Michael S. Nystul received his Ph.D. in counseling from Oregon State University in 1974. He holds the position of Professor Emeritus in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology at New Mexico State University. Professor Nystul is a licensed psychologist and school psychologist. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings such as schools, hospitals, community mental health centers, university counseling centers, and private practice. His first position was an elementary and middle school counselor with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1970. He continues to be active in the counseling field and currently provides counseling and psychological services in private practice in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Professor Nystul has more than 100 publications, including journal articles, book chapters, and books to his credit. He has three daughters, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and relies on his wife, Laura, to maintain a sense of balance in life.