Why I Refer: Developing a Multicultural Perspective

One alumna explains how Walden helped her become an open-minded clinician.

NAME: Anna Sadowski ’08

DEGREE EARNED: MS in Mental Health Counseling

CURRENT JOB: Licensed mental health counselor at a private practice in Glens Falls, N.Y.

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT WALDEN? I had started another program, but I took a break because we moved to a new area and had our first child. When I saw a Walden TV commercial, it seemed like a good fit because it would allow me to pursue my degree while balancing work and raising a family.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW THAT WALDEN WAS THE RIGHT PLACE FOR YOU? After my first semester—and especially after I completed my first residency and met my faculty members face to face.

WHAT DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM THE WALDEN PROGRAM? The program trained me to be an open-minded clinician. I learned how to approach clients from a multicultural perspective and to take into account their environments and cultural histories. Walden also challenged me to explore how my own history would influence how I counsel clients and how I was going to apply what I was learning in these encounters.

WHY DO YOU REFER OTHERS TO WALDEN? Whenever someone expresses an interest in mental health counseling, but is hesitant to pursue a graduate degree, I recommend Walden. I had a great experience overall, but what really stands out is the level of attention I received from the faculty. I felt a real connection to them. They live all over the world and have worked in all areas of practice. There’s so much students can learn from them.

Refer friends, family, and colleagues at www.WaldenU.edu/refer.