Briana Gaines Joining College of Education as Assistant Teaching Professor of Counseling and Counselor Education

Briana Gaines will join NC State’s College of Education as an assistant teaching professor of counseling and counselor education, beginning Aug. 16, 2024. 

Currently, Gaines is a clinical assistant professor of counselor education at the University of Florida. Prior to that, Gaines was an outpatient therapist for a non-profit community agency in New Jersey. She continues to provide counseling services to adolescents, adults, families and couples via telehealth.

“NC State’s counselor education program is an exemplar when it comes to training programs,” Gaines said. “I am excited to be joining this rich, rigorous and diverse learning community.”

Gaines’ research includes trauma, particularly race-based, intergenerational and historical trauma; Black women in counselor education; and positionality in research. Her current research focuses on Black motherhood and the intergenerational lessons that are passed from mother to daughter. 

“As a researcher, I hold a position that is both constructivist and advocacy-participatory, and I advocate for culturally relevant and equitable mental health interventions and treatment,” she said.

With Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 training and a specialization in marriage, couples and family therapy, Gaines has served as the marriage and family counseling track coordinator at the University of Florida.

She is a certified clinical trauma professional (CCTP) and licensed professional counselor (LPC) in New Jersey. She earned her Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from James Madison University, where she also served as the director for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gaines is a Southern Region Education Board (SREB) doctoral scholar and a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) future leaders society.