Congratulations To Our Student Scholarship Winner:
Sierra Collins, Clinical Mental Health Counseling student at Rollins College was awarded the Generation 2 Generation student scholarship at the CFAMFT annual holiday breakfast on December 5, 2024.
Congratulations Sierra on being the 2024 student scholarship winner!
Essay Prompt:
Discuss some of the challenges new MFT’s may encounter as they enter the field as a practicing marriage and family therapist in today’s divisive social and political world.
Sierra’s winning essay:
Over the past few years, our world has experienced profound changes: a global pandemic, rapid technological advancements, political divides, and a re-defining of the “All American Family.” These shifts have reshaped our society in ways we’re only beginning to understand. As a future MFT, this changing landscape is personal to me, because it’s not just the world around us that is evolving—it’s the people who bring us their stories, struggles, and dreams.
In today’s world, where issues like LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive justice, and racial equality stir strong emotions, we must be ready to walk beside our clients through their most vulnerable moments. Our clients will bring their beliefs into the room, and we may struggle with balancing the need to maintain professional neutrality while staying true to our own identities. It is in this delicate balance that our most meaningful work begins—by showing up with empathy and a willingness to grow alongside our clients.
The concept of family itself is shifting. We are seeing the rise of chosen families—groups of people who provide love, support, and belonging, even when bloodlines are absent. As more clients explore their own definition of family, they may seek out therapists who can understand and affirm their unique experiences. This is where the heart of our work lies: in offering a space where clients can be seen and heard just as they are, without judgment.
I think about my own upbringing in a nontraditional family. My mother took the role of both parents while my father struggled with addiction. There were moments of loneliness, especially when others didn’t understand our family dynamic. It is from these experiences that I draw my deepest well of compassion and empathy, which allows me to connect with clients whose family stories are complex or misunderstood. These lived experiences will help me meet clients where they are and help them find their path toward healing.
As the demand for therapy grows, more people are seeking help with unearthing family secrets and confronting relationship trauma. This is both an honor and a heavy responsibility, and we may be the only safe place some clients have to share their pain. We carry their stories with us, and sometimes it can feel overwhelming. In these moments, we must remind ourselves of the importance of self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and protecting our emotional well-being.
Our role as MFTs isn’t just about guiding clients through their pain—it’s about walking with them on their journey to healing and transformation. To do this, we must be resilient, culturally competent, and grounded in our ethical framework. We must also be willing to evolve—never losing sight of the humanity that connects us all. As we step into this profession, we are not just therapists; we are change-makers, healers, and advocates for the people who need us most. The future of our work is bright because it’s driven by the belief that every family—no matter how unconventional—deserves love, understanding, and a chance to heal.