Donna Hurst, Ph.D., LPC

Bio

Dr. Donna Hurst is the director of research and program development in the Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychological Studies program at Regent University. An assistant professor, Hurst is a licensed professional counselor in Virginia and Arizona, bringing extensive experience in trauma, crisis intervention, and counseling.

Her career began in the 1990s, when she co-founded a California-based nonprofit serving survivors of intimate partner violence and stalking. As executive director, she partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Center for Victims of Crime to provide training, education, and direct assistance to crime victims, offenders, and justice system professionals across the country.

After serving as a lay counselor in her church, Hurst discovered her passion for helping others and transitioned from corporate leadership supporting military families into professional counseling.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology, a Master of Arts in marriage, couples and family counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling and psychological studies, specializing in trauma and crisis counseling—all from Regent University.

Dr. Hurst holds advanced training in spiritually integrated therapies, EMDR, critical incident debriefing, trauma treatment, disaster and crisis response, and leadership and career development. She approaches counseling from a holistic, biopsychosocial-spiritual perspective that prioritizes each client’s unique needs, values, and goals.