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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 Candidate
Psychologist
Dr. Michael Murphy completed his Bachelors degree in psychology at the University of Kentucky. He went on to earn 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.” His previous clinical work has been with Christian, Catholic, and secular practices. Dr. Murphy is trained in child, adult, marital/family, and group therapies as well as psychological testing. He has a special penchant for working with those struggling with depression, trauma, addiction, and vocational/existential issues, but he works with patients with a wide range of presenting concerns. Dr. Murphy is currently training to become a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist and finds it rewarding to work with those plagued by compulsive pornography use and related sexual issues. He also knows that individuals come to Ruah Woods looking for change and healing with 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. She is an active member of the Catholic Psychotherapy Association and its Special Interest Group for Clergy and Religious Assessment.
Rod Dunlap M.A., IMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Rod earned an M.A. in Religious Studies from Mount St. Joseph University in 2011 with an emphasis in Pastoral Care. He went on to serve in a variety of ministerial capacities over the next eight years at the parish and archdiocesan levels including youth, sports, and anti-pornography ministries. Rod went on to earn his M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. He is independently licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. His clinical experience has been with Catholic and secular practices serving individuals, married couples, children, adolescents, and families. Being an engaging communicator with a proven record of accomplishment in guiding others, his focus on building strong professional relationships has been a beneficial asset throughout his career. Rod brings a comprehensive set of clinical skills to create strong therapeutic relationships, make accurate assessments, and provide a firm foundation for therapy. Rod uses a combination of Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Bowen Family Systems Theory. Most of all, his clinical work is driven by his love for the Lord and his desire to be a vessel of healing for others. Rod is husband to his beautiful wife Maria, and together they have been blessed with 7 children.
Alex Wallace M.A., LPCC
Counselor
Alex graduated from Ball State University in 2017 with an M.A. in Counseling Psychology and an M.A. in Physical Education with a concentration in Sport and Exercise Psychology. Alex holds credentials as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Ohio and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Indiana. Alex is a husband and father of three, with eleven years of clinical experience, working to serve the needs of individuals in various settings, including private practice, community outpatient services, intensive youth rehabilitation, hospital chaplaincy, and collegiate sport performance. He is particularly passionate about supporting and collaborating with individuals, couples, and families who are navigating challenges, grieving a loss, facing a significant decision, or yearning to grow and strengthen. Alex utilizes a combination of evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Positive Psychology, and Motivational Interviewing to promote and help clients sustain valuable change. He has also received specialized training in providing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), has completed an Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy and completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. In addition, Alex finds great value in respectfully integrating religious and spiritual elements of one’s life when applicable.
Donna Sprengard
Administrative Services Manager
Donna Sprengard is a native Cincinnatian, married to Joe Sprengard. They have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. Donna has a degree in Business Administration with 23+ years at Wagner Repro & Supply. Along with raising her children and employment, she has been a volunteer to the church and community through Cincinnati Cursillo, Stephen Ministry, Emmaus Ministry, and Rite of Initiation for Children, Children’s Church, PC West client advocate, Rachael’s Vineyard facilitator, Teen Life Coalition board member and Disciples of Jesus and Mary Servant Leader. She is a certified Spiritual Mentorship received from Apostles of the Interior Life and School of Faith, Kansas City, KS.