Marcus Z. Folkes

<p>Dr. Marcus Folkes is an Assistant Professor of Counseling, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, and a Qualified Supervisor in both states. He earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bethune-Cookman University, a historically Black university in Daytona Beach, Florida, and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis in Advanced Counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. Dr. Folkes has provided counselling services across the lifespan, with a clinical focus on adolescents and young adult men navigating adjustment concerns, anxiety, stress, traumatic experiences, and issues related to identity and personal growth.</p> <br> <p>As an educator, clinician, and scholar, Dr. Folkes is committed to advancing culturally responsive and equity-centred counselling practices that promote resilience and holistic well-being. His teaching, research, and professional service emphasise counsellor development, multicultural competence, trauma-informed care, and innovative approaches to counsellor education. He has delivered presentations at local, state, national, and international conferences on topics including Mental Health 101, Resiliency in Youth, Trauma-Informed Care, Intergenerational and Transgenerational Trauma, Mental Health Stigma, and the integration of self-care and self-tending into counsellor wellness. His work on self-tending has encouraged helping professionals to move beyond traditional notions of self-care by fostering sustainable, intentional practices that support long-term personal and professional well-being.</p> <br> <p>Dr. Folkes has also contributed to the counselling profession through scholarly publications, including book chapters and professional newsletters. Driven by a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of counsellors, he strives to cultivate reflective practitioners who advocate for inclusive, compassionate, and evidence-informed mental health care that empowers individuals, families, and communities.</p>