Sam Rothrock

College of Social and Behavioral Health
School of Counseling
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling

J. Samuel Rothrock, Ph.D., is a professor, researcher, and consultant based in Virginia whose work focuses on the intersection of psychology, philosophy, and rehabilitation.

His research centers on how coherent personal philosophy shapes psychological health. He argues that many individuals struggle not from clinical disorder, but from the absence of a clear framework for interpreting reality, making decisions, and directing their lives. His work is defined by a pragmatic, generalized approach: translating abstract psychological and philosophical concepts into operational frameworks for clinical, educational, and organizational settings.

Dr. Rothrock earned his Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision from Walden University in 2024. Since 2011, he has worked across counseling, teaching, and supervisory roles, and has published research on rehabilitation supervision, the development and implementation of disability competencies across professional disciplines, and engaging families within complex systems.

Education

PhD, Walden University

MS, Virginia Commonwealth University

BS, Liberty University

Presentations

Rothrock, J. S. (2024). Rehabilitation Counselor Practices Improving Parental Disability Acceptance. American Rehabilitation Counselor Association