Education
- B.A. (Psychology) – Loyola University Maryland
- M.S. (Clinical Professional Counseling) – Loyola University Maryland
Courses Taught
- PY202 Psychopathology
- PY291/PY292 Research Methods I and II
- PY425 Clinical Applied Practice in Psychotherapy (CAPP)
- PY621 Principles and Practices of Psychotherapy (PPP)
- PY639 Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
- PY746 Research Methods in Psychology I
Areas of Specialization
My clinical work primarily focuses on teens, externalizing conditions (anger, substance use), men, and high-conflict families. I also work extensively with sexual and gender minority clients, especially teenagers. I enjoy working through challenging relational disruptions and helping my clients have more fulfilling and satisfying relationships while also developing a greater sense of understanding of and compassion for themselves.
My research interests focus on three main areas: therapist effectiveness and training,
treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs), and working with disapproving parents
of sexual and gender minority youth. I am fascinated by what makes a good therapist
(and how we can train good therapists), as the research would indicate that the type
of therapy (e.g., CBT vs. ACT vs. Psychodynamic) matters far less than the person
providing it. SUDs have long suffered from pervasive stigma and punitive models of
care, especially at the residential level. Finally, parental acceptance of sexual
and gender minority youth is a powerful mediating factor in the mental health outcomes
of those youth; if you can increase parental acceptance, you can decrease rates of
anxiety and depression in the youth.
Other Interests
I enjoy anything psychology related and am thrilled to serve as the faculty moderator for the undergraduate Psychology Club. I am also passionate about sexual and gender minority (SGM) representation and am a member of OutLoyola. During my undergraduate years at Loyola, I was the vice president of The LGBTQ+ Experience club (now The Spectrum Experience) and worked to help improve relations between SGM students and the university, including supporting the development of the All-Gender Housing initiative to allow transgender and gender-nonconforming students to room in safer and more comfortable environments. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing video games, and drinking really, really good coffee.
Publications
- Connors, J. K., & Barry, C. M. (2023). Exploring the impact of religious upbringings on sexual and gender minority youth. Modern Psychological Studies, 29(1). https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol29/iss1/25
- Connors, J. K., & Barry, C. M. (2023). Substance use disorder prevention among sexual and gender minority youth. Modern Psychological Studies, 29(1). https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol29/iss1/4