Cody Helgesen, MS, LPC, NCC, CCTP, ASDCS

Cody J. Helgesen, LPC, NCC, is a licensed professional counselor and counselor educator whose work centers on clinical mental health counseling, social justice–informed practice, and sex-positive, affirming approaches to therapy. They are currently a Doctor of Education (EdD) candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Southern Connecticut State University, with expected completion in August 2026. Their doctoral research focuses on the intersections of queerness, sexuality, and older adulthood, reflecting a long-standing commitment to inclusive and liberatory counseling practices.

Helgesen holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Southern Connecticut State University, where they graduated summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science and Human Development & Family Sciences from the University of Connecticut. Across their academic training, they have developed strong foundations in developmental psychology, counseling theory, and trauma-informed care, with an emphasis on multicultural competence and decolonized approaches to mental health practice.

In higher education, Helgesen has served in multiple instructional roles, including instructor of record, co-instructor, and teaching assistant at both Fairfield University and Southern Connecticut State University. They have taught graduate-level courses such as Counseling Skills and Techniques, Crisis Counseling, and Theories of Counseling. Their teaching style integrates experiential learning with multicultural and social justice frameworks, preparing emerging counselors to engage ethically and effectively with diverse client populations.

Helgesen’s clinical and research experience spans outpatient mental health settings, residential treatment programs, and school-based services. They have worked with adolescents, adults, and neurodivergent populations in roles ranging from school-based mental health counselor to residential counselor and clinical coordinator. Their clinical work emphasizes trauma-informed care, strengths-based interventions, and identity-affirming treatment for LGBTQ+ clients, individuals with ADHD, and those with complex trauma histories.

In addition to clinical and academic work, Helgesen is an active contributor to the counseling profession through research, presentations, and professional service. They have presented nationally and internationally on topics including queer identity development, sex-positive counseling, neurodiversity, and decolonizing counseling practice. Their research has been shared at conferences such as AMHCA, ACA, SAIGE, and ACSSW. They also hold certifications in trauma counseling and autism spectrum disorder clinical specialization, further supporting their integrative and specialized clinical approach.

Professionally, Helgesen is affiliated with several organizations, including the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, and related divisions focused on sexuality, aging, and social justice. They have received recognition such as the AMHCA Mental Health Counselor of the Year award and Emerging Leader honors. Across all roles, their work reflects a consistent dedication to ethical practice, professional development, and advancing equity in mental health care and counselor education.n

• Western Connecticut State University - BS, Psych
• University of Connecticut - BS, Psych
• Southern Connecticut State University - MS
• Southern Connecticut State University - EdD

• CPR/AED Certified
• Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) Certified
• Psychological First Aid Certified
• CALM (Counseling on Access to Lethal Means)
• ASDCS (Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist)
• CCTP (Certified Clinical Trauma Professional)
• NCC (National Certified Counselor)
• LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)

• AMHCA Emerging Professional of the Year (2021-2022)
• AMHCA Mental Health Counselor of the Year (2024)
• Student and Emerging Professionals Award

• American Counseling Association (ACA)
• American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA)
• Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES)
• SAIGE (LGBTQ+ Division of ACA)
• ACSSW (Association for Counseling Sexology & Sexual Wellness)
• AADA (Association for Adult Development and Aging)
• CSCA (Connecticut School Counseling Association)
• CCA (Connecticut Counseling Association)
• NASPA
• ACPA
• NERA

• Team Member - Relay for Life
• LGBTQ+ Safe Zone training and education initiatives (Green Chimneys)
• Professional mentorship and doctoral student mentorship in counselor education
• Committee service in counselor education admissions and training development
• Advocacy and professional education through public lectures and webinars on LGBTQ+ mental health, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed care

“Dear Cis Het Counselors…” (conference presentations and published conference proceedings across AMHCA, NARACES, ACA, and related conferences)

“Decolonizing Self-Care Discourses in Counseling”

“Ethical Non-Monogamy and Those Left Out: Older Adults and Adolescents”

“Spicy and Fabulous: ADHD and Queer Identity Development”

“Queering Up the Counselor Educator Field: The Well-Intended Counselor Ally”

“Still Here, Still Queer, Still Sexy AF: Sex-Positive Counseling with Older Queer Adults”

Multiple ongoing manuscript projects including topics on bi/pan/non-monosexual identity, trans/enby group counseling, and queer-competent training