MA MFT Personal Purpose Statement

MA MFT Family Therapist in Training

As a native Californian with a deep fondness for San Francisco, I have chosen the University of ____ as my top pick for pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology. This decision is influenced by the program's outstanding reputation and the rich intellectual and cultural environment of the Bay Area. I believe I align well with the University of ____ due to my academic background, experience, and primary intellectual interests, which lie at the intersection of masculinity, addictions, mindfulness, and my core value of compassion.

My intense passion for these subjects is rooted in my upbringing in a chaotic and violent household affected by addiction, mental illness, and constant conflict. Growing up, I was surrounded by drug addiction, which led to various mental health challenges. My mother is bipolar, and my two brothers suffer from drug-induced psychosis or schizoaffective disorder. Consequently, I learned early on to balance being compassionate with them while also being assertive enough to establish and maintain clear boundaries.

My mother’s bipolar disorder meant she was only partially present, and I gradually realized she was, in many ways, part of the problem, with limited capacity to help my brothers. I struggled with setting boundaries, particularly after recognizing my own recovery from co-dependence. Establishing and maintaining boundaries compassionately is challenging, and it's an area I focus on closely. Navigating my mother’s bipolarity and my brothers’ substance use and subsequent schizoaffective diagnoses with compassionate assertiveness ignited my interest and empathy for those suffering from mental illness.

As a child, I was often described as “bookish” by friends and family because books were my escape, eventually guiding me toward further education. Attending college was a relief, and I quickly chose to study psychology to understand myself, my family, and families like mine. After starting college at UC Davis, I realized the lingering effects of my family trauma. I understood I was only beginning a long, yet rewarding, journey toward recovery from co-dependence. I focused on embracing my recovery from childhood trauma, delving into psychology, and appreciating the power of counseling to restore a fulfilling life based on self-discovery.

At twenty-three, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communications, I am eager to give back to my community as a psychologist, aiming to alleviate the suffering of individuals and families like mine, particularly due to addictions. After earning my MA in Counseling Psychology and assisting families as a licensed marriage and family therapist, I plan to pursue a doctoral degree and become a licensed family psychologist in California.

Volunteering also fuels my passion for psychology and recovery. Four days a week, I volunteer with the Mental Health Client Action Network (MHCAN) of Santa Cruz County, where I build relationships with clients and help them cope with the harsh realities of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. It is highly rewarding to assist community members struggling with addictions, as I have witnessed my brothers face similar stigma, anxiety, and depression on their recovery journey. For example, I worked with a man named Cyrus, who had been sober for fourteen years while managing his plumbing business and raising a son with his wife. After discovering his wife’s infidelity, the trauma and shock caused him to relapse, losing his sobriety, business, and access to his son. As I sat beside him, listening with an open mind and compassionate heart, I felt his pain and found it deeply rewarding to help him cope with his challenges by offering a caring ear.

At MHCAN, I also facilitate group counseling services, currently leading a men’s peer-to-peer support group. It brings me joy to discuss our feelings about identifying as men and how this relates to vulnerability, compassion, and mindfulness. I’ve observed that toxic masculinity in Western—especially American—culture deeply affects many men, and when they are willing to put aside the mask of masculinity and listen empathetically, profound conversations and therapeutic relationships can form, built on understanding and a willingness to be seen for who we are. I firmly believe in the power of vulnerability to foster deep, healing relationships founded on trust and mutual collaboration.

During my college years, I also volunteered for a restorative justice program run by the Yolo County district attorney’s office, helping community members who committed low-level misdemeanors avoid punitive sentencing through restorative and alternative means. As a restorative panelist, I aimed to empower participants struggling with mental health and addiction issues, assisting them in accessing necessary medical treatment for sustainable success and stability on their recovery journey. Non-punitive and restorative justice approaches that consider individuals’ specific needs and circumstances are crucial paths I intend to pursue, focused on advocacy as a graduate student and future therapist.

The University of San Francisco embodies compassion, with a mission grounded in respect for equality, diversity, and empathetic care. I believe I am a strong candidate for the Counseling Psychology Master’s Program due to my commitment to helping those struggling with addiction, aligning with the University of San Francisco’s dedication to compassion. I also feel my undergraduate background in psychology has prepared me for the rigorous master’s coursework. Earning the master’s degree in counseling psychology is the logical next step for my career development, laying the foundation for doctoral studies while gaining additional experience to become the most effective family therapist possible.

Thank you for your consideration.

MA MFT Personal Purpose Statement