Jia Jari recalls her first day as a therapist in a counseling office, feeling the weight of responsibility on her shoulders.
With a mix of anxiety and self-discovery, she realized, “There should really be an adult here,” only to come to the realization that she was indeed the adult present.
Now, as she approaches graduation with her MA in Couple and Family Therapy from CU Denver, Jari sees clients independently every day, thriving in a role she once doubted she could fulfill.
CU Denver’s Couple and Family Therapy program is designed to cultivate self-reflective or self-aware therapists capable of serving diverse couples and families.
The program’s distinct emphasis on creating an inclusive environment allows a wide variety of voices and perspectives to contribute to meaningful discussions, empowering both the therapists-in-training and their clients.
Students often leave the program not just as competent therapists but also transformed individuals.
Reflecting on her journey, Jari shared, “I feel so much more whole.
I feel like I was pieces of a person that felt very conflicting, and this program has helped me feel like I am so much more comprehensive.
Like, everything fits.”
Jari’s path to becoming a therapist was deeply personal.
Originally from Dallas, Texas, she moved to the U.S. at the age of eight.
After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology, she found herself drawn to the world of therapy.
Friends often sought her out for advice, and her own experiences as a therapy client shaped her desire to bridge the gap between feeling misunderstood and helping others avoid that same struggle.
The diverse faculty and student body at CU Denver played a significant role in Jari’s development, fostering her journey of self-acceptance.
She stated, “When you come to this program, there are so many different experiences in the room that you know yours is welcome here, too.”
While an undergraduate degree is required for the program, students come from a myriad of backgrounds, enriching the learning experience with their varied perspectives and life experiences.
Jari was particularly attracted to the marriage and family therapy track due to its intersectional approach, focusing not only on individual issues but also on relationship dynamics within families.
Rashmi Gangamma, PhD, LMFT and program director, elaborated on the program’s focus on systemic issues.
“We’re known for our focus on a systemic, relational approach to treating mental health disorders as well as relational challenges,” she said.
This perspective resonated deeply with Jari’s background in a collectivist culture, influencing her understanding of healing and community.
For Jari, couple and family therapy uniquely combines individual mental health work with a community-oriented approach, allowing clients to create a supportive network.
As a graduate, Jari is prepared to seek LMFT licensure, the necessary certification to practice independently.
Her training equips her to work with individuals, couples, and families, employing the skills she honed during her time at CU Denver.
One of the pivotal experiences in Jari’s academic journey was her practicum, a required program component where students gain hands-on experience.
During her first semester working with clients at the CU Denver Student and Community Counseling Center, she received real-time coaching from licensed therapists.
The center’s innovative setup, featuring two-way mirrors, allows for simultaneous observation and feedback, an asset not often found in therapy training programs.
Jari described how this supportive learning environment transformed her confidence and competence as a therapist.
“It’s always been like, ‘How do we support, how do we accommodate? How do we challenge you to rise to the occasion that you didn’t think you were capable of?'” she reflected.
This atmosphere of encouragement and constructive criticism has had a profound impact on her journey, leaving her feeling empowered.
The combination of individual supervision sessions and peer workshops provided additional layers of support, ensuring Jari felt guided and believed in throughout her training.
Additionally, the opportunity to review recordings of her own sessions allowed her to build trust in her therapeutic abilities.
“There were a lot of instances where I would notice myself doing or saying the things that I think were really meaningful, and I think I built that self-trust along the way,” she said.
Thanks to the extensive feedback and guidance, Jari is not only prepared to graduate but also feels capable of forging her own path as a therapist.
“I’m starting to realize that I can do so much more than I thought I could,” she stated.
The nurturing environment at CU Denver has given her the confidence to embark on her career in therapy, knowing she is equipped with the skills and support needed to succeed.
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