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Faculty | M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy

Berry Bishop

  • Director, Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy

  • PsyD., Azusa Pacific University
  • M.A., Azusa Pacific University
  • M.A.,  Talbot School of Theology
  • B.A., California State University, Chico
  • Additional studies performed at Butte College, Chico

Berry Bishop is the Director of the MFT Program at Talbot. Bishop graduated from Talbot with a Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation and Soul Care, and then obtained her doctorate in psychology from Azusa Pacific University. Her primary research interest is in the area of trauma and spiritual direction. In addition to teaching, she continues to practice as a clinical psychologist. Bishop is...

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Megen Phillips

  • Director of Clinical Training
  • Assistant Professor

  • M.S., Vanguard University
  • M.A., Biola University, Talbot Theological Seminary
  • B.A., Vanguard University

Megen Phillips returns to Biola University and Talbot School of Theology after previously graduating from the Institute for Spiritual Formation (ISF) and then continuing to work at the Institute as the receptionist for four years. While serving as the ISF receptionist, she earned a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Vanguard University, leading to her pursuing licensure as a marriage...

Courses

  • TTFT 621: Family Life Cycle & Aging
  • TTFT 663: Professional Development Seminar I
  • TTFT 664: Professional Development Seminar II
  • TTFT 791 Practicum in Marriage and Family Therapy I


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Analicia Simar

  • Academic Coordinator, MFT
  • Marriage and Family Therapy

Cayla Bland

  • Director, Online Psychology Program
  • Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy

  • Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision, Regent University, Dec. 2012
  • M.A. Clinical Psychology, Wheaton College, May 1988
  • B.A. Psychology, Oral Roberts University, May 1986

Dr. Cayla Bland has almost 25 years experience teaching in Christian higher education both at the graduate and undergraduate level. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of California. Her scholarship includes clinical supervision, counselor/therapist training, faith integration and clinical practice.

Courses

Undergraduate Courses Taught:

  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Counseling Techniques
  • Capstone Course

Graduate Courses Taught:

  • Structure & Process of Therapy
  • Helping Skills
  • Systemic Foundation & Family Issues
  • Family Counseling
  • Marriage, Couple, & Family Consultation (on-line)
  • Family Education Experience
  • Marriage, Couple, & Family Practicum & Internship
  • Clinical Mental Health Internship
  • Career Counseling (on-line)
  • Post Modern Advanced Theories
  • Supervision in Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Advanced Statistics, Teaching Assistant

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Kevin Van Lant

  • Director, Pastoral Care and Counseling program
  • Associate Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership

  • Ph.D., Rosemead School of Psychology
  • M.A., Biola University
  • B.A., Biola University

Kevin Van Lant is a licensed clinical psychologist who received his Ph.D. from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. He teaches courses in pastoral care and counseling, marriage counseling, psychopathology and health psychology. Dr. Van Lant has a private psychotherapy practice in Los Alamitos, CA. In his clinical role, he works primarily with depression, anxiety and stress disorders...

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David Merrill

  • Asst Professor, MFT/ISF/CTI

  • Ph.D., Durham University, U.K.
  • Th.M., Talbot School of Theology
  • M.Div. Talbot School of Theology
  • B.A., Trinity International University

David Merrill and his wife first joined the Biola community in 2006 when Merrill began as a Master of Divinity student and his wife took on an administration role at Talbot’s Institute for Spiritual Formation. During his time as a student, Merrill immersed himself in the academic and communal life of the campus taking on roles varying from adjunct faculty, staff spiritual director, and resident...

Courses

  • Introduction to Spiritual Theology and Formation
  • Personal Foundations for Spiritual Formation
  • Spiritual Formation, Vocation, and the Disciplines

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