About Dr. Gina Dunckel
Dr. Dunckel is a licensed psychologist in Texas. After earning a Bachelor’s degree from William Jessup University, where she double-majored in Counseling Psychology and Theology, she attended Illinois School of Professional Psychology in Chicago where she received a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Early in her training, Dr. Dunckel focused on PTSD and was began taking courses in trauma-focused therapy training while serving Veterans and completed a practicum at the Houston VA and an internship at Valley Coastal Bend VA in Harlingen, Texas. While the VA system was rewarding for Dr. Dunckel, she wanted to expand her practice and reach others with trauma-related issues. In 2016, she joined Psychology Resources, a thriving private practice, and began working with many types of trauma and critical incidents. Her dissertation research was on spirituality of psychologists and how beliefs affect treatment. Notably, while she was in practicum at the Houston VA hospital, Dr. Dunckel co-authored and published a paper on sexual dysfunction and PTSD in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Dr. Dunckel has experience with adults, couples, families, children, Veterans, active-duty military families, and physically disabled adults. Over the past few years, the primary focus of her practice has been on the treatment and support of first responders. She has extensive experience treating post-traumatic stress disorder, critical incidents, acute stress disorder, anxiety, sleep disorder, pain management, and adjustment to life’s changes (like a divorce, job change, etc.). Dr. Dunckel utilizes an integrative approach of cognitive-behavioral and client-centered therapy to promote change. She has been trained in many cognitive-behavioral techniques including mindfulness and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She currently holds a certification in EMDR and has specialized training in the treatment of recent critical incidents and group EMDR for ongoing traumatic stress. Additionally, Dr. Dunckel is also a Certified First Responder Counselor through Academy Hour, a leader in the standardization of training mental health providers to work with first responders.
Her approach to therapy is centered on the belief that clients already have the tools necessary for change, and it is her job to support them while they identify those tools and move toward healing and wholeness. She is passionate about collaborating with her clients, providing a safe environment so they can do the tough work and heal their life wounds. Dr. Dunckel will use the client’s skills and her knowledge to empower them towards the change and healing they desire. Moreover, she is dedicated to addressing the unique needs of all first responders. She believes in being a life-long learner and will continue her education to provide the most up-to-date treatment possible.