Courtney Goodwin

PhD in Clinical Psychology
CSPP at Alliant International University, Fresno

Q: What inspired you to get into clinical psychology?

A: Throughout my life I saw mental health struggles in my family, in my friends, and in myself. I was originally a civil engineering major in undergraduate school, but I took an introductory psychology class and I quickly realized that I was meant to be in that field. As I started learning more about psychology it empowered me to understand more things about myself and my experience, and through that it ignited a passion to want to know more and give other people that potential of healing. I found that a lot of people suffer in silence because they don't even know what they don't know about mental health because we just don't talk about it.

Q: What made you choose Alliant for your doctoral program? 

A: I heard about Alliant because in the clinical PhD or PsyD program you can actually come in with your bachelor’s, so while you're working on your PhD you can get a continuing non-terminal masters, and for me that was a really big thing. I also loved that you could get a high-quality education from home.

Q: Was there anything that surprised you about the program?

A: How much personal growth you actually go through despite how stressful the process is. There's a lot of new information that you're taking in, and there are different expectations that you have to live up to. At the same time, it continually pushes you to meet your own next personal best. Every time you think you've grown enough, you have another step, so that was something that surprised me.

Q: What did Alliant do that was special or unique in supporting you during the program?

A: Something Alliant does from the very beginning is to get you connected with the faculty in your program. They try to make it feel like a close-knit community so that you know who to go to and that your faculty are in your corner. From the very beginning, I've had a close relationship with my program director, and she's very involved with me. I have big resources, but in a small, more accessible place.

Q: How is the dissertation aspect of the program at Alliant different from other schools?

A: For me, it has been quite a journey. Dissertation is almost like a trigger word, but I meet twice a week with my second chair, and I meet weekly with my chair, so I feel like there is a lot of support throughout the dissertation process. I can't imagine how much more stressful it would be if I didn't have those people on my team, because it is a very new, novel task, writing that much and going that in-depth. But I have felt very supported through the process.

Q: What advice would you give to people who are interested in becoming clinical psychology leaders?

A: Figure out your “why” before you start your training, because your personal “why” is going to be very important throughout the program. Any program at this level is going to be stressful. Knowing why you want to be in this field, why it's important to you, and why you have a passion for mental health can pull you through those moments when you're questioning why you’re doing this. I'd say do some deep reflection on what that is for you, remember it, and then carry it close in your pocket, because it will get you through the dark nights.