Dr. M. Cheryl McKinley received her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Loyola University of Chicago in 1978.  She also earned her state license as a Clinical Psychologist that year.  In her doctoral dissertation, Dr. McKinley studied the effectiveness of the Psychology of Personal Growth class for women on raising their levels of self-actualization and psychological androgyny.  Dr. McKinley has taught at Oakton Community College since 1975, and has continued to do follow up research on the effectiveness of the PSY 107 and 108 classes on various psychological factors effecting women students.  Dr. McKinley has conducted presentations on women’s psychology and the effectiveness of women’s groups at various conferences, including the Ruth Jackson Orthopedic Surgeon Society, The Illinois Psychological Association and to graduate Nursing Faculties at Rush Presbyterian St Luke, and University of Illinois at Chicago.  Dr. McKinley served as an adjunct faculty member in the graduate college of Counseling Psychology at Loyola University for 11 years.  She completed two years of post-doctoral training in family therapy at Northwestern Hospital’s Family Institute.  In 
1993, Dr. McKinley offered the first weekend sections of PSY 108 for women.

Psychology of Personal Growth for Women at Oakton College was one of the first women’s courses nationwide when it was first offered in the early 1970’s.  Research conducted on this course concluded that it helped raise women’s levels of self-esteem and self-confidence.  While women’s lives have changed significantly in the past 30 years, their issues still center around the issues of self-esteem and self-confidence.  Psychology of Personal Growth for Women , offered  each semester, focuses on these issues as well as relationships, handling anger, effective communication skills, and self-care techniques. 

Psy 107-050:  Tuesdays; 6-8:50; DesPlaines campus. 
Taught by Dr. Cheryl McKinley. 
For information call Cheryl at 635-2651.

Index Intro to PSY 107 - Psychology of Personal Growth for Women Intro to PSY 290 - Psychology and Eastern Philosophies: Theory and Practice PSY 107 - Syllabus - Psychology of Personal Growth for Women PSY 108 - Syllabus  - Psychology of Personal Growth for Women PSY 290 - Syllabus - Psychology and Eastern Philosophies: Theory and Practice