Becoming a Therapist as a First Generation Immigrant – Special Series Becoming a Therapist: An interview with Marvin Vasquez

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

Becoming a Therapist as a First Generation Immigrant – Special Series Becoming a Therapist: An interview with Marvin Vasquez

In this new series, Curt and Katie interview graduate students and will follow them on their journey to becoming a therapist. Our third interview is with Marvin Vasquez, a first-year Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) student at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), which is an all in-person program. Marvin shares his journey into therapy, shaped by his immigrant background and personal struggles, as well as his passion for serving underserved communities. He opens up about the unexpected sense of community within his cohort, the financial challenges of grad school, and his concerns about the future of therapy in an increasingly technological world.

Transcripts for this episode will be available at mtsgpodcast.com!

In this podcast episode, we meet Marvin Vasquez, an aspiring therapist

We continue our new series on becoming a therapist, with Marvin Vasquez.

Marvin’s Background and Motivation for Becoming a Therapist

• Marvin reflects on his upbringing in a large immigrant family and how his experiences inspired his desire to help others.
• He explains how his personal struggles and a passion for underserved communities led him to pursue a career in therapy.
• His goal is to use his background and understanding to make therapy more accessible and impactful for marginalized groups.

The First Semester of his MFT Program: Expectations vs. Reality

• Marvin discusses his expectations of a theory-heavy and clinical program, contrasting it with the surprising sense of community within his cohort.
• He highlights the supportive environment, where vulnerability and shared resilience among students foster personal and professional growth.
• Marvin appreciates the program’s emphasis on creating a safe space for learning and self-awareness.

Community and Support in an In-Person Therapy Grad School

• Marvin contrasts his undergrad experience, which lacked connection, with his current program's close-knit and empathetic cohort.
• The program’s in-person setup has created a unique intensity and camaraderie among students, helping Marvin grow as both a person and a therapist.
• He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in building strong connections within the cohort.

Navigating Family Dynamics and Self-Awareness

• Marvin shares how the program has deepened his empathy for his parents, particularly their struggles as first-generation immigrants.
• He reflects on how their survival strategies shaped his upbringing and his understanding of family dynamics.
• The program has helped Marvin foster greater authenticity and emotional awareness in both his personal and professional life.

Balancing Academics, Work, and Relationships during his MFT Masters Program

• Marvin explains the challenges of balancing his academic workload, job responsibilities, and personal relationships.
• He discusses the financial stress of grad school, including student loans, and the sacrifices involved in pursuing his degree.
• Marvin acknowledges the importance of maintaining connections with friends and family to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Financial Concerns and Career Aspirations as an MFT

• Marvin shares his worries about student debt and the economic realities of being a therapist.
• He expresses gratitude for his supportive employer, who provides flexibility to balance work and school.
• Marvin is exploring career options, including the importance of finding fieldwork opportunities that align with his values and schedule.

Stay in Touch with Curt, Katie, and the whole Therapy Reimagined #TherapyMovement:

Our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/therapyreimagined

Modern Therapist’s Survival Guide Creative Credits:

Voice Over by DW McCann https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW/

Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano https://groomsymusic.com/