"...I learned that graduates from this program had a very good reputation within the local job market and employers loved taking CBU graduates. I was confident that this was the perfect place to earn my degree. "
Quick Facts
Program: Counseling Psychology, M.S.
Graduation Year: 2016
Current Job Title: LMFT Private Practice
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
Current City: Coeur d'Alene, ID
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major or graduate degree program? What interested you in this
particular field of study?
I always knew that I wanted to help people and serve my community. I chose the LMFT
program after careful consideration and also speaking with another LMFT graduate who
was my therapist before I finished my bachelor’s degree. After much research, I learned
that graduates from this program had a very good reputation within the local job market
and employers loved taking CBU graduates. I was confident that this was the perfect
place to earn my degree.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
My professors!!! Everyone was fantastic! I was a single mother of preschoolers at
the time, with ZERO local support. My professors were so incredibly understanding
and compassionate for my situation, and I felt so much encouragement from everyone
to finish my program.
What did you think about your professors?
As described above, I remember them all being fantastic and authentic. I felt most
of my professors were a wealth of knowledge and easily accessible.
Did you complete an internship or any field work?
Yes, my practicum started under Dr. Bergen, who was so supportive and kind. Then I
did my internship with Christian Counseling Service in Redlands. Once I got licensed
in 2018, I’ve been in private practice ever since.
How did you grow while in this program at CBU?
This program taught me so much. I loved the Christian integration into psychotherapy;
I believe that the Bible has the answers that the field of psychotherapy thought they
invented and put their own terminology on
Did your program help you figure out your purpose?
Yes! I am so fulfilled in my career. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and counting,
and I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.
Life After CBU
What have you done since graduating?
2016: Graduated
2016-2018: Internship at Christian Counseling Service in Redlands
2018: Licensed and started private practice
2021: Licensed to practice in Idaho
I currently hold both licenses and practice in both states.
How has your program and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
A lot of my professors were also in private practice, so they offered a wealth of
knowledge working for multiple populations.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I get to help people in a meaningful way. I hold people’s pain and help them gain
hope and direction. I listen to people during the heaviest times in their lives.
What are your future goals and plans?
I would love to teach psychology at the collegiate level one day and maybe start a
wellness center with other holistic professionals.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
Yes. I had a great experience.
Anything else you'd like to add? Anything else we should know about you?
My children listened to all my studies and prep for the exam; they are now 16 and
17. I consider them honorary therapists!