Denver Seminary

Faculty/Staff Directory

Elizabeth (Liz) Harper, PhD

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Harper is Assistant Professor of Counseling and holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Mercer University (May 2021). She holds an MA in professional counseling and a trauma specialization from Richmont Graduate University and a BA in speech communications from Valdosta State University.  

Her research agenda covers trauma and counselor development. Dr. Harper has particular expertise in counselor burnout, organizational culture, and the impact of trauma on individuals and the workplace.

Dr. Harper is trained by the Green Cross Academy of Traumatology as a Compassion Fatigue Therapist and has traveled domestically and internationally providing trauma trainings, debriefings, and program evaluation.As a trauma counselor, She has worked in a wide range of clinical settings including a homeless shelter and rehabilitation program, psychiatric hospital, missions agency, and private practice.

Dr. Harper is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado and Georgia, and a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC).

She oversees Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society and the Approved Continuing Education Program at Denver Seminary. 

Areas of Research Specialization

Trauma and Counselor Development including counselor burnout, organizational culture, the impact of trauma on individuals/workplace, and counselor development.

Publications
(Please note, many of Dr. Harper’s publications were published under her maiden name, Elizabeth Norris.)

  • Woods, K. G., Harper, E. K. N., & Temple, M. L. (2026). Predicting counseling student well-being: The role of faculty and stress. Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision, 20(2), 1-14.
  • Norris, E. K., Wilkinson, T., & Cook, J. D. (2023). Person-centered counseling and related experiential approaches. In S. V. Flynn & J. Castleberry (Eds.), Counseling theories and case conceptualization: A practice-based approach. Springer Publishing.
  • Norris, E. K., Elder, C. E. & Morgan, L. M. (2022, April). Counselor burnout during the pandemic… not so fast! Presented at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Elder, C. L., Dunkley, D. I., McDonald, P., & Norris, E. K. (2022, April). Counseling counselors: Taking care of our own. Accepted presentation at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Elder, C. L., Norris, E. K., Morgan, L. M. (2022). Counselor burnout during COVID-19 in Counseling Today, 64(9), 42-45, 2022.
  • Beasley, J. J., & Norris, E. K. (2021). An investigation of factors contributing to secondary traumatic stress in school counselors: A pilot study for Journal of School Counseling, 19(49). http:/www.jsc.montana.edu/articles/v19n49.pdf
  • Zeligman, M., Norris, E. K., Coleman, J., & Wood, A. W. (2021). Virtues as correlates and predictors of posttraumatic stress and growth. Journal of Counseling & Values, 66(2), 199-217.
  • Myers, K. & Norris, E. K. (2021). Sitting in the trenches. Supervising the trauma counselor. SACES Newsletter,16(2), 22-24.
  • Norris, E. K. (2021). Predicting secondary traumatic stress and burnout: Workplace,  individual, and client factors (28322173.) [Doctoral dissertation, Mercer University]. ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
  • Elder, C., Norris, E. K., Morgan, L. M. (2020). Cultivating leadership and connection through relational mentorship. SACES Newsletter, 16(1), 6-7.
  • Myers, K. & Norris, E. (2020). The counselor’s call to wellness: The domains of wellness, Part II. Counseling Today, 62(10), 10-11.
  • Myers, K. & Norris, E. (2020). The counselor’s call to wellness: The domains of wellness, Part I. Counseling Today, 62(7), 16-17.

Editorial Experience

  • August 2020 – Present, Editorial Board Member, Journal of Employment Counseling.

International Refereed Conferences
(Please note, many of Dr. Harper’s presentations are listed under her maiden name, Elizabeth Norris.)

  • Morgan, L. M., Norris, E. K., Elder, C. L. (2021, June). Using Mentorship to Mitigate Professional Isolation in a Time of Uncertainty. Presented at the National Career Development Association (NCDA) Global Conference, virtual conference.
  • Morgan, L., & Norris, E. (2020, July). The Hypocrisy of the Sisterhood: The Quest for Female Mentorship at Work. Presented at the National Career Development Association (NCDA) Global Conference, Minneapolis, MN.
  • Myers, K., Slater, L., & Norris, E. (2020, March). Counselor Identity: A Return to the Foundation. Presented at the Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E., Hicks, A., & Fernandes, C. (2019, October). A New Narrative Treatment for the Comorbidity of Trauma and Addiction. Presented a poster session in absentia at the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) World Conference, Nashville, TN.
  • Norris, E. & Lane, W. D. (2019, September). Trauma Narrative Treatment: A Transcultural Group Trauma Intervention. Presented at the Mediterranean Region Counselors Association (MR-CA) Conference, Naples, Italy.

National Refereed Conferences 

  • Snyder, V. and Harper, E.K.N. (2026). The cost of caring: Exploring compassion fatigue, burnout, and coping among church leaders. Accepted presentation at the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS) conference, Columbus, OH.
  • Harper, E.K.N., Kitching, E.M., Poandl, M.M., & Mullen, P.R. (2025). Fostering counselor educators’ psychological safety. Presentation at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference, Philadelphia, PA.
  • Woods, K. G., Norris, E.K. (2025, March). Connections that count: Exploring faculty-student interactions and student well-being. Presented at the Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Norris, E. K., Plisco, M. K., Kuder, M., & Blackburn. A. (2023, October). Modeling how to talk about mistakes and failure within the supervisor-supervisee relationship. Presented at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Norris, E. K., Spooner, M., & Sonnier, C. (2023, May). Rogers and the restoration or personhood. Presented at the Association of Humanistic Counseling (AHC) Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Temple, M. L. & Norris, E. K. (2022, April). Developing ethical practice and cultural competence through humility and reflection. Presented at the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) for the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E. K. & Morgan, L. M. (2022, April). Counselor burnout during the pandemic… not so fast! Accepted presentation at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Elder, C. L., Dunkley, D. I., McDonald, P., & Norris, E. K. (2022, April). Counseling counselors: Taking care of our own. Accepted presentation at the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E. K., Temple, M. L. (2021, November). Using humility and reflection to advance cultural competency and ethical practice. Presentation at the NBCC and Mental Health Academy’s Bridging the Gap Summit, Virtual.
  • Zeligman, M., Norris, E. K., & Coleman, J. (2021, October). Posttraumatic growth and spirituality: Rethinking how we prepare counselors-in-training to work with trauma survivor. Presentation at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Elder, C. L., Norris, E. K., & Morgan, L. M. (2021, October). Counselor burnout during COVID-19: Implications for Using a Wellness-Based Model of Supervision. Poster presentation at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E. K., Elder, C. L., & Dunkley, D. (2021, June). Embracing the Shadow: Working Towards an Integrated Self. Presentation at the Association of Humanistic Counseling (AHC) Conference, Virtual.
  • Myers, K. J., Slater, L. B., & Norris, E. (2020, April). Counselor Identity: A Call to the Personal and the Professional. Accepted presentation for the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, San Diego, CA. (Conference cancelled due to COVID-19).
  • Norris, E., Lane, W.D., & Lane, D. (2020, April). Trauma Narrative Treatment: A Brief Group Alternative for Trauma Counseling. Accepted poster presentation for the American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, San Diego, CA. (Conference cancelled due to COVID-19).
  • Elder, C. L., & Norris, E. (2020, February). Riding the Line: Applying Ethical Decision-Making Models in Counseling Skill Development. Presented a poster session at the Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference, New Orleans, LA.
  • Lane, W. D. & Norris, E. (2019, November). Group Intervention for the Treatment of Trauma Related Experiences.Presented in absentia at the Mental Health and Missions (MHM) Conference, Angola, IN.
  • Castleberry, J. J., Norris, E., & Coleman, J. (2019, October). Person of the Therapist: A Purposeful Framework for Infusing Spirituality in Supervision. Presented at the Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) Conference, Seattle, WA.
  • Norris, E., Castleberry, J. J., & Coleman, J. (2019, July). Integrating Spirituality into Supervision Through the Lens of Person-of-the-Therapist. Presented a poster session at the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC) Conference, Colorado Springs, CO.

State/Local Refereed Conferences

  • Norris, E. K. (2024, September). Self-Compassion > Resilience in Protecting Against Burnout. Presented at the Rocky Mountain Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (RM-ACES) Conference, Whitefish, MO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2024, September). CSI chapter faculty advisor training. Presented at the Rocky Mountain Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (RM-ACES) Conference, Whitefish, MO.
  • Norris, E. K., Verdelus, M., & Beeston, B. G. (2024, August). The Art of Person of the Therapist Mentorship in Counselor Education Programs. Presented in absentia at the Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) Student Conference, Keystone, CO.
  • Buchter, S. & Norris, E. K. (2023, April). Attachment informed doula care. Presented in absentia at the Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) Student Conference, Denver, CO.
  • Temple, M.L. & Norris, E. K. (2022, October). Developing ethical practice and cultural competence through humility and reflection. Presented an education session at the Rocky Mountain Association of Counselor Education and Supervision (RM-ACES) Conference, Coeur d’Alene, ID.
  • Elder, C. L., Norris, E., Dunkley, D., & McDonald, P. (2020, May). Counselors’ Experience in the Client Role in Counseling. Accepted presentation at the Licensed Professional Counseling Association of Georgia (LPCA-GA) Conference, Atlanta, GA. (Conference cancelled due to COVID-19)
  • Norris, E. (2020, March). Quantifying Organizational Trauma: Is it Possible? Accepted presentation at the Atlanta Research Conference, Atlanta, GA. (Conference cancelled due to COVID-19).
  • Fernandes, C., Hicks, A., & Norris, E. (2019, August). Addressing Grief and Trauma in Substance Abuse Group Therapy: A Narrative Treatment Intervention. Presented at the Georgia Society of Adlerian Psychology (GSAP) Conference, Pine Mountain, GA.
  • Hicks, A., Norris, E., Fernandes, C. (2019, April). Efficacy of Trauma Narrative Treatment for Clients with Comorbid Trauma and Addiction. Presented a poster session at Atlanta Research Conference, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E. & Dunkley, D., (2018, November). Boundaries in Leadership. Presented at University of North Georgia Student Leadership Conference, Gainesville, GA.

Invited Presentations

  • Harper, E. K. N. (2026, August). Pouring Out: The Hidden Toll of Helping Others. Invited speaker for Summer Seminary at St. James Presbyterian Church, Littleton, CO.
  • Scherrer, N. & Harper, E. K. N. (2025, October). Skills for broaching difficult topics in the classroom. Selected speakers for campus conference on Preparing Seminary Faculty to Integrate Multicultural Education in the Classrooms through Wabash Center Grant, Littleton, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2025, May). Greetings from faculty. Invited speaker at the Inauguration of Mark A. Husband’s as the 8thPresident of Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2024, June). Engaging life’s tensions: Grappling with the both/and. Invited speaker for Summer Seminary at St. James Presbyterian Church, Littleton, CO.
  • Gilfillan, B, Shannon, J., Norris, E. K. (2024, March). Chi sigma iota: Chapter faculty advisor training. Invited speaker for Chi Sigma Iota Online Training.
  • McGarvey, K. L. & Norris, E. K. (2023, September). Engaging the tension when life doesn’t look like what you expected.Invited speaker at the Mission Hills 45+ Singles Group.
  • Norris. E. K. (2023, September). A quiet invitation in the midst of burnout. Keynote speaker for UnBridled ACTS Counselor Appreciation Dinner, Denver, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2023, June). Professional networking and maximizing opportunities in CES. Invited speaker for the doctoral residency at Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2023, March). On mental health, the effects of trauma, and caring for students as whole humans. Invited panelist for the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) Student Personnel Administrator (SPAN) Conference, Dallas, TX.
  • Norris, E. K. (2022, December). When I’m afraid: Engaging with anxiety. Invited speaker for women’s ministry Christmas event at Northern Hills Church, Brighton, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2022, June). Embracing life’s tensions: The joy of both/and. Invited speaker for Summer Seminary at St. James Presbyterian Church, Littleton, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2022, March, April). Assessing staff burnout. Invited speaker for two staff meetings for employees at Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO.
  • Norris, E. K. (2021, October). The Compelling and Credible Gospel: The Church and Human Sexuality. Invited panelist with the Gospel Initiative at Denver Seminary, Littleton, CO.
  • Riechel, M. E. K., Beasley, J. J., Norris, E. K., Elder, C. L. (2020, October) Mindfulness in the Workplace. Invited presenter at Atlanta Business Chronicle Women in Leadership Conference, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E. (2020, July). Secondary Impacts from Working as a Helper: Risks and Protective Factors. Invited presenter at Adventures in Missions, Gainesville, GA.
  • Norris, E. (2019, March). Safety and stabilization: Where to begin when working through trauma. Invited presenter at Life Empowerment Services, LLC, Atlanta, GA.
  • Norris, E. (2018, June). Invited speaker on mental and emotional health for college camp counselors. Multiple mini sessions and group discussions were held. Kanakuk Kamps, Lampe, MO.
  • Norris, E. (2016 – 2019). Invited speaker 3 times annually on emotional health, listening skills, conflict management, boundaries, and mental health as a part of leadership curriculum for Center for Global Action, Adventures in Missions, Gainesville, GA.
  • Norris, E. (2015-2017). Missionary Re-entry. Invited presenter four times annually for two years. Adventures in Missions, Gainesville, GA.
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado and Georgia
  • National Board-Certified Counselor
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