Social
Location
Scully 404
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 5700
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Katherine Knaup is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Adjunct Professor at Southeast Missouri State University, with extensive experience in school counseling, clinical mental health, and play therapy. Her professional journey began in public education, where she served as a school counselor and principal designate, leading trauma-informed initiatives and creating inclusive support systems for students and families. Over the years, she has specialized in working with children and families through play therapy, expressive arts, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS), with a strong emphasis on the impact of environment and adversity on behavior. Her most recent work focuses on integrating evidence-based counseling practices with social-emotional learning, attachment theory, and systemic approaches to healing. Katherine also provides supervision to pre-licensed clinicians and continues to develop therapeutic programs and curriculum designed to support the mental health of diverse populations.

Education

  • Education Specialist in Counseling, Southeast Missouri State University, 2020
  • Master of Science in Education, Emphasis in School Counseling, Southern Illinois University Carbondale, 2014
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Southeast Missouri State University, 2010

Courses Taught

  • Practicum in Counseling – Face-to-face
  • Internship in Counseling – Face-to-face
  • Application of School Counseling – Face-to-face
  • Group Counseling – Face-to-face

Courses are designed to blend theory with practical application, with an emphasis on trauma-informed care, culturally responsive counseling, and the integration of real-world clinical experience.

Research Interests

  • Play Therapy & Sandtray Therapy & Expressive Arts in Counseling
  • Psychological Assessment & Evaluation
  • School-Based Mental Health & Counseling
  • Group Counseling
  • EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Neurobiological Approaches
  • Family Systems & Attachment Theory
  • Curriculum Design & Implementation for Social-Emotional Learning

Presentations

Knaup, K. M. (2024). Ethical practices in sandtray therapy: An overview of fundamental ethical considerations for working in the sand with students in the school setting. Presentation at the Southeast Missouri School Counselor Association Conference, Cape Girardeau, MO.
Knaup, K. M. (2024). Wellness strategies for educators: Strategies for supporting overall mental and physical wellness. Professional development presentation for Jackson R2 Public School District, Jackson, MO.
Knaup, K. M. (2024). Mindset, values, and goals: The power of intention. Workshop presented at Notre Dame Regional High School, Cape Girardeau, MO.
Knaup, K. M. (2018–2024). Professional development presentations for educators on social-emotional learning, group counseling in schools, trauma-informed practices, self-care for educators, restorative practices, crisis management, and behavior risk assessment. Cape Girardeau Public School District, Cape Girardeau, MO.
Knaup, K. M. (2022). Existential, play-based school group for children and adolescents who have experienced adversities. Poster presentation at the Association for Play Therapy Annual International Conference, St. Louis, MO.
Knaup, K. M. (2021). Existential, play-based school group for children and adolescents who have experienced adversities. Presentation at the Missouri School Counselor Association Conference, Osage Beach, MO.
Knaup, K. M. (2020). Restorative practices in the school setting. Professional development workshop for Perryville Public School District, Perryville, MO.