Meet Dr. Shaji Daniel
Degrees and Experience
- PhD., LPC-S (Texas), NCC.
Biography and Professional Achievements
Dr. Shaji Daniel is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) in Texas, with a strong background in both pastoral ministry and professional counseling. He is dedicated to providing holistic care that integrates spiritual, emotional, and psychological support for individuals, couples, and families. His clinical work is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and interactive counseling approaches that promote healing and personal growth. Dr. Daniel specializes in treating depression, anxiety, stress-related disorders, and relationship challenges. He also facilitates premarital and marital counseling as a certified SYMBIS (Save Your Marriage Before It Starts) facilitator and is trained in cancer care and grief counseling through Journey of Hope Cancer Care Ministries and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Dr. Daniel holds a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of the Cumberlands and an M.Ed. in Professional Counseling from the University of Houston–Victoria. He also earned a Master of Theology and divinity degrees from Serampore University in India. With over a decade of experience in intercultural ministry and counseling, Dr. Daniel brings deep multicultural competence to both his clinical practice and the classroom. His research interests include multicultural dynamics in counseling and the phenomenological study of interracial marriage among immigrant communities. He has been recognized with the Doctoral Award for Excellence in Leadership and Advocacy from the University of the Cumberlands and the Ramaiah Award for Excellence in Scholarship from United Theological College, Bangalore. Dr. Daniel lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife, Dr. Mary Daniel, a Nurse Practitioner, and their two children.
Publications
- Daniel, S. (2023). Negotiating the challenges of an interracial marriage: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the perception of diaspora Indian partners. Family Relations, 1–16.
- Daniel, S., & Daniel, M. (2024). Counseling individuals and families of Arab descent. In T. Hannor-Walker, B. Bohecker, C. McGinnis, & S. Philip (Eds.), Social, Cultural, & Christianity in Counselor Education. Kendall Hunt.
- Daniel, S. (2023). Unveiling spiritual battle: An encounter beyond the physical realms. Illuminator.
Daniel, S. (2022). Conflict resolution: A ministry perspective. Transle: A Journal of Exploring Theologia, 1(1), 31–39.
Faith and Learning
At CCU, Dr. Daniel integrates faith and learning by shaping counselors who not only master clinical skills but also grow in spiritual depth and Christlike compassion. Through journaling, reflection, and contemplative practices, students engage in inner formation that equips them to serve others with integrity and grace, fulfilling CCU’s mission to develop leaders rooted in truth and love.