Dr. Amoneeta

Dr. Amoneeta
Assistant Professor of Psychology

Areas of expertise:

  • Mindfulness
  • Emerging Adults
  • Peace psychology
  • Addictions psychology
  • Positive psychology
  • Augmenting BIPOC happiness
  • International perspectives
  • Pandemic’s effects on mental health
  • Multicultural counseling/psychology
  • Indigenous/Native American psychology
  • Underrepresented groups’ leadership development

Education:

  • Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University
  • B.A., Psychology (Minors: East Asian Civilization & Creative Writing), Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Contact:

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Media Contact

Our faculty are available to comment on topics related to areas of interest or expertise. If you need further assistance, call Media Relations at 970-247-6073 or email Media Relations.

About Dr. Amoneeta

Dr. Amoneeta's mother is Jewish Israeli, and his father is Aniyunwiya from the Anigilohi clan. He is an indigenous, multicultural, positive psychologist, a slam poet, an author, and an ethical influencer who advocates for decolonizing psychology and positive mental health practices and policies. He conducts therapy and research, publishes academic and popular articles, supervises and trains counseling students, and teaches about multicultural psychology and boosting subjective happiness. Amoneeta is committed to contributing and society's decolonization, growth, resilience, and life enhancement. He is also an avid consumer and producer of fiction and poetry. Before joining FLC, Amoneeta was the Counseling Center Director and a psychology faculty member at Webster University Thailand from 2017-2021.

Popular Courses

  • Psychology of Sleep
  • Psychology of Addictions
  • Multicultural Counseling
  • Native American Psychology

Selected publications

† indicates student mentee
* indicates junior faculty mentee

Selected conference presentations

  • Beckstein, A. (2022, August 3–6). The COVID-19 pandemic's consequences on sex workers in Thailand. [Poster presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Minneapolis, MN. https://convention.apa.or
  • Beckstein, A. (2022, July 22–23). Challenges in Education. [Invited panel discussant]. The 3rd Asia Pacific School Psychology Association International Conference was organized with Assumption University Thailand, Bangkok, Thailand (Virtual).
  • Beckstein, A. (2022, April 4–9). Exploring Nativeness and elevating the voices of Native youth with slam performance to fulfill their ancestors' dreams. [Conference workshop]. 49th Annual Symposium on the American Indian, Tahlequah, OK, United States. https://offices.nsuok.edu/centerfortribalstudies/NSUSymposium/SymposiumAgenda.aspx
  • Beckstein, A. (2022, April 7–9). Multiculturally competent, strengths-based counseling assessment. [Continuing Education Conference presentation]. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Annual Convention, Salt Lake City, UT, United States. http://www.rockymountainpsych.com/
  • Wrona, M., & Beckstein, A. (2022, April 7–9). Attending to culture in clinical practice: Using the DSM-5's Cultural Formulation Interview to avoid misdiagnosing clients. [Continuing Education Conference presentation]. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Annual Convention, Salt Lake City, UT, United States. http://www.rockymountainpsych.com/
  • Mira, W., Walters, K., Tidwell, N., Kraus, S., & Beckstein, A. (2022, April 7–9). Measuring community responses to organizational DEI initiatives: ​attitudes and self-efficacy toward Indigenous history and issues. [Poster presentation]. Rocky Mountain Psychological Association Annual Convention, Salt Lake City, UT, United States. http://www.rockymountainpsych.com/
  • Beckstein, A. (2022, March 13). Sweat lodge as a potential adjunct to counseling. [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand (Virtual). https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2022presenters.html
  • Beckstein, A. (2021, August 13). Social psychology’s role in reducing preventable traffic fatalities and injury in Thailand. [Poster presentation]. American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC (Virtual). https://convention.apa.org/
  • Beckstein, A., Mohamed, N.H., Relojo-Howell, D., Pang, N.T.P., de la Rosa, R., Hutchings, P.B., & Sullivan, K. (2021, July 16). [Keynote Address]. 7th Public Health Conference, Belgrade, Serbia (Virtual). https://www.tomorrowpeople.org/public-health-conference-phc.html
  • *Srisupawat, B. & Beckstein, A. (2021, July 14). The potential applications of art for wellbeing. [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Quality of Life, Psychology and Education, Sabah, Malaysia (Virtual).
  • Beckstein, A., Mohamed, N.H. (2021, July 9).[Paper presentation]. 6th Biennial Conference of the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race. Ann Arbor, Michigan (Virtual). https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/apa2021/
  • Beckstein, A. (2021, June 29). Applying the Diathesis-Stress Model with Native American Clients in Crisis. [Paper presentation]. The Society of Indian Psychologists 34th Annual Convention, Logan, Utah (Virtual). https://sipconvention.org/
  • Beckstein, A. (2021, March 13). Integration of positive psychology and mindfulness to boost happiness in a Southeast Asian context. [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2021.html
  • Ghimire, A., & Beckstein, A. (2021, March 15). Social cognition and depression in Nepal. [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2021.html
  • Costanzo, H., & Beckstein, A. (2021, March 15). Comparing and contrasting visionary spiritual experiences and psychosis. [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2021.html
  • Yezer, D., Rhodes, A., & Beckstein, A. (2021, March 15). The relationship between procrastination and the Big Five Model of personality for Southeast Asian college students. [Paper presentation]. International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2021.html
  • Beckstein, A. (2020, December 4). [Paper presentation]. Peace and Conflict Resolution Conference, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXp8BsLUk80
  • Beckstein, A. (2019, November). Harnessing Positive Psychology’s potential for improving and creating more peaceful individuals and societies. Paper presented at Peace and Conflict Resolution Conference, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Su Lay May, & Beckstein, A. (2019, November). The relationships between the right to information, media and consumerism in promoting a peaceful society. Paper presented at Peace and Conflict Resolution Conference, Bangkok, Thailand.
  • Beckstein, A. (2019, November). Running a counselling centre at an international university in Thailand. Keynote speaker at International Conference on Psychology, Counselling and Education, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. https://www.icpce2019.psychreg.org/
  • Rabinowitz, F., Ellenberg, D., Davies, J., Rowell, A., Beckstein, A., & Singley, D. (2019, August). Cultural challenges in international men's groups. In T. F. Rabinowitz (Chair), Men's groups 2019—current practices, trends, and benefits symposium conducted at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. https://convention.apa.org/
  • Ross, R., Beckstein, A., & Smith, M. (2019, August). Healing intergenerational trauma by returning to her people. In R. Ross (Chair), The significance of identity development and Native Americans. Round Table Discussion conducted at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Chicago, IL. https://convention.apa.org/
  • Su Lay May, & Beckstein, A. (2019, April). Teaching media ethics and moral reasoning to today's university students. Paper presented at Fulbright University Vietnam's New Approaches to University Education in Asia Conference, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. https://fulbright.edu.vn/inaugural-conference-new-approaches-to-university-education-in-asia/
  • *Srisupawat, B., & Beckstein, A. (2019, March). Possible therapeutic benefit of spiritual images. Paper presented at the International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2019-presenters.html
  • Beckstein, A. (2018, August). International university counseling: Pros, cons, challenges, and rewards. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, San Francisco, CA. https://convention.apa.org/
  • Beckstein, A. (2018, March). A look at the meaning of life through psychologists Jung and Yalom. Paper presented at the International Conference on Spirituality and Psychology, Bangkok, Thailand. https://www.spirituality-conference.org/icsp2018-presenters.html
  • Armstrong, T., Green, J., & Beckstein, A. (2016, August). Challenges and barriers to effective mentoring: a graduate student's perspective. In T. Armstrong (Chair), Using a social justice framework to recruit, train, and mentor diverse students. Symposium conducted at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Denver, CO. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A. (2016, August). Maximization's influence on Native Americans' subjective happiness. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Denver, CO. https://convention.apa.org
  • Falconer, J., Cokley, K., Begay, D., Beckstein, A., Morse, G., & Halkovic, A. (2016, August). Native lives matter: psychologists' role in protecting against environmental threats. In T.R. Jackson (Chair), Psychologists as activists—learning from Black Lives Matter, Native Lives Matter, and Occupy Movement. Symposium conducted at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Denver, CO. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A. (2016, June). Native American language level and traditionalism's relationship with subjective happiness. Paper presented at the Native Research Network 26th National Native Health Research Conference, Cherokee, NC.
  • Beckstein, A. (2016, April) Self-construal’s influence on the subjective happiness of Native Americans. Paper presented at the Western Social Science Association's 58th Annual Conference, Reno, NV. https://www.wssaweb.com/
  • Tuksakulvith, N., & Beckstein, A. (2016, April). Decreasing social loafing: the motivating role of managers. Poster presented at the Thirty-seventh Annual Industrial Organizational/Organizational Behavior (IOOB) Conference, Arlington, TX.
  • Gonzalez, M., Kaideman, F., Beckstein, A., & Chery-Hall, N. (2015, August). Conversation Hour conducted at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Toronto, Canada. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A. (2015, January). Poster presented at the National Multicultural Conference and Summit, Atlanta, GA. https://www.multiculturalsummit.org/
  • Beckstein, A. (2014, August). The multiplicity of improving multicultural supervision with Native Americans. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A., Cofield-Poole, B., Rodriguez, M., & Proulx, J. (2014, August). Disparities in ethnic minority research and future directions. Conversation Hour conducted at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A. (2014, April). Native American subjective happiness: An overview. Paper Presented at the Western Social Science Association 56th Annual Conference, Albuquerque, NM. https://www.wssaweb.com
  • Beckstein, A. (2014, April). Life balance for happiness and effective leadership. Workshop conducted at the Arizona State University's Mosaic Conference, Tempe, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A., & Rode, J. (2014, April). Enhancing your resume/CV using student leadership experience. Workshop conducted at the Arizona State University's Mosaic Conference, Tempe, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A. (2014, February). Integrating traditional with mainstream: Therapeutically collaborating with Natives. Paper presented at the Annual American Indian Studies Association Conference, Tempe, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, November). The multiplicity of improving multicultural supervision with Native Americans. Poster presented at Arizona State University's American Indian Graduate Student Research Symposium, Tempe, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, November). College culture shock and adjustment for Native students. Invited workshop conducted for Arizona State University's Native Americans Taking Initiative on Success (N.A.T.I.O.N.S.) KEEP Local Freshmen Retreat, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Maricopa, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, November). Native American higher education: Barriers, benefits, and transitions. Invited speaker for Arizona State University's Tribal Nations Tour, Colorado River Indian Tribes, and Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, Laughlin, NV.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, October). Traditional values in modern Native American leadership. Paper presented at Arizona State University's Educational Outreach and Student Services Fall Forward Leadership Conference, Tempe, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, September). Happiness & career advising multicultural students. Invited presentation, Arizona State University's Student and Cultural Engagement Staff Retreat, Tempe, AZ.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, August). Devilz shock: college culture shock for future leaders. Presented for Leadership Launch Diversity Program, Arizona State University, Tempe.
  • Beckstein, A. (2013, August). Subjective well-being and career counseling with diverse clients. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention,Honolulu, HI. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A. (2011, October). Balance between salient life domains and its contribution to subjective happiness. Award-winning invited paper presented at the Arizona Psychological Association Annual Convention, Scottsdale/Fountain Hills, AZ. https://azpa.org/
  • Beckstein, A. (2011, September). Ethical and multicultural considerations of therapeutic collaboration with indigenous individuals. Staff training presented at Arizona State University Counseling Services, Tempe.
  • Beckstein, A. (2011, August). Balance between salient life domains and its contribution to subjective happiness. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention, Washington, DC. https://convention.apa.org
  • Beckstein, A. (2011, April). Therapeutically collaborating with individuals of Indigenous American descent. Paper presented at the American Indian Graduate Student Research Symposium, Arizona State University, Tempe.

Awards and highlights

  • The American Psychological Association's Division 35, Section 6 (Alaska Native/American Indian/Indigenous Women) honored Amoneeta with the Sage Award
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (#178.012235)

Affiliations

  • American Psychological Association
  • Society of Indian Psychologists
  • Tomorrow People Organization, Scientific Committee
  • The Counseling Psychologist, Editorial Board Member
  • Southeast Asia Psychology Journal, Editor
  • Peace and Dignity Journeys

In the media