Dr. Torsten A. Dryden

Assistant Professor of Professional Counseling, Clinical Fieldwork Coordinator
MB205-A, CEPS Complex
256-782-5855
tdryden@jsu.edu  

Dr. Dryden is a Licensed Professional Counselor (AL) with board certification as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). He also has certification as a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) and in AutPlay Therapy as well as additional training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and the Gottman Method of marriage counseling.
Dr. Dryden is a native of Jacksonville, Alabama, who serves graduate and post-graduate students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling programs at Jax State. He also serves as the Clinical Coordinator, assisting graduate students and fieldwork site supervisors in navigating the practicum and internship sequences.

Dr. Dryden serves the mental health needs of children and adults throughout Alabama in his work as a private practitioner. This also further informs his work as a scholar-clinician. Dr. Dryden has been a lifelong fan of Jax State, earning three degrees in counseling and psychology from the university. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy degree from The University of the Cumberlands and is excited to join the Department of Professional Counseling and Leadership team as an Assistant Professor.

Dr. Dryden enjoys traveling, reading, going to the gym, writing and performing music, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Torsten A. Dryden

Education

  • Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, The University of the Cumberlands, CACREP-accredited, 2024.
  • Ed.S., Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Jacksonville State University, 2019.
  • M.S., Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Jacksonville State University, CACREP-accredited, 2018.
  • B.S., Psychology, Jacksonville State University, 2014.

Academic & Research Interests

  • Integrated mental health and wellness in counseling.
  • Neurodivergent populations.
  • Theoretical integration and diagnostics in clinical mental health counseling.
  • Positive psychology in counseling.
  • Private practice in clinical mental health counseling.
  • Incentivized contingency management in group counseling.
  • Interpretative phenomenological analysis.
  • Qualitative methodologies.

Other Responsibilities

  • Jax State Clinical Coordinator for Counselor Education programs.
  • Jax State Faculty Advisor and Member of Chi Sigma Iota, Chi Theta Chapter
  • Jax State Counselor Education Ed.S. Coordinator
  • Jax State Liaison for Chapter V of the Alabama Counseling Association.
  • Member of the American Counseling Association.
  • Member of the Alabama Counseling Association.
  • Member of the Alabama Association for Counselor Education and Supervision.

Publications and Presentations

Publications: 

  • Dryden, T. A. (2024). The clock and the mind: A qualitative exploration of intermittent fasting and its perceived impact on mental health in adulthood. Dissertation.

Presentations:

  • Dryden, T.A., Johnson, K., Murphy, B. N., & Simmons, R. T.
    (2023, November). Right brain supervision: Creative and Reflective Strategies for Supervisors. Presentation given for the Alabama Counseling Association Annual Conference, Birmingham, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2023, May). Trapped in the world wide web of screen addiction. Presentation given for the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (Alabama Chapter) Annual Conference, Orange Beach, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2022, October). Mental health and wellness. Presentation given at Sigma Nu Fraternity for their Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, and Development (LEAD)
    workshop session, Jacksonville, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2022, May). Trapped in the world wide web of screen addiction. Presentation given for the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (Alabama Chapter) Annual Conference, Orange Beach, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2019, July). Video game addiction through the lifespan. Presentation given at the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling Annual All-State Conference, Atmore, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2019, May). Video game addiction through the lifespan. Presentation given at the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (Alabama Chapter) Annual Conference, Orange Beach, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2019, March). Trauma-informed care: Applications in substance abuse centers. Work Training Presentation given at Health Services Center Training Seminar, Anniston, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2018, November). Video game addiction through the lifespan. Poster presentation given at the annual Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) Conference, Birmingham, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2018, October). Substances in the college environment. Presentation given at Sigma Nu Fraternity for their Leadership, Ethics, Achievement, and Development (LEAD) workshop session, Jacksonville, AL.
  • Dryden, T.A. (2017, July). Breaking the habit: Suicide awareness and
    prevention    . Presentation given at the “Breaking the Habit” event benefiting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Atlanta, GA.