Marcus Kilian, PsyD

Associate Professor of Psychology

Department: Psychology

Office: Morrison Hall

Biographical Information

Dr. Kilian was born and raised in Germany. He has worked with students and clients from diverse cultures and backgrounds. His current professional work includes owning a part-time Christian psychotherapy practice (Paraclete Care) where he treats adult clients and conducts individual spiritual companionship sessions. At his local church, Dr. Kilian facilitates a spiritual support group for parishioners who struggle with chronic mental health problems and he meets with adults for spiritual companionship. He has been happily married for over 26 years and he and his wife Dawn, have two adult children. He is passionate about the integration of Christian spirituality with psychology. He has been a clinical member of the Christian Association of Psychological Studies since 2007. Dr. Kilian teaches the following courses: Psychology of Everyday Life, Psychology and Professional Life, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Skills, Assessment in Psychology, Personality Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Psychology of Religion, Ethics in Psychology (1 credit hour), Integration and Vocation Seminar (1 credit hour), and Gender and Human Sexuality.

Education

• MTh, Theological Ethics (specialization in Christian Leadership), University of South Africa (UNISA), 2016
• PsyD, Clinical Psychology, School of Psychology and Counseling Regent University (APA accredited), Virginia Beach, VA, 2004.
• Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, Organizational Leadership, School of Leadership Studies, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, 2002.
• MDiv, Pastoral Counseling (incl. CPE) and Christian Formation, Pentecostal Theological Seminary (ATS accredited), Cleveland, TN, 1997

Publications

Books and Book Chapters

• Kilian, M. K. (2018). Formational Leadership: Developing Spiritual and Emotional Maturity in Toxic Leaders. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock.
• Kilian, M., & Parker, S. (2003). A Wesleyan Spirituality: Implications for Clinical Practice. In Mark McMinn and Todd Hall (eds.), Spiritual Formation, Counseling, and Psychotherapy. New York: Nova Science Publishers.

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Kilian, M.K. (2024). Merton’s True Self and the Treatment of Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (ICD-11): Insights from Fairbairn’s Object Relations Theory. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 43(3), 264-278.
• Kilian, M.K. (2019). Wesleyan Leadership Formation: A Neuroscience Integration. Journal of Psychology and Christianity, 38(4), 253-267.
• Burchard, G., Yarhouse, M. A., Worthington, E. L., Jr., Barry, J. W., Cantor, D., & Kilian, M.K. (2003). A Study of Two Marital Enrichment Programs and Couples’ Quality of Life. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 31(3), 240-252.
• Hill, P.C., & Kilian, M.K. (2003). Assessing Clinically Significant Religious Impairment in Clients: Applications from Measures in the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 6(2), 149-160.
• Kilian, M., & Parker, S. (2001). A Wesleyan Spirituality: Implications for Clinical Practice. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 29, 72-80.

Academic Presentations (recent)

• Dryjanska, L., Sanchez, J, Hagues, R., & Kilian, M.K. (2024). Religion, Prayer, and a Hope for a better future: Stories of Resilience from Refugee Women. Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) Realigned– Annual International Conference, Atlanta, GA, March 22, 2024 (1 hour).
• Kilian, M.K. (2023). Taught three sessions on trauma counseling to Ukrainian seminary students, pastors, and therapists:
  • Session 1: Introduction to Trauma (Simple PTSD, complex PTSD, resilience, and treatment overview) (2.5 hours)
  • Session 2: Basic Support for Trauma/ Spiritual Coping Skills (2.5 hours)
  • Session 3: Telling our Stories: Narrative Trauma Therapy (including trauma stabilization) (2.5 hours)- Ukrainian Evangelical Theological Seminary, Lviv (Ukraine), May 22, 23, and 24 (7.5 hours).
• Kilian, M.K. (2023). Thomas Merton’s Concept of the True Self: Implications for the Christian Treatment of Sex Addiction. Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS)- Emerge-Annual International Conference, Louisville, KY, March 31, 2023 (1 hour).
• Kilian, M.K. (2021). Sexual Compulsivity: Diagnosis and Treatment Overview. Kentucky Counseling Association Standing in the Gap Conference- Annual Conference, Louisville, KY, November 16, 2021(1 hour).
• Kilian, M.K. (2020). Formational Counseling: Wesleyan Spiritual Formation for Clinicians. Christian Association of Psychological Studies (CAPS) Realigned– Annual International Conference, Atlanta, GA, March 13, 2020 (1 hour).
• Kilian, M.K. (2016). Reconnecting to a Community Post-Trauma. Minnesota Association of Christian Counselors (MACC) 3^rd Annual Fall Conference, St. Paul, MN, October 7, 2016 (1 hour).
• Kilian, M.K. (2014). Formational leadership: Overcoming toxic leadership with Christian Spirituality. Virtual Conference on Moral Leadership: Narcissism & Toxic Leadership, Regent University, December 15, 2014 (1 hour).

Contact Marcus Kilian