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6675 Wesselman Road • Cincinnati, Ohio 45248 • 513-407-8878
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Andrew J. Sodergren, Psy.D.
Director of Psychological Services
Dr. Sodergren holds Masters and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from Divine Mercy University’s Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS), the only graduate school in existence devoted to integrating the best of psychological science with a Catholic view of the human person. His doctoral dissertation, completed in 2009, was entitled “Attachment and Morality: A Catholic Perspective.” Dr. Sodergren established Ruah Woods Psychological Services in 2011. His previous clinical work was with the Alpha Omega Clinic in Bethesda, MD and with Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska. Dr. Sodergren is trained in child, adult, marital/family, and group therapies as well as psychological testing, including vocational assessment for candidates to the priesthood or religious life. He is certified in Relationship Enhancement® couples therapy and has received advanced training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy. He is an active member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association and is a frequent speaker for professional and lay audiences on topics involving the integration of psychology and the Catholic faith. For 13 years, he co-taught a course on psychology and neuroscience as an Adjunct Professor at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family in Washington, DC. In 2022, Dr. Sodergren contributed a chapter on the “Psychology of the Sexual Difference” to the book Sexual Identity: The Harmony of Philosophy, Science, and Revelation published by the St. Paul Center. He previously contributed a chapter on forgiveness in marriage to the book Torn Asunder: Children, the Myth of the Good Divorce, and the Recovery of Origins. In 2023, Dr. Sodergren received the Mother of Good Counsel Clinical Excellence Award from the Catholic Psychotherapy Association.
Michael Murphy, Psy.D., CSAT
Psychologist
Dr. Michael Murphy completed his Masters and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at Divine Mercy University. His doctoral dissertation, completed in 2017, was entitled “Flow in the Context of Vocation.” He is trained in child, adult, marital/family, and group therapies as well as psychological testing. In 2023, Dr. Murphy completed an intense, multi-year training program to become a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT). He is well-prepared to work with those struggling with sexual behavior, providing them with thorough evaluations and walking with them through the treatment process on the way to recovery. His CSAT training also has prepared him to provide a full and sensitive response to those impacted by another’s sexual addiction or sexual betrayal (e.g., spouses). Dr. Murphy is prepared to work with any part of this difficult circumstance, including addressing a couple’s unique needs (e.g., assessment/triage, disclosure, marital therapy). He also enjoys working with those struggling with depression, childhood trauma, vocational/existential issues, and other difficulties in functioning in which the origin is complex or unclear. Dr. Murphy knows that individuals come to Ruah Woods looking for a faith-filled therapist they can trust, and he is honored to take up that calling.
Emily Dowdell, Psy.D.
Psychologist
Dr. Emily Dowdell earned her Masters and Doctoral degrees in clinical psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences (IPS) at Divine Mercy University . Her doctoral dissertation, completed in 2018, was entitled “Evaluating an Experienced Psychiatrist’s Assessment of Possession from a Catholic Perspective.” She previously studied theology and philosophy while obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Multimedia Communications from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. Dowdell has had a diverse training experience, working in a variety of settings including the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, DC and Riverview Psychiatric Center in Augusta, Maine. Her most recent clinical work was with the CatholicPsych Institute, where she served as a therapist, mentor, and Director of Psychological Assessment. Dr. Dowdell is trained in adolescent, adult, marital, family, and group therapies as well as psychological testing, including evaluations for discerners of the priesthood or religious life. Dr. Dowdell uses a combination of interpersonal process and emotion-focused techniques with a foundation in identity development and psychodynamic theory. She is an active member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association and its Special Interest Group for Seminary Assessment and Therapy and a member of the Gender Exploratory Therapy Association.
ALEX WALLACE M.A., LMHC, LPCC-S
Counselor and Supervisor
Alex Wallace is a devoted husband, father of four and Godfather of three, with over thirteen years of clinical experience. He earned dual M.A. degrees from Ball State University in 2017: one in Counseling Psychology and the other in Physical Education, with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology. He is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervision designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana. Additionally, he is Certified in Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT), an evidence-based approach that moves beyond symptom management to promote lasting, systemic change for his patients. Alex is passionate about walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate grief, significant dilemmas, challenges associated with intense experiences, and the desire for deeper healing and growth. With dedicated training in couples therapy, he uniquely helps couples move from relational distress to connection and mastery through improved communication and emotional bonding. Alex honors and integrates patients’ religious beliefs into therapy when appropriate, offering a holistic approach to mental health care. Alongside his clinical work, Alex is committed to mentoring the next generation of mental health professionals by providing board-approved supervision and consultation in Indiana and Ohio. He is also an active member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, as well as the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy. When he’s not serving others through his vocational roles, Alex enjoys lifting weights or hitting the open road on his 2022 Harley-Davidson Road King.
Maggie Hernon, M.A., LPC
Counselor
Maggie graduated with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, specializing in Christian Counseling and Crisis and Trauma Intervention. She holds credentials as a Nationally Certified Counselor and as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Ohio. Maggie works under the supervision of Alex Wallace, LPCC-S in order to advance to the next level of professional licensure. Maggie’s educational foundation includes a bachelor’s degree in psychology and philosophy from Franciscan University. Her therapeutic approach draws from elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, and Solution Focused Therapy. She aims to help patients gain clarity and insight into their emotional experiences so they can deepen their self-understanding. She holds an appreciation for the great depth and complexity of the human person and recognizes that relationships serve as the greatest vessel for healing. Because of this, Maggie prioritizes developing a trusting and meaningful therapeutic relationship with her patients so they can feel safe to share themselves. She has experience serving clients of various age groups, backgrounds, and a range of mental health challenges, with a particular focus on clinical work with children, adolescents, and parents. When working with this population, Maggie often utilizes a combination of techniques from Behavior Therapy and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy in order to promote emotional regulation, develop appropriate behavior management strategies, and improve the quality of the parent-child relationship. Maggie strives to support individuals of all ages in their path to flourishing by providing compassionate care tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Jessie Tappel, M.S., LPCC
Counselor
Jessie Tappel, LPC, LCPC, ACS is a licensed professional counselor. She received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from the Institute for the Psychological Sciences. The focus of her studies was on the integration of faith and psychology and helping those who suffer take those next steps toward finding freedom. She works with adults, children and adolescents through a variety of treatment approaches, including those informed by attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Her particular interests include trauma, relationships and spiritual issues, and has worked with many clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, and life transitions (divorce/grief/loss). She has had extensive experience in working with a diverse population, over a variety of settings. In 2019, Jessie became a Certified Clinical Traumatologist through the Green Cross Academy for Traumatology and is EMDR Certified.
Regina Franchini
Administrative Services Manager
Regina Franchini is from the Greater Cincinnati area. She attended Miami University of Ohio and has an extensive professional background in banking, management, and administration. She is married, and she and her husband enjoy traveling, attending sporting events, and spending time with friends and family. They both share a love for animals and currently have three “fur babies,” Petey, Gemma, & Keegan.
Olivia Edwards
Administrative Assistant
Olivia Edwards attended Franciscan University of Steubenville and finished with a degree in the Natural and Applied Sciences. In addition to her administrative work here, she spends the other days of her week caring for the elderly and educating women on their fertility. Her love for science as it relates to Theology of the Body began in high school when she took Ruah Woods’ “Called to Be More” program, which helped uncover God’s calling for her. She is thrilled to be working for the organization that changed her life!