Student Spotlights

Tell us about your path to Hofstra University.
I had taken an undergraduate class in Marriage and Family Therapy and thought it was very interesting. I also worked on a crisis hotline and I noticed that lots of people called about families and family issues. I started to make connections between my interests and what I saw was needed in the field. I always knew I wanted to be counselor, I just wasn't sure of exactly which path was right for me. When I looked into Hofstra’s program, the Saltzman Center Clinic stood out for me. I really liked the idea of having clinical experiences right on campus.

What opportunities did you take advantage of at Hofstra?
Well, I am Dr. Atwood’s graduate assistant right now and before that, I was George Simon’s graduate assistant. During my clinical experience, I was able to work in the Saltzman Center Clinic and spent lots of time there, not because I had to but because I really wanted to.  It was a great opportunity for me to work with a variety of clients including many couples and families. The experience really prepared me to feel confident working with many different populations.

Have you found mentors among any of the faculty here?
All the professors have been so wonderful. Dr. Atwood has really been a great mentor to me. The program is designed so students really get to know the whole faculty very well.  Also, George Simon was a wonderful resource throughout practicum class. I had a really great personal experience. Being a part of this program has really changed me. Being able to work closely with well-respected professors in the field was a unique opportunity.

How has your experience prepared you for your future job search?
I think the fact that we have two years of practical experience is key. We have a chance to work with a variety of clients. When I entered my 3rd-year internship, I was really prepared and ready to take on clients immediately. I imagine that by the time I graduate, all the thorough preparation I receive in this program will give me what I need when seeking employment. I feel ready.

What advice would you give to others considering attending Hofstra’s Marriage and Family Therapy Program?
You only get out as much as you put into anything. I think you need to be prepared to give your time and dedicate yourself to what you are learning. The faculty and your peers can provide a lot of support and add to your learning but I really had to make my own experience. I had opportunities to expand my learning and I took advantage of them. The program is well paced and I felt supported even though at times moving to the next level was a little intimidating.

Tell us about your background and what led you to be interested in the Marriage and Family Therapy program (MFT)?
I grew up on Long Island and attended Long Island University’s C.W. Post campus for my undergraduate degree in psychology and found myself fully invested in the field. After some research into various graduate programs, Hofstra’s program in Marriage & Family Therapy jumped out at me, even though it was a field I hadn’t heard much about. After orientation and having in depth discussions with faculty, I was hooked and wound up in a program that was perfect for my educational and career goals.

What attracted you to Hofstra University’s MA in MFT program?
I had plans to attend a master’s program somewhere in New York state. Eventually, I came across Hofstra’s MFT program and began my research.  After learning more about it and hearing great things about Hofstra from alumni, I decided to apply.  With the strong focus on couple and family counseling, plus an extensive internship, I found the program to be better than I even anticipated.

Describe your experience working and studying with faculty in the Department of Counseling and Mental Health Professions.
All of the faculty members directly involved in the MFT program went above and beyond in many ways throughout my years there. The class atmosphere was always friendly and open discussion was encouraged as much as possible.  Role-playing scenarios as potential therapists was a great learning experience. Interning at the on-campus Saltzman Center Clinic involved hands-on supervision and guidance by licensed marriage and family therapists, and I can’t see myself having learned better at any other program. Some of my professors continue to be helpful contacts after leaving Hofstra, and I’ll always remember those who taught me during those years.

Tell us how the program prepared you for employment.
My experience at the on-campus Saltzman Center Clinic was a great way to learn about working with clients and how to handle more basic practicalities like confirming appointments, directing them to the billing department, and even how to handle a C.P.S. report if needed.  Supervision and guidance from the clinic supervisor and the program professors was helpful in many ways, including reviewing counseling sessions.  Any questions I had could be asked without resignation, and we were always encouraged to share and collaborate with our peers.

What is your advice for prospective students looking for a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy?
I would encourage anyone with an interest to research the program and put your all into it if you decide to pursue it. Both the faculty and other students were amazing in so many ways, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. As scary as the comprehensive test is, or how intimidating it seems to take the licensure test, Hofstra’s program prepared me tremendously well. Opportunities are out there; you just have to look, and the MFT program will set you up for success in an ever-growing field that can help so many people.