Melissa Zeligman, Ph.D.
University of Central Florida
Counselor Education Program
mzeligman@gmail.com
Education
PhD, Counselor Education, 2014
University of Central Florida, Orlando Fl. (CACREP accredited)
Dissertation Title: Exploring the Influence of Stigma, Level of Trauma, and Social Support on the
Experience of Posttraumatic Growth in Adults Living with HIV.
Master of Arts Degree, Mental Health Counseling, 2009
Rollins College, Winter Park Fl. (CACREP accredited)
Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Minor Religious Studies, 2006
University of North Florida, Jacksonville Fl.
Research Interests
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Mental health interventions for working with the chronically ill, particularly those living with
HIV/AIDS.
Trauma, including medical trauma, and meaning making following traumatic events.
Social Constructivist approaches to counseling, teaching and supervision.
Teaching Experience
Instructor
MHS 7730: Seminar in Research in Counselor Education
University of Central Florida, Summer, 2014
Instructor
MHS 6803: Practicum I & II
University of Central Florida, Summer, 2014
Guest Lecturer
MHS 6702: Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling
University of Central Florida, Summer, 2014
Instructor
MHS 6500: Group Procedures and Theories in Counseling
University of Central Florida, Spring, 2013
Instructor
MHS 6401: Techniques of Counseling
University of Central Florida, Fall, 2012
Guest Lecturer
MHS 5005: Introduction to the Counseling Profession
University of Central Florida, Spring, 2012; Fall, 2011
Group Facilitator
MHS 6500: Group Procedures and Theories in Counseling
University of Central Florida, Spring, 2012; Fall, 2011
Publications in Refereed Journals
1. Zeligman, M. & Robinson, E. H. (2014) Counselors’ role in HIV medication adherence:
A motivational interviewing perspective. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 9, 232244. doi: 10.1080/15401383.2014.895471
2. Zeligman, M. & Barden, S.M. (In Press). Using a narrative approach with clients
living with HIV. Journal of Constructivist Psychology.
3. Zeligman, M., Prescod, D. J. & Greene, J. (In Press). Journey towards becoming a
counselor education doctoral student: Perspectives of women of color. Journal of Negro
Education.
Manuscripts submitted for Publication in refereed Journals
1. Zeligman, M. (In review). Supervising counselors-in-training through a developmental,
narrative approach. The Clinical Supervisor (submitted for review 7/2012).
2. Bell, H., Jacobson, L., Zeligman, M., & Fox, J. (Revise/Resubmit). The role of religious
coping and resiliency in individuals with dissociative identity disorder. Counseling and
Values (submitted for review 2/2014).
Current Research Investigations
1. Zeligman, M. (2014, Fall). Male experiences of living with dissociative identity disorder.
IRB# SBE-14-09975 (Qualitative design: Phenomenological).
2. Zeligman, M. (2013, Spring). Exploring the impact of stigma and social support on the
experience of posttraumatic growth in adults living with HIV. IRB# SBE-13-09627
(Quantitative design: Correlational).
3. Zeligman, M., Greene, J., Hundley, G., & Graham, J. (2013, Spring). Intra and interpersonal relationships of dissociative identity disorder (DID) survivors: Myth and
reality. IRB# SBE-11-07382 (Qualitative design: Phenomenological).
4. Greene, J., Zeligman, M., Hall, K., & Prescod, D. J. (2012, Spring). Theoretical
orientation development of practicing counselors: An exploratory investigation. IRB #
SBE-12-0837 (Qualitative design: Consensual Qualitative Research).
Professional Presentations
National
1. Greene, J. H., Graham, J. M., Zeligman, M., & Bloom, Z. D. (2014, March). Hearing the
Voices of Practitioners: A Focus Group and Interviews Conducted with Counselors Working
with Those with DID. Presented at the American Counseling Association Annual Conference,
Honolulu, Hawaii.
2. Zeligman, M., Prescod, D. J., & Wood, A. (2014, March). Exploring Post-Traumatic Growth
in Clients Living with HIV. Presented at the American Counseling Association Annual
Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii.
3. Zeligman, M. & Prescod, D. J. (2013, October). Supervising Counselors-in-Training through
a Developmental, Narrative Approach. Presented at the Association for Counselor Education
& Supervision (ACES) Conference, Denver, Colorado.
4. Zeligman, M. & Barden, S. (2013, October). A Narrative Approach to Supporting Clients
Living with HIV. Presented at the Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES)
Conference, Denver, Colorado.
5. Jacobson, L., Graham, J., Zeligman, M., & Fox, J. (2013, October). Teaching EvidencedBased Techniques to Counselors-in-Training Working with Survivors of Dissociative Identity
Disorder (DID). Presented at the Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES)
Conference, Denver, Colorado.
6. Zeligman, M., Barden, S., Prescod, D. J., & Gonzalez, J. (2013, March). Are you there God?
It's me, client: Using narrative therapy with clients with spiritual concerns. Presented at the
American Counseling Association Annual Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio.
7. Prescod, D. J. & Zeligman, M. (2013, March). Career Intervention Considerations for
Unwed Young Black Mothers in the United States. Presented at the American Counseling
Association Annual Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio.
8. Bell, H., Jacobson, L., Fox, J., Hundley, G., Graham, J., & Zeligman, M. (2013, March). The
Role of Spirituality in Individuals with Dissociative Identity Disorder. Presented at the
American Counseling Association Annual Conference, Cincinnati, Ohio.
9. Fox, J., Bell, H., Jacobson, L., Hundley, G., Zeligman, M., & Graham, J. (2013,
March). Recovering identity: A qualitative investigation of a survivor of dissociative identity
disorder. Presented at the American Counseling Association Annual Conference, Cincinnati,
Ohio.
State/Regional
10. Jacobson, L. & Zeligman, M. (February, 2013). Treating Survivors of Dissociative Identity
Disorder: Techniques and Activities in Facilitating the Counseling Process. Presented at the
UCF Counseling Conference, Orlando, FL.
11. Zeligman, M. & Prescod, D. J. (February, 2013) Counselors Role in Medication Adherence:
A Motivational Interviewing Perspective. Presented at the UCF Counseling Conference,
Orlando, Fl.
12. Zeligman, M., Hundley, G. & Blueford, J. (February, 2013). Stories of Survivors with
Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation of Symptoms, Traumatic
Experiences and Relationships. Presented at Healing Together conference, Orlando, Fl.
13. Bell, C. H., Lambie, G. W., & Zeligman, M. (September, 2012). Developing counselor
Educators: A model for cultivating future academics. Presented at the 2012 Southern
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES). Savannah, GA.
14. Lamb, C., Greene, J., Zeligman, M., Prescod, D., Hall, K., & Mullen, P. (October, 2012)
Navigating the Therapeutic Waters: Theory Development in Counseling Professionals.
Presented at the 2012 Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
(SACES). Savannah, GA.
15. Gutierrez, D., Mullen, P., Fox, J., & Zeligman, M. (2012, September). Teaching Spirituality:
Experiential Activities for Integrating Spiritual Competency in Counselor Education.
Presented at the 2012 Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
(SACES). Savannah, GA.
16. Super, J., Bell, H., Limberg, D., Munyon, M., Zeligman, M., Sherrell, R., Lamb, C. (2012,
February) Doc Student Roundtable. Presented at the 2012 UCF Counseling Conference.
Orlando, Fl.
17. Zeligman, M., Prescod, D. J. (2012, February) Getting caught up in the cycle of violence: The
effects of domestic violence on clients and clinicians. Presented at the 2012 UCF Counseling
Conference. Orlando, FL.
Professional Service
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Mentor through Counselor Education Doctoral Student Association (CEDSO), August, 2012present.
Secretary of Counselor Education Doctoral Student Association (CEDSO) August, 2012August, 2013.
Mentor through ACA mentoring program, March, 2013- August, 2013.
Invited reviewer for the Journal of Negro Education, May, 2013.
Presentation proposal reviewer for UCF Counseling Conference, November, 2012.
Clinical & Professional Highlights
Victim Advocate – August, 2010- August, 2011
State Attorney’s Office, Orlando, Fl.
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Teach domestic violence awareness class to victims navigating the legal system.
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Conduct risk assessments and safety planning with clients.
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Provide crisis intervention for victims of crime seeking support.
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Educate clients about the dynamics of domestic violence as well their role within
a criminal case.
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Accompany clients to all legal proceedings in order to provide a source of
support.
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Train college psychology interns in appropriate client/advocate communication
Area Coordinator – July, 2009-August, 2010
University of Tampa, Tampa, Fl.
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Supervised the professional development of 12 resident assistants, and 1 head
resident.
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Created and lead training sessions for paraprofessional staff, including topics such
as: self-care, identifying mental health concerns in students, and confidentiality.
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Responded to after hour emergencies on campus by serving as an “on duty”
professional every third week. Such emergencies included sexual assault cases,
after hour depression screenings, and medical emergencies.
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Met with students suspected of breaking housing policies in order to provide an
educational moment and an intentional sanction.
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Utilized the campuses “student of concern” program by meeting with students
who had been reported anonymously, or by referring students who needed
additional resources.
Mental Health Intern- HUG-Me clinic- September, 2008-April, 2009
Rollins College, Winter Park, Fl.
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Provided individual, family, and couples counseling for individuals infected or
affected by HIV in the central Florida area.
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Developed personalized treatment plans for clients working through such issues
as: substance abuse, adjustment to diagnosis, depression, anxiety, and history of
trauma.
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Worked in collaboration with medical staff and case managers in order to fully
meet client needs.
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Provided mental health screenings for all medical clients, referring when
appropriate.
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Co-facilitated a weekly support group for individuals ranging from 18-60 years of
age.
Hall Director- August, 2006-May, 2008
Rollins College, Winter Park, Fl.
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Directly supervised a student staff of seven resident assistants in a “living learning
community.”
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Participated in an on-call rotation, responding to after hour’s crisis situations oncampus.
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Held judicial hearings with students suspected of breaking campus policies.
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Planned and implemented staff initiatives aimed at raising staff morale, as part of
the “staff development” committee.
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Supervised student members of the Residential Hall Association.
Non-Clinical Professional Highlights
Graduate Assistant, Morgridge International Reading Center- August, 2012-present
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fl.
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Help to implement programming for the annual UCF Book Festival.
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Assist in marketing efforts for literacy themed programming.
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Demonstrate use of the centers technology (e.g., SMART boards and Promethean
boards).
Graduate Assistant, Academic Advising – August, 2011- August, 2012
University of Central Florida, Orlando, Fl.
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Analyze assessment data to determine if student learning objectives are being met.
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Provide individual academic advising to students in the college of education.
Allowing students to explore different majors, determine appropriate course
plans, and track progress within the college.
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Educate students on the academic requirements associated with the college of
education.
Research advising styles to present and educate advising staff, in order to better
serve students.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations
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American Counseling Association (ACA) (2008—present)
Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES) (2011- present)
Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the State of Florida (#IMH-10652)
Advanced Training
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40 hour Victim Advocate designation training, Orlando, Fl: October 2010
National conference on sexual assault in our schools, Orlando Fl.: November 2009
Safe Zone training, Tampa, Fl: September 2009
Master Therapists’ series, Rollins College, Winter Park, Fl.:
“Counseling Adult Survivors of Trauma” workshop with Dr. Satsuki Ina: February
2009
“Dialectical Behavior Therapy” workshop with Dr. Baker Dennis: February 2009
“The Healing Process of Play Therapy with Young Children” workshop with Dr. Sue
Bratton: December 2008
4 hr. HIV/500 course, Orlando, Fl: October 2008