Instructor of Psychology Joelle Czirr ’06 teaches courses like Health Psychology, Theories of Counseling and Introduction to Psychology. She is also the co-creator of a new shared curriculum course she’ll be teaching this fall, SC 101: Introduction to a Flourishing Life.
Q. What drew you to your academic discipline?
A. All disciplines include aspects of psychology. Psychology pervades all that we do: our motivations, our food choices, how we invest money, the houses we buy or don’t buy, the churches that feel like home to us, etc.
Q. What do you like about teaching psychology?
A. Relationship is a biological imperative. We need relationship to survive physically and spiritually. Psychology helps us understand how our brains are social organs that are especially sensitive to the relational context of our lives. Furthermore, the foundation of our faith in Christ is rooted in knowing and being known by God. As Curt Thompson, M.D., illustrates in his work, “Christianity is not about being right, it is about being known,” and being known is how we are transformed and ultimately redeemed. I love that psychology informs what we know about our triune God. Psychology teaches that relationship heals, and indeed that is the story of God. I get to teach soteriology based on forming an embodied secure attachment with God.
Q. Tell us about a fun class you teach.
A. I love to teach Health Psychology! Everything psychological is physiological. For example, getting a hug (a real hug) from a safe friend produces the amazing hormone oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.” Not only does it allow us to bond and trust others, but it reduces inflammation in our bodies! As noted above, relationship is a biological imperative.
JUST FOR FUN…
Q. What’s the most interesting item in your office?
A. I always have a diffuser in my office with essential oils.
Q. What’s your favorite spot on campus?
A. My favorite spot on campus would be running The Loop. I often run/walk with students and I love our beautiful campus, including the Back 40.
Q. What’s your go-to podcast?
A. My go-to podcast would probably be “The Place We Find Ourselves” by Adam Young or “Feel Better Live More” by Rangan Chatterjee.
Worth a Look 