Writing & Research
Evidence-informed therapy begins with curiosity.
I bring a background in clinical practice, behavioral health research, and academic scholarship to my work at Springtree Counseling. My writing and research have explored depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, resilience, family relationships, and the experiences of people navigating complex life circumstances.
Featured Mental Health Articles
GoodRx
An accessible introduction to ERP and its use in treating OCD and anxiety.
GoodRx, 2022
GoodRx
An introduction to EMDR and its use in trauma-focused treatment.
GoodRx, 2021
Selected Research
My research has examined the ways that family relationships, social environments, resilience, and economic stress influence psychological well-being across the life course.
DISSERTATION
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/etd/15547/
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Family and Community Support Among Sexual Minorities of Color: The Role of Sexual Minority Identity Prominence and Outness on Psychological Well-Being
Kavanaugh, S. A., Taylor, A., Stuhlsatz, G., Neppl, T. K., & Lohman, B. J. (2019). Journal of GLBT Family Studies, 16(1), 1–17.
Economic Pressure and Depression: Testing the Family Stress Model from Adolescence to Adulthood
Kavanaugh, S. A., Neppl, T., & Melby, J. (2018). Journal of Family Psychology, 32(7), 957–965.
Intergenerational Continuity of Psychological Violence: Intimate Partner Relationships and Harsh Parenting
Neppl, T. K., Lohman, B. J., Senia, J. M., Kavanaugh, S. A., & Cui, M. (2017). Psychology of Violence.
Research Interests
My broader research has examined:
- Psychological well-being
- Family and community support
- Resilience and protective factors
- Parent-child and family relationships
- Minority stress and social identity
- Depression and economic stress