Headshot of Caitlyn McKinzie Bennett, PhD., LMHC, LMFT, NCC

Associate Professor of Counseling

Dr. Bennett's clinical specialty focuses on attachment, anxiety, stress, family-of-origin trauma, and LGBTGEQIAP+ experiences for young adults, adults, and couples. She also integrates a holistic approach to counseling to help clients increase awareness and coping related to the intersection of physical and mental health. Dr. Bennett's research agenda focuses on utilizing evidence-based counseling practices (i.e., acceptance and commitment therapy). Her scholarship has also focused on neuro-informed counseling approaches (i.e., neurofeedback training) to mitigate experiences of anxiety, stress, and depression.

Education

B.S., M.A., & Ph.D., University of Central Florida
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Licensed Professional Counselor
National Certified Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Specialties: Attachment, anxiety, stress, family-of-origin trauma, sexuality, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Research

Holm, J. M., Prosek, E. A., McKinzie Bennett, C., & Sims, M. (2021). Understanding predictors and withdrawal symptoms of internet gaming disorder. Journal of Addictions & Offender Counseling, 42(2), 66-79. doi:10.1002/jaoc.12094

Ausloos, C. D., Bloom, Z., Goodrich, K. M., Hollenbaugh, K. M., Taylor, J., McKinzie Bennett, C., Blount, A., Gerlach, J., & Schroeder, K. (2021). Standards of care for research in group work. Counseling Outcome and Research Evaluation, 12(2), 79-90. doi.org/10.1080/21501378.2021.1962126

McKinzie Bennett, C., Lambie, G. W., Bai, H., & Hundley, G. (2020). A neurofeedback training intervention to address college students’ symptoms of anxiety and stress: A quasi-experimental design. Journal of College Student Psychotherapy, (online access).

White, M. E., Cartwright, A. D., Reyes, A. G., Morris, H., Lindo, N. A., Singh, A. A., & McKinzie Bennett, C. (2020). A qualitative inquiry of black transgender men’s experiences. Journal of LGBT Issues in Counseling, 14(3), 248-267.

McKinzie Bennett, C., & Taylor, D. D. (2019). ACTing as yourself: Implementing acceptance and commitment therapy for transgender adolescents through a developmental lens. Journal of Child and Adolescent Counseling, 5(2), 146-160.


News & Features

Michele Williams, associate professor and department chair of the master’s of Applied Behavior Analysis & Clinical Science program, and Maria Ruiz, the first female psychology professor at Rollins

July 15, 2025

Williams and Ruiz Recognized for Leadership in Behavior Analysis

Michele Williams, associate professor and department chair of the master’s of Applied Behavior Analysis & Clinical Science program, was recognized alongside Maria Ruiz, the first female psychology professor at Rollins, as one of the seminal female leaders in the field of behavior analysis.

Williams and Ruiz Recognized for Leadership in Behavior Analysis

March 13, 2025

New Center Provides Rollins ABACS Students With Unique Experience

Rollins’ new Behavior Services Center is providing master’s students in the College’s Applied Behavior Analysis & Clinical Science program with the unique opportunity to gain real-world experience with the support of the program’s expert faculty.

New Center Provides Rollins ABACS Students With Unique Experience

January 15, 2025

Video: Rollins’ New Evening Educare Program

Learn more about Rollins’ new Evening Educare program, which offers low-cost, high-quality childcare to students in the Hamilton Holt School’s Professional Advancement and Graduate Studies programs.

Video: Rollins’ New Evening Educare Program