Doctoral Alumna Turns Research into Career-Defining Opportunities

With Belmont's support, Dr. Delaney Culloton advances research at the intersection of faith and mental health

Mental health counseling Ph.D. alumna Delaney Culloton (neé Dodson) first came to Belmont's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences as a transfer student in 2023, searching for support in her dissertation research. After two transformative years in the Ph.D. in Mental Health Counseling program, Culloton walked across the stage at her 2025 graduation from Belmont with a deeper understanding of her Catholic faith and a heart for Belmont that goes far beyond academics. The experience also culminated in a dissertation that’s now being prepared for publication and conference presentation.  

“From the first few minutes of my initial interview, I knew Belmont was a special place,” Culloton said. “There was a tangible feeling of professionalism, respect and love for Christ. Every interaction from that day felt intentional and sincere. It was a wonderful way to begin my Belmont journey.”  

Cultivating Passion Through Research 

Culloton completed one year of coursework before revisiting her dissertation, which studies how Catholic mental health clinicians use the sacraments to increase their resilience in their work as therapists. Culloton, a devout Catholic herself, had previously been discouraged from exploring connections to Catholicism in her research. At Belmont, however, Culloton's work received wholehearted support, particularly from Dr. Tom Knowles-Bagwell, director of Doctoral Studies & Spiritual Integration. 

“Dr. Bagwell immediately caught on to my exploration of the Catholic faith,” Culloton said. “He truly called out my interests and championed my research from our first meeting. He pushed me in a way that was deeply cultivating, and it was a phenomenal experience.” 

By expressing her passion for the Catholic faith through research, Culloton’s work speaks to the very heart of Belmont’s PhD in Mental Health Counseling, which seeks to interface spirituality with empirically based study, research and treatment in clinical counseling. To Bagwell, this passion is what defines Culloton’s research as something truly set apart.  

“Delaney was a true delight to work with during her time as a student,” said Bagwell. “It is evident in everything she does that she cares deeply about her work as a clinician. Her dedication and consistency during the research and writing process have yielded an inspiring dissertation that will certainly enhance her practice and the work she does for the rest of her life.”  

Seizing Postgraduate Opportunities 

After completing her dissertation and graduating, Culloton connected with a former professor who was involved with the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, an organization that seeks to support mental health practitioners and researchers in integrating their faith into clinical practice. The organization became interested in her dissertation work soon after and asked her to submit it for publication in their academic journal, a milestone Culloton never expected to come so quickly. 

“Opportunities like this are what make your PhD feel worth it,” shared Culloton. “Not the graduation, but when you start getting the chance to use your work in making a difference.” 

As Culloton became more involved with the Catholic Psychotherapy Association, she began building a professional network, which led to a member of their board asking her if she’d like to present her work at an upcoming conference. As surprised as Culloton was by the recognition, she knew that the education and support she’d received at Belmont prepared her well for this next step. 

“I never would have expected the opportunity to present alongside tenured professors, much less my own former professors,” shared Culloton. “But I know I’m now prepared to take on that challenge. It’s a really exciting thing.” 

Stepping into the Future with Faith 

Culloton’s post-graduate professional developments have come alongside some personal ones as well. After her graduation from Belmont and during the current process of revising her dissertation for the conference, Culloton has gotten married, opened Culloton Counseling, a Catholic counseling practice with her husband and they have welcomed a baby girl into their family.  

Through all the excitement and chaos, a grounding reality has been her anchor. Thanks to the education and empowerment she found at Belmont, she can utilize her passion and skills to both support her family and make a difference in the lives of others.   

“Having my PhD has opened doors I never previously thought possible,” said Culloton. “As a young woman in the Catholic faith, it’s hard to find higher education that both fosters your faith and pushes you to your fullest potential, but I have found that the formation I experienced at Belmont gave me momentum to pursue professional opportunities that have since turned into huge blessings for my family.” 

Through every development and milestone, both personal and professional, Culloton continues to pursue opportunities with the same determination she found in the classroom at Belmont: one powered by a truly unwavering faith and heart attuned towards service for others.  

“I tell everyone who will listen that Belmont is the place to be for anyone who wants to be championed in their faith while being called higher in the classroom,” said Culloton. “Every opportunity has been a direct result of my experiences there and I know it will positively affect how I work as a clinician for the rest of my life.”