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Dr. Anna Lee Brown

Dr. Anna Lee Brown became a licensed clinical mental health counselor in 2009 and a counseling supervisor in 2016. She is licensed as an LPCC-S in Kentucky and an LCMHCS in North Carolina. Her trauma-informed clinical orientation is grounded in Adlerian theory and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Her research found that counselors’ spiritually transcendent experiences positively predict levels of compassion and empathy, with broader scholarly interests in racial equity, mindfulness, and centering prayer.

Prior to joining Montreat College, Dr. Brown served as a counselor and clinical supervisor at Asbury University’s Center for Wholeness and Wellness in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Brown brings extensive clinical experience into the Montreat classroom and is committed to training reflexive, ethical, and effective counselors.

She is married to her husband Matthew and enjoys traveling, watching soccer, and camping with their three children.

What is your favorite thing about working at Montreat?
I value the integration of faith, scholarship, and clinical training. I find it deeply meaningful to walk alongside students as they grow personally, spiritually, and professionally into compassionate, culturally responsive counselors.

What are your hobbies or interests?
Floating local streams, rock climbing, and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Do you have a favorite restaurant in the area?
Cúrate in Asheville stands out for its creativity and unforgettable flavors. Closer to home, Tasty Thai Kitchen in Fletcher may be unassuming, but its food makes it a true local gem.

What is your favorite thing to do or see in the area?
Floating down streams, rock climbing, and camping in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Quote

“Preparing to become a counselor involves both learning clinical skills and engaging in ongoing formation. My hope is that students deepen their capacity to be present with others, approach differences with humility and curiosity, and integrate their faith with compassionate, ethical care.”

Degrees

B.A., Asbury University
M.A., Asbury Theological Seminary
Ph.D., Regent University

Bibliography

Brown, A.L., Williams, C., Ripley, J., & Dorais, S. (2026). Cultivating Compassion in Counselors: The Impact of Spiritual Transcendence. Counseling and Values Journal. 71(1), 106-133. https://doi.org/10.1163/2161007x-bja10043

Brown, A.L., Jenkins, A.R., Kongkaw-Oden, P., Runyan, H.I. (2026). The Lived Reality of Counselors of Color During the Double Pandemic and Great Resignation. Journal of Counselor Leadership and Advocacy, 13(2), 130–147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/2326716X.2026.2630641

Williams, C., Cook, D., Kaufmans, N., Olson, R., Palvannan, J. A., Brown, A.L., & Luck, J. (2026) Pornography Use and Religiosity: Addressing Unmanaged Guilt and Toxic Shame. Spirituality in Clinical Practice. https://doi.org/10.1037/scp0000421

Brown, A.L., Dameron, M.L., Foley, J., Keith, H. (2026, February). “Embodied Integrity: Regulating Reactivity In Challenging Counseling Moments.” North Carolina Counseling Association Conference. Asheville, NC.

Dameron, M.L. & Brown, A.L (2026, February). “Generative AI in Counselor Education: A Care Ethics Approach to Ethical Decision-Making.” North Carolina Counseling Association Conference. Asheville, NC.

Brown, A.L., Solomon, S. & Jenkins, A. R.  (2025, February). “Soulful Self-Care: Cultivating Holistic Wellness and Compassion Satisfaction through Spiritual Practices in Counselors.” North Carolina Counseling Association Conference. Charlotte, NC.

Brown, A. L., Jenkins, A., Solomon, S. & Sebastian, M. (2024). Multiracial Identity Development: Narrative Reflections from Emerging Adults. Virginia Counselors Journal, 39.

Brown, A.L., Hare, T. & Goebelbecker, L. (2024, February). “Advocating for Multicultural Dignity and Respect in Our Workplace: Qualitative Research Insights from Counselors of Color Who Resigned from Their Jobs.” North Carolina Counseling Association Conference. Greensboro, NC.

Bovell, L. A., Brown, A. L. & Williams, T. (2024, February). “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence: A Beginner’s Guide for Counselors.” North Carolina Counseling Association Conference. Greensboro, NC.

Hourihan, T. & Brown, A.L. (2023). Chapter 13: LGBTQ+ Career Counseling. In C. Williams and T. Hourihan (Editors). Career Counseling Career, Lifestyle and Spiritual Development. USA Cognella Academic Publishing.

Brown, A.L. (2022). Are Counselors Who Experience Spiritual Transcendence More Compassionate and Empathic? Implications for Treatment and Counselor Education [Doctoral Dissertation, Regent University]. ProQuest.

Brown, A. L. (2021). “Nature Based Counseling: Client Treatment and Counselor Self-Preservation.” Kentucky Counseling Association Conference.

Stratton, S., Brown, A.L., Cowen, H., Ladwig, M. & Monroe. Z. (2021). “Contemplative Practices and Counselor Education in a Faith-based Graduate Education.” Kentucky Counseling Association Conference.

Kongkaw, P., Brown, A.L., Dean, L., Durant, P. & Luck, J.  (2021, October). “When Silence is Violence: An Antiracist Adlerian Approach for Addressing Racism through Counselor Education.” Association for Counselor Education and Supervision Conference (Oct. 2021).

Brown, A.L. (2021, June). “EcoWellness: Mindfulness Takes a Breath of Fresh Air.” Association of Humanistic Counseling Annual Conference.

Brown, A.L. & Solomon, S. (2021, February) “Breaking Barriers: Creative Expressions via Telehealth Counseling.” North Carolina Counselors Association Conference.

Brown, A. L.  (2021, February) “Building Resiliency Through Group Counseling.” Chi Sigma Iota Florida Statewide Conference.