William ( Bill) Schmidt, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of the Institute of Pastoral Studies of Loyola University Chicago.  He was the Graduate Program Director at IPS for degrees in both Pastoral Counseling and Spirituality for over ten years.  He is a Diplomate with the American Association of Pastoral Counselors, and Editor of the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health (Taylor and Francis/Routledge).  His research interests include the interface of Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality.  His specific current focus addresses the theme of contemporary Pilgrimage as a resource for personal growth, transformation, and healing.