Dr. Ralph Whetstine
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology from The
Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University | Chicago in
2005
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from The Illinois School of Professional
Psychology at Argosy University | Chicago in 2003
Founder and President at the Center for Conscious Counseling
“The core curriculum at The Illinois School of Professional
Psychology at Argosy University | Chicago provided a healthy foundation
of understanding,”
Runs Private Practice
in Clinical Psychology, Founder of the Center for Conscious Counseling
Dr. Ralph Whetstine, founder and president at the Center for
Conscious Counseling, was named a “Top Doctor in Schaumburg” in January 2017 and
was equally acknowledged for his specialization in using both Cognitive and
Dialectical Behavior Therapies.
Dr. Whetstine is a clinical psychologist in private practice
in Schaumburg, Illinois. His approach includes a practical, interactive, and
solution-focused approach to providing support and feedback to aid clients in
resolving their problems. He describes
his treatment philosophy as a blend of “conventional and alternative approaches,”
which he provides with compassion and sensitivity to help his clients find
solutions to a wide range of life challenges and psychological issues.
Dr. Whetstine’s career includes work as a therapist at the
Anixter Center’s New Focus Program, a post-acute brain injury rehabilitation
program in Chicago. He later moved to a
position as a residential manager working with persons with moderate to severe
developmental disabilities. Dr. Whetstine was a staff therapist at both the
Family Counseling Center of Joliet, Illinois and also for Alexian Brother's
Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates, Illinois in both the Self-Injury
Recovery Services (SIRS) program and in the Adolescent Partial Hospitalization
Programs. He also took a position as an adjunct faculty. During this time, he founded his private
practice in the spring of 2006.
When he began searching for an advanced degree programs that
met certain criteria having to do with training, reputation, and a reasonable
timeline for completion, Dr. Whetstine selected the program at The Illinois School
of Professional Psychology at Argosy University |Chicago.
He states, “the core curriculum provided a healthy foundation
for understanding basic concepts in clinical psychology, while also providing a
healthy diversity of alternative approaches and knowledge to enrich the core
skills I felt I needed to be successful.” Dr. Whetstine adds that input from
faculty, particularly Dr. Eli Schwartz, was instrumental to deriving the most
from his experience in school. He recommends that students seek out connections
with their faculty who can offer both guidance and mentoring.
Dr. Whetstine acknowledges that the completion of the
dissertation was a difficult task and recommends that students on this path
start their process early. “The faculty
and staff were supportive through their flexibility and understanding of the
external challenges that can frequently arise in life.”
“The practical benefits of my education are that, each day I
get to do what I want and love and I owe much of this success to the education
I received at [Argosy University].” Dr.
Whetstine notes, however, that, “if you want to own your own private practice,
there is a lot you will need to learn. Learning the basics of business such as
communication, marketing, accounting, payroll, and good business ethics can be
an invaluable adjunct to those whose aspirations include starting their own
practice.”
Dr. Whetstine places a special emphasis on the skill of
writing and recommends that students “fall in love with the process of learning
and writing—these skills will service you both inside and outside your
career.”
Dr. Whetstine earned two degrees from The Illinois School of
Professional Psychology at Argosy University |Chicago—a Master
of Arts in Clinical Psychology in 2003 and a Doctor of Psychology in Clinical
Psychology in 2005. When it comes to
pursuing the doctoral degree he says, “It’s a personal decision. Achieving the doctoral level had always been
part of my personal vision and I can say it was worth the extra time and effort
it took to achieve.”
Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling
options vary by school and are subject to change. Not all online programs are
available to residents of all U.S. states. Argosy University, Chicago, 225
North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1300, Chicago, Illinois 60601. ©2017 Argosy University. All rights reserved. Our email address is
materialsreview@argosy.edu
See auprograms.info for program duration, tuition, fees and
other costs, median debt, salary data, alumni success, and other important info.
Tina Spears, Ed.D.
Tyler Shippen
