Stephanie Dorais, PhD, LMHC, is a behavioral science researcher whose work bridges counseling psychology and behavioral economics. She began her career in quantitative research after earning a B.S. in Statistics and Operations Research from NYU’s Stern School of Business and later earned her doctorate in counseling from William & Mary.
Dr. Dorais studies how psychological processes, including mindfulness, hope, emotion regulation, and responses to uncertainty, shape health behavior, economic decision-making, and long-term well-being. Her research examines the mechanisms underlying judgment and choice, with particular attention to how stress, risk, and cognitive biases influence behavior. Drawing on experimental, longitudinal, and intensive time-series methods, she investigates decision-making processes and develops behavioral interventions designed to improve health outcomes.
With more than 25 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Dorais also teaches behavioral economics, applied statistics, and research design. Her work reflects a broader commitment to translating rigorous behavioral research into practical, evidence-based strategies that help people make choices aligned with their goals and well-being.
Selected Publications
Dorais, S., Gutierrez, D., *Hughes, K. & *Poandl, M. (2026). Trait mindfulness facets and adaptive decision-making patterns. Journal of Mental Health Counseling.
Dorais, S. (2024). Time series analysis in preventive intervention research: A step-by-step guide. Journal of Counseling & Development. https:/doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12508
Gutierrez, D., Dorais, S., & Niles, J. (2025). Spiritual competency training in mental health and multicultural orientation and contemplative awareness: An evaluation of two training approaches with psychotherapists. Psychotherapy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000578
Dorais, S., & Gutierrez, D. (2021). The effectiveness of a centering meditation on college stress and mindfulness: A randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.720824
Dorais, S., Gutierrez, D., & Gressard, C. F. (2020). An evaluation of Motivational Interviewing based treatment in a university addiction counseling training clinic. Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation, 11(1), 1 – 12. https://doi.org/10.1080/21501378.2019.1704175
Gutierrez, D., Dorais, S., & Goshorn, J. (2020). Recovery as life transformation: Examining the relationships between recovery, hope, and relapse. Substance Use & Misuse, 55(12), 1949 – 1957. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2020.1781181