifications

• Approved Clinical Supervisor

• Licensed Middel School Teacher, Virginia

• Licensed School Counselor, Alaksa

• Licensed Teacher, Grades 6-8, Alaska

• Nationally Certified Counselor

Professional Associations

• American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD)