About Me

Yesterday I was clever so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself. -Rumi

My name is Crystal.

I’ve known I wanted to be a therapist since I was in high school, after I spent a few years working with a therapist on my own mental health issues. I told myself, “If I could help just one person the way she helped me, I’d consider myself successful.”

A few tedious, but fulfilling years at Cal Poly Pomona later, I earned my B.A. in Psychology. I couldn’t wait to apply my knowledge & leave my imprint on the world. I hit the field running – Only to feel thwarted by the sea of fellow Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice graduates who replaced that same dream of trying to make a difference, with a dream of simply finding a decently paying job even remotely related to our fields. Needless to say, I knew I’d have to continue my education soon.

While I researched masters programs, I began gaining experience as a Residential Counselor at a group home for at-risk teenage girls. From there I advanced to Quality Assurance Specialist, and I’m currently the Residential Treatment Coordinator at my agency. Working at a group home is conjointly the most strenuous and rewarding experience of my life thus far. I can go on and on about problems with the system and provide endless stories about the most inspirational and defiant residents, but I can’t deny that my heart is with this agency and these girls.

Along my journey I discovered Buddhism and fell in love completely. The concepts spoke to my soul, and putting it to practice truly helped me manage my mental health symptoms rather than simply trying to suppress them. In my spare time, I devoured all the literature I could find on the topic. So when I discovered there was a Marriage and Family Therapy program with an emphasis in Buddhist Psychology a mere 20 minutes from my home, I wholeheartedly believed it was placed there just for the likes of me. It reignited my desire to move forward with my dream of making a real difference. I poured my heart into the application process; they had no choice but to accept me.

This blog will document my grad school experience. Stick around to discover study habits honed by OCD, read quotes that inspire me, learn my thoughts on the subjects discussed in my courses and enjoy photos of the little things in life that bring me joy along the way. Perhaps they will help you along your path as well. Namaste.