Dr. Jose Luis Tapia Jr. (he, him, his) is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. He graduated with his PhD in counseling at the University of North Texas. His research is focused on disability-responsive care across the lifespan. Dr. Tapia-Fuselier is currently President of the Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Education. He has served as the graduate student representative for the Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, the national Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), and the National Council for Rehabilitation Education. Dr. Tapia has been highlighted for her service by the American Counseling Association with the Arthur A. Hitchcock Distinguished Professional Service Award, the Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award by ACES, and Doctoral Student of the Year from the American Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

He has served in various committees in ACES and ACA to promote the profession of counselor education and advance equity and inclusion for graduate student and new professional members. He has a clear passion to serve the fields of counseling, rehabilitation counseling, counselor education in advancing the voices of others and promoting equitable and inclusive practices. Lastly, Dr. Tapia has served the community in public and private rehabilitation settings as well as, in private and community practice for 7 years. He has provided individual, relationship, play, and family therapy with a special focus in serving people with disabilities in three languages (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language). He is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist, and National Certified Counselor. Additionally, he is a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist-Supervisor, and Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapy-Supervisor and has advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy.

• Attachment Theory
• Emotionally Focused Therapy

• Disability Affirmative Therapy
• LGBTQ+ Affirmative Therapy
• Couple Therapy
• Play Therapy
• Clinical Supervision

PhD, Counseling, University of North Texas

MS, Rehabilitation Counseling, University of North Texas

BS, Rehabilitative Services-Deafness Concentration, University of Texas Pan-American

Registered Play Therapy (RPT)

Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)

National Certified Counselor (NCC)

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) 

Certified Child-Centered Play Therapist – Supervisor (CCPT-S) 

Certified Child-Parent Relationship Therapist – Supervisor (CPRT-S)

COUN 3000 Culturally Informed Treatment 

COUN 3110 Interviewing and Mediation

COUN 3500 Group Dynamics and Group Process 

COUN 4950 Practicum in Human Services

COUN 5020 Laboratory in Individual Counseling

COUN 5040 Human Growth and Development

COUN 5100 Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling

COUN 5120 Laboratory in Individual Counseling

COUN 5120 Practicum in Professional Counseling

COUN 5130 Theories and Techniques of Marriage, Family Counseling 

COUN 5410 Measurement and Appraisal

COUN 5550 Crisis Counseling, Trauma and Development 

COUN 5720 Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

COUN 5720 Internship in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Center for Play Therapy Train the Trainers Program – June 2022

Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) 101: Basics in CCPT – April 2022

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Level 2 – September 2021

EFT in a Time of Racial Reckoning – April 2021

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy, Level 1 – February 2021

Telehealth for Mental Health Professionals – April 2020

EFT, Working with High Conflict Couples – November 2019

EFT, Core Skills 3 & 4 – September 2019 

Emotionally Focused Family Therapy – September 2019 

EFT, Core Skills 1 & 2 – June 2019

Attachment Centered Play Therapy – June 2019

Sexual Attitude Reassessment (SAR) – June 2019

SAR Fatness – June 2019

Group Play Therapy Workshop – October 2018

EFT, Externship – Austin, TX June 2018

Refereed Publications 

Stark, C., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Bunch, K. (2022). The trauma-informed ethical decision-making model: An integrative framework. Journal of Trauma Studies in Education, 1(1), 108-125. https://dx.doi.org/10.32674/jis.v1i1.3678

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Ray, D. C., Allan, R., & Reyes, A. G. (2022) Emotionally focused therapists’ experiences serving interabled couples in couple therapy: An interpretive phenomenological analysis. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 1-20. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12594

Agarwal, S., Rodríguez, M., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022). Meeting the needs of children through telemental health: Application for rural mental health using child-parent relationship therapy. International Journal of Play Therapy. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/pla0000178

Rodríguez, M., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Ceballos, P., & Agarwal, S. (2021). Disability-responsive adaptations: Child-parent-relationship therapy for children with disabilities. The Family Journal: Counseling and Therapy for Couples and Families, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/1066480721992504

Schmit, M. K., Oller, M. L., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Schmit, E. L. (2020) A holistic client functioning profile comparison of persons with serious mental illness. Journal of Counseling and Development, 20(1), 3-16. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12295

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Ray, D. C. (2019). Culturally and linguistically responsive play therapy: Adapting child-centered play therapy for deaf children. International Journal of Play Therapy, 28(2), 79-87.https://doi.org/10.1037/pla0000091

Professional Publications 

Balva, D., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020). Working with clients with disabilities: Implications for psychotherapists. Psychotherapy Bulletin. Retrieved from https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/working-with-clients-with-disabilities/?fbclid=IwAR0_uu_1wTvmXXRuy74avXa0pP9U6ozS1ZolGEkGXcdvnxMB4ABtugjYWaw

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Tapia-Fuselier, N. (2019). In the age of zero tolerance immigration policies: Family separation and its impact on attachment. Texas Association Humanistic Education and Development (TAHEAD) Newsletter. Retrieved from https://www.txca.org/images/Divisions/TAHEAD/TAHEADNewsletter_4_1_19.pdf

Conference Presentations (International)

Balva, D., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Mandas, P. (2021, September). Centering disability justice in supervisory practices: Exploring barriers to disability competencies in supervision. Presented (online) at the International Council of Psychologists (ICP).

Balva, D., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Mandas, P. (2021, September). Disability justice: Dismantling ableist practices in the field of psychology. Presented (online) at the ICP.

Balva, D., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, December). The response to COVID-19: The impact on disability communities across the world. Presented (online) at the ICP.

Conference Presentations (National)

Stark, C., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, February). Ethically responsive treatment of gender-diverse clients with disabilities. Presented (online) at Law and Ethics Counseling Conference.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Sacco-Bene, C., & Balva, D. (2021, October). The ableist mindset: Exploring barriers and best practices to integrating disability competencies into counselor education and supervision. Presented at the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), Atlanta, Georgia.

Stutey, D., Cureton, J., Severn, K., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2021, October). Leveraging suicide protective factors in school settings: Implications for counselor educators and supervisors. Presented at the ACES, Atlanta, Georgia.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Balva, D., & Sacco-Bene, C. (2021, March). Creating space in the classroom: Exploring power, privilege, and inclusion of disability. Presented (online) at American Counseling Association (ACA).

Balva, D., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Mandas, P. A. (2021, March). Supervising counselors-in-training with disabilities: What our profession needs to know. Sponsored by American Rehabilitation Counseling Association (ARCA) presented (online) at ACA.

Stark, C., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2021, March). Ethically responsive treatment of gender-diverse clients with disabilities. Presented (online) at Law and Ethics in Counseling Conference.

Robinson, K., Vaishnav, S., Backer, A., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2021, March). Social justice, advocacy, and inclusion strategies for graduate students and new professional. Presented (online) at ACA.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, July). Enhancing relational bonds: Conducting group therapy with interabled couples. Presented (online) at the National Council for Rehabilitation Education (NCRE).

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Balva, D. (2020, July). Advancing as a student: Preparing for certification exam and conference preparation. Presented (online) at the NCRE.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Robinson, H. (2019, October). Can we work together? Navigating cross-theory supervision. Presented at ACES, Seattle, Washington.

Wehrman, J. D., Burgin, E., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2019, July). Never shall I fail my comrades: Addressing moral injury with military and first responder personnel. Presented at the Association for Spiritual, Ethical, and Religious Values in Counseling (ASERVIC), Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Malacara, A. (2019, June). Sex therapy with interabled couples: An intersectional approach. Presented at the American Association Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

Waddington, A., Robino, A., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Vaishnav, S., & McKenna (2019, March). Survival tips for graduate students and new professionals. Presented at ACA, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Conference Presentations (Regional)

Notestine, L., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. & Schramm, M. (2022, October). Addressing violence in the room: Considerations for EFT with relationships experiencing IPV. Presented at Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES), Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. & Schramm, M. (2022, October). Ableism in counseling practice: Disability-responsive practices for counselors, counselor educators, and supervisors. Presented at Rocky Mountain Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (RMACES), Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Rodríguez, M. (2018, October). Enhancing the diverse learner experience: Training in consejeria bilingüe. Presented at Southern Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (SACES), Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Butts, C. M. (2018, October). First timer’s session. Presented at SACES, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Conference Presentations (State)

Cartwright, A., Ceballos, P., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Carey, C., & Amundson, J. (2019, February). Cultivating equity: Two grant projects for clinically underserved communities. Presented at Texas Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (TACES), Dallas, Texas.

Robinson, H., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2019, February). Blurred lines: Addressing sticky situations in counselor education and supervision. Presented at TACES, Dallas, Texas.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Rodríguez, M. (2018, March). Implications for bilingual counselor training and supervision. Presented at TACES, Austin, Texas.

Conference Presentations (Local)

Agarwal, S., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2019, February). Utilizing research to inform clinical practice: Tips and tricks to integrating research and advocating for clients. Presented at CSI/UNT CSJ 2^nd Annual Conference, Denton, Texas.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2018, February). Progressing in multicultural and social justice counseling competencies: A discussion on ability status. Presented at Chi Sigma Iota: Rho Kappa One-Day Conference at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.

Reyes, A. G., Rodríguez, M., Allen, N., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2018, February). Beyond the counseling room: Meeting the needs of undocumented Latinx clients. Presented at Chi Sigma Iota: Rho Kappa One-Day Conference at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.

Invited Guest Speaking Presentations

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2023, March). Disability-Responsive Practices for Serving Interabled Couples in Counseling. Presented at Denver Family Institute MFT 623: Couples Studies III: Couples and Emotions.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, September). Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Presented at University of North Texas COUN 6120 Qualitative Methods.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, March). Ethical and Clinical Considerations for Career Counseling in Schools and Community. Presented at University of Texas at Tyler COUN 5335 Career Counseling & Assessment.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, March). Working With Students With Disabilities and Mental Health Needs. Presented at University of Texas at Tyler COUN 5344 Advanced Principles of School Counseling.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, February). Sex Therapy and Interabled Relationships: Consideration for Clinicians. Presented at Rollins College CPY 601 Human Sexuality: Therapy, Counseling Theory, and Techniques.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2021, November). Emotionally Focused Therapists Experiences Serving Interabled Couples in Couple Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis. Presented at Roosevelt University.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2021, February). Implications for Interabled Couples in Counseling. Presented at Denver Family Institute MFT 623: Couples Studies III: Couples and Emotions.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2021, February). Implications for Interabled Couples in Counseling. Presented at UC Denver Graduate School of Social Work SOWK 4505: Relationship Therapy.

Bennett, C. M., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., Petion, G., & Morton, F. (2020, November). Professional Practice with Diverse Clients. Presented at Wake Forest University CNS 335: Diversity in Helping Professions.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, November). Disability and Ableism. Presented at University of North Texas COUN 2620: Diversity and Cultural Awareness.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, November). Family and Disability: Consideration for Clinicians. Presented at Rollins College CPY 550 Dynamics of Marriage, Relationship, and Family Systems.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, September). Disability and Gender Identity. Presented at University of Georgia ECHD 4010: The Development and Experience of Gender Identity in the US.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, September). Child Parent Relationship Therapy. Presented at UCCS COUN 5570: Play Therapy and Child Counseling.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Montana, A. (2020, June). The impact of COVID-19 on children with disabilities.Presented at Denton County Friends of the Family (online)

Ceballos, P. L., Rodríguez, M., Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr., & Reyes, A. G. (2019, December) Terapia de juego centrada en niños. Presented at Departamento de Trabajo Social Inter Metro at San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Cartwright, A. D., Ceballos, P. L., Carey, C. D., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2019, January). Creating and cultivating equity: Grant writing and medically underserved communities. Presented for Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development.

Community Presentations/Trainings/Workshops

Agarwal, S., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2023, January). Child-Teacher Relationship Training. Training conducted at CPCD HeadStart Program.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, November). Disability-responsive practices for serving people across the lifespan. Training facilitated by Center for Innovations and Resources, Inc. Paid Presentation.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, November). Ableism in the space between: Disability-responsive practices for couple and relationship counseling. Presented at City University of Seattle Counseling Program. Paid Presentation.

Agarwal, S., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, September). Child-Teacher Relationship Training. Training conducted at CPCD HeadStart Program.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, April). Cultivating Disability-Responsive Academic Spaces. Presented at Roosevelt University College of Education. Paid Presentation.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2022, May). Interabled relationships and sex therapy. Presentation at the Emotionally Focused Therapy Colorado Springs Consultation Group virtually in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Chan, C. D., Cartwright, A. D., Ceballos, P. L., Carey, C. D., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2020, June). Multicultural Training in Integrated Care and Behavioral Health. Presented at ICBH Summer Training.

Ceballos, P. L., & Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2019, June). Immigration integration and translation services in mental health counseling. Presented at ICBH Summer Integrated Care and Multicultural Training.

Tapia-Fuselier, J. L., Jr. (2017, November). What’s next? Professional development panel. Panelist for Chi Sigma Iota: Rho Kappa at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.

Tapia, J. L., Jr. (2017, March). Coping skills after having a stroke. Presentation at the Stroke Support Group at the University of North Texas, Denton, Texas.

Tapia, J. L., Jr. (2016, June). Navigating return to work opportunities and social security after stroke.Presentation at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Irving, Texas.

Doctoral Student of The Year Award – ARCA April 2021

Arthur A. Hitchcock Distinguished Professional Service Award – ACA March 2021

Outstanding Student Poster Presentation Award – ICP December 2020

Outstanding Graduate Student Leadership Award – ACES October 2020

NBCC Minority Fellowship Award for Doctoral Mental Health Counselors 2019 – 2020

Outstanding Doctoral Student Award – Chi Sigma Iota: Rho Kappa Chapter 2018 – 2019

Outstanding Service to Chapter Award – Chi Sigma Iota: Rho Kappa Chapter 2017 – 2018

RMACES, President-Elect July 2021 – Present

Chi Sigma Iota (CSI) International, Faculty Co-Advisor July 2020 – Present

International Journal for Play Therapy, Ad Hoc Reviewer March 2019

ACES, Graduate Student Representative July 2020 – July 2021

ACES Graduate Student Committee, Chair July 2020 – July 2021

ACES Finance and Budget Committee, Committee Member June 2020 – July 2021

NCRE, Student Representative April 2019 – April 2021

SACES Emerging Leader Program, Co-coordinator May 2020 – Present