Heather Calhoun, '19 chose the Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy (MACFT) program because of its holistic approach to clinical work.  

Heather discovered early her passion for helping empower families, marriages, and women. However, as a newly married college graduate with a young daughter and a newborn, she put her dream on hold to support her own family. She worked as a senior claims examiner after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She always told herself once her eldest child graduated from college, she would return to school to pursue her master’s. The same week that she was celebrating her daughter’s graduation from college and her job offer at a large architecture firm, Heather was laid off. At this crossroad, she realized it was time to pursue the dream she held onto for twelve years and enrolled in the MACFT program. “My experience in the MACFT program has been so fruitful,” Heather says. 

Heather is now a licensed marriage and family therapy associate (LMFTA) and works in agency settings providing systemic therapy to families and groups. 

For prospective students, Heather offers this advice: “Buckle up, hold on, and enjoy the transformation ride.” 

Nick Mabbutt, '19 was first exposed to the world of therapy after he obtained his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and his master’s degree in sport management. For two years, he worked in the health and wellness field, hoping to help people fulfill their fitness goals and discover their potential to live a healthier lifestyle. However, like many recent graduates, he initially felt unsatisfied with his career path. When Nick chose to follow his heart and apply to the MACFT program, his outlook on his professional journey changed.  

Nick says, “I felt like this could be my home for the next few years.” 

Nick’s desire to become a therapist was refueled by the experiences and new lessons he gained through the program. 

He currently works in a group clinical practice, guiding people toward positive outcomes and fulfilling lives. 

Nick says that his biggest takeaway from the program was “The idea of being present to clients and being able to hold a safe space, which entails compassion, empathy, and listening skills.” 

Nick enjoyed becoming the best version of himself through the coursework and training. He remembers the program as one of inclusivity and compassion, and one that has helped him professionally. 

Patricia Gould, '19 was concerned about the lack of therapy in the Latino community and was inspired to make systemic change. Patricia worked as the Director of Hispanic Ministry for a Catholic parish in Anchorage, Alaska for four years. She provided pastoral care and spiritual companionship for people who struggled to find resources in their language. Noticing the need for diversity in therapy, Patricia applied to the Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy (MACFT) degree. 

“The MACFT degree is the program that allowed me to help those seeking healthy answers to their painful situations,” Patricia said. 

Patricia chose the MACFT program because of its integrative approach on the relationship between mind, body, and spirit and its emphasis on diversity. In her private practice in Alaska, she witnesses the importance of these values firsthand. She knows communities need therapists who can communicate effectively with clients in their own language. During her time in the MACFT program, Patricia learned the importance of embracing her own roots and experiences and using them to enrich her career as a therapist. 

“In classes, professors emphasized the importance of the therapist’s identity and invited us to not leave out of the session who we are, but on the contrary, proudly embrace our roots, experiences and enrich our career with them. They described how to dance with knowledge, theories, techniques, spirit, and heart, and do it in such a way that others wish to accompany us in the dance.” 

Spencer Byl, '18 didn’t have a direct path to his graduate studies. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Spencer experienced a shift in vocation when he left his engineering job to work as a supervisor at an inpatient mental health facility. Although his work at the facility was extremely challenging, it awakened a desire in him to be in a healing profession. He says without both of these experiences, his life may have looked very different. 

Spencer was pleased to find the Master of Arts in Couples & Family Therapy (MACFT) at Seattle University. Spencer appreciated the holistic approach to couples and family therapy. He got the sense that the MACFT program was a place that didn’t simply give answers, but challenged students to find their own. Ultimately, it was the supportive environment he experienced when he visited the school that really drew him in. Spencer reflects: 

“On my initial visit, I met with faculty, staff, and students who all wanted to see me succeed, regardless of who I was, where I came from, or what I believed. I felt welcomed and supported from the moment I walked in the doors.” 

Spencer’s clinical internship focused on working with adolescents and teens. As an intern therapist at Bainbridge Youth Services, he offered free therapy to students and their families in the Bainbridge School District. 

Ultimately, Spencer became a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and he knows that the education he is receiving has taught him more than he needs to get started. Although, he knows the learning never stops for a couples and family therapist. 

“I was prepared to enter the field in a way where I can follow any direction, be it working with different age ranges, presenting problems, cultures, families, couples, or individuals.”