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A counseling degree can open the door to meaningful work in mental health, ministry, and service in a variety of different contexts. For students who want to combine clinical training with a Christian worldview, Grace’s Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling program offers a flexible online format with annual residency, CACREP accreditation, and a strong emphasis on faith integration.

Maliyah Scisney’s story helps show what the program looks like in real life. Through her experience, future counseling students can get a clearer picture of what it means to pursue clinical mental health counseling graduate programs while balancing life, school, and a calling to help others.

What drew you to a counseling degree?

Scisney’s desire to pursue a counseling degree began in high school. In her own struggles with anxiety, she had been on the receiving end of being seen and known in her emotional pain. 

This influenced her passion for mental health. Scisney said, “I want to be a safe space for others.”

After finding that èצӰ��had an undergraduate and a clinical mental health counseling graduate program, she had narrowed down her options to two different schools: èצӰ�� and a state school close to home. Scisney decided to sit in on a lecture at the state school. 

While many of her friends had chosen to go to the state school, Scisney said, “I quickly realized that I could not learn about counseling and about taking care of our brains without the hope that is in Jesus.”

“It was really important to me to go to a school that was teaching faith-based counseling,” said Scisney.

What was the online learning experience like?

Scisney was excited about the opportunity to receive her master’s in counseling online. This allowed her to study at times that worked for her personal schedule and gain the practical experience that she needed to become a licensed counselor.

Though most of the program is fully online, there is one exception: a one-week residency every summer on èצӰ��’s campus! Though Scisney valued the individual nature of the program, she was pleasantly surprised by the relationships that formed during this residency.

“It can be an isolating experience as a counselor because you’re not allowed to talk about your clients and everything that you do with other people,” said Scisney. “But my classmates turned into some of the best supporters in my journey.”

Scisney also found herself getting to know the professors within the program. Because of the small size of the program, professors are able to have Zoom meetings once or twice each session (an eight-week period) with their classes. “I’ve had some of my professors several times, allowing me to actually get to know them and build a relationship with them,” said Scisney.

What kind of training do you get in the program?

Transitioning from an undergraduate student to a graduate student in Grace’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program was not as easy as Scisney had hoped. She wasn’t prepared for the depth of clinical study and the rigorous course load that comes with the program.

Still, Scisney has seen herself grow in several areas. Whether it’s professionalism in a clinical setting, communication with clients, or simply confidence to do the job that needs to be done, Scisney can see how Grace’s program has effectively equipped her with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the counseling field.

A couple of the program’s requirements are a practicum and an internship. Practicum is a student’s first training ground for seeing clients, learning from a supervisor, and implementing interventions. 

Scisney remembers her practicum as a major growth experience. In the second year of the program, Scisney started her practicum at èצӰ�� Counseling Center, and she was terrified that she wouldn’t enjoy a career in the subject she had been studying all of these years.

She was both relieved and overjoyed when she felt purpose and fulfillment while talking to clients. “After studying the art of counseling for so long, I got to sit with real people with real stories. I got to see that beauty flow from me and my clients as we grew together!”

In addition to her practicum, Scisney has gained invaluable experience in both a college and private practice setting, having internships at the Human Wellness Collective and at RETA in Elkhart.

At Human Wellness Collective, Scisney gained experience working individually with clients and learned more about the population she wants to focus on by serving clients across various life stages at this site. “This site has taught me about collaborating in supervision and with coworkers and has been a positive work environment,” Scisney said.

At RETA, Scisney got to learn more about working with trauma cases and working on a comprehensive team. RETA offers mental health services, medical services, groups, mentorship, and more. It is a unique site that meets many needs within one building.

What would you tell someone considering this degree?

When considering this degree, know that it is not easy, but it prepares you well.

Being a CACREP-accredited, Christian counseling program, you get the clinical training and faith integration to pursue your future career in counseling with quality.

Scisney gives the following encouragement: “Trust the professors and the mentors that are supporting you. It is not an easy program, but you are met with a lot of love and care, and you will make it through. It is possible, it is doable, and it’s definitely worth it.”

Interested in learning more about Grace’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program?

Read about your career opportunities, residency for the program, or Jonathan’s story to learn why the degree is for you.