Terry Pertuit

Contact Info

Email: tpertuit [at] rider.edu

Phone Number: (609) 895-5449

Department: Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling

Office Location: Bierenbaum Fisher Hall

Additional Info:

Academic Focus: Counseling Services

Academic background

  • Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision, The Pennsylvania State University 
  • M.Ed. in community and school counseling, Southeastern Louisiana University 
  • B.M.Ed., in music education/instrumental, Southeastern Louisiana University 

Research interests and professional background

I am a Licensed professional counselor-supervisor (LPC-S), licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), national certified counselor (NCC) and certified school counselor. I have over 27 years’ experience in the field of counseling and related services, including individual, group and family counseling in private, university and community settings. I also served as a clinical director and supervisor of a university-based community counseling center and outreach specialist and assistant director of thriving trio programs, educational talent search and upward bound.

My scholarship centers on effective design and delivery of comprehensive counseling services in educational settings by generating research that lends itself to narrowing the achievement gap and/or leveling the playing field for students who face barriers to learning and development. My goal is to create research that can lend itself to an increase in social capital—the combined efforts of families, counselors, teachers, school personnel and multiple-disciplines to find innovative approaches for identifying and addressing hidden barriers to learning and success, to eliminate the achievement/opportunity gap, to promote positive development across the lifespan to increase effective student services and to inform counselor and educator development and supervision. I have directed much of my scholarly activities into an agenda focused on mental health issues; specifically, anxiety-related conditions such as obsessive-compulsive related disorders and trauma.

I have over 20 years of experience in research and presentation on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and was awarded “Best in Show” for my workshop "Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlocking the Brain" at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference in 2003. In the field of counseling, I have been referred as the pioneer in helping others understand the influence of obsessive compulsive behaviors on school functioning and am routinely called upon to consult with others about this topic. As a survivor of hurricane Katrina, I have a strong commitment to prepare individuals and professionals, in various settings, to work effectively with people in the midst of traumatic situations and who have experienced loss, crisis and trauma-causing events. Finally, as a musician and former band director, I am committed to using creativity in implications for prevention, intervention and practice.

Selected publications

  • Cheng, Y., Smith, L., Ritzi, R. Wagner, T. & Pertuit, T. L. (2020). Counselor preparation in working with African American adolescents in group counseling. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 45(1), 3-21.
  • Buser, J.K., Buser, T. J. & Pertuit, T. (2020). Nonsuicidal self-injury and attachment in God or higher power. Counseling and Values, 65(1), 75-94.
  • Buser. T. J., *Pertuit, T. L., & Muller, D. L. (2019). Nonsuicidal self-injury, stress and self-differentiation. Adultspan. 18(1), 4-18.
  • Pertuit, T. L., Trusty, J. G., & Ballard, M. B. (2014). Suffering in silence. Examining obsessive compulsive behaviors in the school setting. VISTAS 2014. Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/Resources/
  • Melin, E.A., & *Pertuit, T.L. (2009). Research priorities for mental health counseling with youth: Implications for counselor preparation, professional development, and research. Counselor Education and Supervision, 49(2), 137-155.
  • Buser, J. K., & Pertuit, T. L. (2019). Spiritual transcendence, religious affiliation and anorexia symptoms.  Journal Review of Addictions and Offender Counseling, Volume 4:  Best Practices. 
  • Trusty, J., Niles, S. G., & Pertuit, T. L. (2010). A practical approach to career assessment in schools. In B. Erford (Ed). Professional school counseling: A handbook of theories.        programs & practices (pp. 516-527). Austin TX: Pro-Ed.

Selected presentations

  • Daniels, A. & Pertuit, T. L. (2022, November). Trauma informed care: Collaboration, care, consistency. Northern Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision. Pittsburg, PA.
  • Pertuit, T., Daniels, A. & Shoemaker, K. A., (2022, April). School-based trauma programs during and in the aftermath of COVID-19. New Jersey Counseling Association Conference, Virtual.
  • Cheng, Y., Buser, J., & Pertuit. T. (2022, April). Job search experiences of counseling international doctoral students. Presented at the New Jersey Counseling Association Conference, Virtual.
  • Buser, J., Buser, T., Pertuit, T. L., & Shrayia, G. Perry, R. (2021, April). Spiritual abandonment and nonsuicidal self-injury.  Research and client care. Presented at the American Counseling Association Conference. Virtual.  
  • Paone, C. H., Pertuit, T. L., & Shoemaker, K. A. (2018, October). Preparing supervisors to identify suicidal ideation in marginalized populations.  Presented at the joint New Jersey Counseling Association and National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors Fall Conference.  Scotch Plains, NJ. 
  • Pertuit, T. L., (2018, February). I don’t want to “do it over again: Help for family and friends of people with OCD.  Presented at the Louisiana Association for Marriage and Family Counselors Annual Conference Systemic Treatment of Individuals.  Baton Rouge, LA. 
  • Pertuit, T. L., (2018, February). I don’t want to “do it over again: Help for family and friends of people with OCD. Presented at the International Association for Marriage and Family Counselors World Conference.  New Orleans, LA. 
  • Pertuit, T. L., & Shoemaker, K. A. (2018, April). Minding your OCD:  Using mindfulness-awareness to rewire the brain and break free from the demands of obsessions and compulsions. Presented at the New Jersey Counseling Association Spring Conference, Lincroft, NJ. 
  • Pertuit, T. L. (2018, April). The manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder in the classroom: Can you recognize it? Presented at Caldwell University’s 10th Annual Counseling Conference: “Expanding Worldviews:  Exploring Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Practice.: Caldwell, NJ. 
  • Pertuit, T. L., & Westburg, N. (April 2014). Social capital and hope: Factors for survivors after disaster. Presented at the New Jersey Counseling Association Conference, Lincroft, NJ.
  • Ballard, M., & Pertuit, T. (April 2008). The manifestation of obsessive compulsive disorder in the classroom. Can you recognize it? Presented at the American Counseling Association Conference, Honolulu, HI.
  • Pertuit, T., & Hunt, B. (February 2008). Preventing Secondary Traumatic Stress:  Lessons Learned in Preparing College Students to Assist in Clean-Up and Reconstruction of Hurricane Stricken Areas. Poster presented at the Symposium on Responding to Tragedy, Trauma, and Crisis, Sarasota, FL.
  • Ballard, M., & Pertuit, T. (October 2004). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlocking the Brain. [Invited presentation]. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association, Lafayette, LA.
  • Pertuit, T. (April 2003). Help! For High School Counselors. Presented at the River Parishes Community College School Board Conference, Sorrento, LA.
  • Ballard, M., & Pertuit, T. (October 2003). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlocking the Brain. [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference and voted “Best in Show.” Monroe, LA.
  • Pertuit, T. (April 2002). Bridging the Gap:  College Credit for Upward Bound Juniors/Seniors.  Presented at the Emerging Leaders Institute for Southwest Association of Student Assistant Programs.  Dallas, TX.
  • Pertuit, T.  (March 2002.)  Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens.  Presented at the Louisiana Association of Student Assistant Programs.  New Orleans, LA.
  • Ballard, M., & Pertuit, T. (October 2002). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlocking the Brain. Presented at the Louisiana Counseling Association Conference and voted “Best in Show.” Baton Rouge, LA.
  • Pertuit, T.  (November 2001). Bridging the Gap:  College Credit for Upward Bound Juniors/Seniors.  Presented at the Southwest Association of Student Assistant Programs.  Oklahoma City, OK.
  • Pertuit, T.  (May 1998). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Etiology and Treatment. Presented at the Southeastern Louisiana University Counseling Department Mini-Conference.  Hammond, LA.

Invited presentations

  • Pertuit, T. L., (2023, February). Teaching Talks. Presented at the Teaching and Learning Forum, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
  • Busser, J. & Pertuit, T. L. (2023, February).  Duty to warm, identifying and reporting child abuse:  The role of teachers. Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ. 
  • Pertuit, T. L., (2023, February). Teaching Talks. Presented at the Teaching and Learning Forum, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
  • Pertuit, T. L. (2023, January). Slower is faster: Strategies to support mental health and engagement. Presented at the Teaching and Learning Forum, Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
  • Pertuit, T. L., Daniels, A. (2021, April). Trauma-informed supervision: A comprehensive approach. Presented at the Annual Counseling Supervision Symposium. Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
  • Daniels, D. Pertuit T. L. (2021, February). Developing resilience in students experiencing pandemic related trauma.  Presented at the National School Counselor Week Event. Virtual, NJ. 
  • Pertuit, T L., Hughes, B. Baker, M. (2020, April).  Managing stress and anxiety during COVID19.  First Service Residential National Corporation, Virtual, United States.
  • Pertuit, T. (2015, October). Reclaiming resiliency: Overcoming obsessions and compulsions. [Invited presentation]. Continuing Education Professional Training sponsored by Counseling Services Wellness Workshop Series. Rider University, Lawrenceville, NJ.
  • Pertuit, T., (2013, July). OCD the “silent” disorder. [Invited presentation].  Continuing Education Professional Training sponsored by Chi Sigma Iota Day of Learning. Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA.
  • Pertuit, T., (2012, June). Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Treatment strategies. [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the Chi Sigma Iota Day of Learning.  Southeastern Louisiana, University, Hammond, LA.
  • Pertuit, T., (2011, October). Bullying prevention for students with special needs. [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the 17th Annual School Psychologists and School Counselor Symposium, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ.
  • Pertuit, T., (2006, March) All circuits are busy: Why rebuild New Orleans.  [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the Department of Agriculture’s Lagniappe Project, The Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.
  • Pertuit, T., (2004, January) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Unlocking the Brain. [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the Chi Sigma Iota recruitment meeting.  Hammond, LA.
  • Pertuit, T.  (2003, April) Seven Habits of Highly Effective Families. [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the Tangipahoa Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council’s Family Life Conference.  Hammond, LA.
  • Pertuit, T.  (2003, April). Family Night:  How to Hold Family Meetings. [Invited presentation]. Paper presented at the Tangipahoa Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council’s Family Life Conference.  Hammond, LA.
  • Pertuit, T.  (2002, June). FISH!  Catch the Entergy: Release the Potential.  Presented at the Southeastern Louisiana University Summer Staff Retreat.  Robert, LA.
  • Pertuit, T.  (2002, June). True Colors: Working Style.  Presented at the Southeastern Louisiana University Summer Staff Retreat.  Robert, LA.
  • Pertuit, T.  (2001, April). Preparing for College Now.  Presented at the Tangipahoa Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council’s Family Life Conference.  Hammond, LA.

Professional memberships

  • American Counseling Association (ACA) 
  • Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
  • International Association of Marriage and Family Counseling (IAMFC)
  • Association for Creativity in Counseling (ACC)
  • International Obsessive Compulsive Foundation (IOCF)
  • American Mental Health Counselor Association (AMHCA)
  • Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE)
  • American School Counseling Association (ASCA)
  • North Atlantic Region Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NARACES)
  • New Jersey Counseling Association (NJCA)
  • New Jersey School Counseling Association (NJSCA)
  • Chi Sigma Iota: Counseling Academic and Professional Society (CSI)

Courses taught

  • COUN 528: Introduction to Creative Arts and Specializations in Counseling
  • COUN 512: Disaster Response, Crisis, Trauma, and Grief Counseling
  • EDSO 501: Foundations of Counseling in Education Settings: Referral Sources for Students and Students with Special Needs
  • COUN 508: Foundations of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • COUN 580: Elementary School Counseling Practicum 
  • COUN 581: Secondary School Counseling Practicum
  • CNSC 580: Elementary Students Assistance Coordinator School Counseling Practicum
  • CNSC 581: Secondary Students Assistance Coordinator School Counseling Practicum
  • COUN 590: Internship I in Counseling Services
  • CNSC 590: Internship I in Student Assistant Coordinator
  • CDMT 590: Dance Movement Therapy Internship I in Counseling
  • COUN 591: Internship II in Counseling Services
  • CNPY 518: Counseling Children and Adolescents
  • CNPY 514: Psychopathology
  • CNPY 516: Advanced Psychopathology