Samuel Girguis, PsyD
Chair, Department of Clinical Psychology; Director, PsyD Program; and Associate Professor
Video Introduction
Samuel M. Girguis, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of child/adolescent trauma assessment/intervention, and is currently the department chair and director of the APA-accredited PsyD program here at Azusa Pacific University.
Prior to working at APU, Girguis worked in the outpatient trauma treatment program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. His clinical work focused on children, youth, and families experiencing child abuse, foster care, community violence, and homelessness. His current research interests include trauma and resilience in local and global settings. Girguis conducted research in Cambodia on the impact of vicarious trauma on caregivers working with children/adolescents who had experienced sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.
More recently, he led a team of trainers in culturally adapting evidence-based trauma interventions for use with children/adolescents who had experienced sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in the Philippines. His current research examines trauma and resilience among refugee populations as well as vicarious trauma, coping, and resilience among national and local aid workers.
Education
- PsyD, in Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, 2005
- BS, Cognitive Psychology, UC San Diego, 1998
Credentials/Certifications
- Completion of APA-accredited Postdoctoral Fellowship in Trauma Psychology, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 2008
- Licensed Psychologist in California (PSY 21990)
Academic Area
- School of Behavioral Sciences
Expertise
- Child/Adolescent Psychology
- Trauma Psychology
- Global/international Psychology
Courses Taught
- PPSY 720 – Clinical and professional Consultation
- PPSY 732 – Child/Adolescent Psychology
- PPSY 749 – Diversity IV: Global Psychology
- PPSY 798 – Advanced Trauma Assessment/Intervention across the Lifespan