Marriage & Family Therapy News
Donations sought for annual transgender clothing drive
Falk College’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy is coordinating clothing donations to benefit the Syracuse-area transgender community as well as the Utica QCenter. As part of this annual project, gently worn clothes for any season, occasion, age and gender are being accepted now through July 21. From shirts, pants, shorts, dresses and skirts to belts, swimwear, purses, shoes, hair accessories and jewelry, donations are greatly appreciated.
Student organizers working with the transgender population recognize how expensive the transition process is. Many insurance plans don’t cover the costly expense of hormones and there are fees associated with blood work, binders, doctor visits, name changes and other legal documentation. At times, money for a new wardrobe is not possible. For clients with families, or teens who may not have parental support or any financial abilities, shopping for clothing is not only costly, but can be a fearful experience during the transitioning process.
MFT programs prepare clinicians, scholars, researchers at Peck Hall
Falk College’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy seeks to promote change and healing in people’s lives, addressing mental health issues through research, teaching, and providing therapy in the community. Offering the first accredited MFT master degree in the United States, Falk College’s program also includes the only MFT-MSW dual degree program in the country. Read more about the life-changing work done at Peck Hall, a five-story, 30,000-square-foot facility that houses classrooms, a children’s clinic and a Couple and Family Therapy Center that serves clients referred from mental health and human service agencies and school districts throughout the area.
The full article was printed in the Syracuse University Magazine, Spring 2017 edition.
Congratulations Falk faculty!
Dean Murphy, along with Falk College faculty and staff, congratulate faculty who retired at the end of the 2016-17 academic year, including:
In May, the following faculty promotions were announced:
How one alumna discovered her calling to marriage and family therapy
Growing up in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Blessed Unami Sikhosana ’11, G’12, G’17 lived with her grandmother and 6 younger siblings. “My mother was not there,” Sikhosana explains. Her grandmother was the caregiver. Sikhosana recalls the small garden her grandmother made at the back of their yard, teaching her grandchildren how to plant different vegetables she would then sell to buy food, and send Sikhosana—and her siblings—to school.
Sikhosana’s life changed drastically when her grandmother passed away in 1974. “I had my two older sisters, but they were in a boarding school, which meant all the responsibilities fell on my shoulders. I was 12 raising 6 younger siblings.” It strengthened Sikhosana’s character and grit, which would play a big role in her journey to Syracuse University’s Falk College, where in 2017 she earned a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.
In 1998, Sikhosana came to the United States. “I came to visit my aunt Joyce, but quickly realized that the U.S. is a land of opportunities, provided you apply yourself with determination. So, I decided to stay and further my education.” Although she had never used a computer before, she enrolled at Bryant and Stratton College and studied information technology and programming. “Guess what? I became valedictorian.”
But her academic journey had just begun. Sikhosana’s desire to challenge herself brought her to Syracuse University. Through SU’s University College, she earned her undergraduate degree in paralegal studies in 2011 and took a job as a paralegal working for a child and family attorney. While working there, she completed her executive master’s in international relations and human rights studies through the Maxwell School in 2012.
At the attorney’s office, she recalls, “we dealt with families and children who were hurting.” Sikhosana realized that she was a humanitarian, an advocate for the voiceless. “That’s what drew me in—the love for those who can’t speak for themselves. The refugee communities that have experienced war in their home countries and now suffer from PTSD. Bringing hope to adults who are in nursing homes and providing them with therapy coping skills, especially those who are faced with mental health challenges.”
So, Sikhosana began her studies in marriage and family therapy at Falk College, home of the first accredited master’s degree of its kind in the country. Students in the program complete rigorous coursework in addition to 500 supervised clinical hours, during which students work directly with clients at both the Couple and Family Therapy Center located at Peck Hall, and at an approved community site. For Sikhosana’s internship, she worked at Catholic Charities in Syracuse.
Seeing 27 clients each week was certainly challenging, but Sikhosana treasures the joy and fulfillment she gets from her work. “To be a marriage and family therapist is a rewarding career. You touch lives,” she says. “The bottom line of being a marriage and family therapist is helping individuals with mental health challenges reframe their thinking. Most clients walk into my therapy room defeated. My job is to help them to walk out into the world feeling like a champion.”
Today, Sikhosana is a proud citizen of the U.S., working in and with her community to make a global impact. Through her own initiative, the Blessed Sikhosana Foundation, Inc., she raises funds to send young girls in her home village in the Sigola homestead in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to school. Currently, the foundation is paying the school fees for 20 girls through its 2 U.S. chapters, Syracuse University and Little Falls, NY.
An active member of the Syracuse Sunrise Rotary Club for nearly 10 years, Sikhosana will be the first African woman president of her club and in this district when she takes office in July. District 7150 is comprised of roughly 43 clubs covering Central New York. “We raise funds through different fundraising activities and use these funds to support our service projects and other charitable activities making a difference in our community and internationally.”
Looking back on the past year, she says it’s been wonderful. “I completed my studies, my son got married, I have two lovely grandchildren, I’m getting married in June 2018.” Her fiancé surprised her with a ring and a proposal on her birthday. “Life begins at 55!” she laughs. “I really want to thank Syracuse University for empowering me to be the marriage and family therapist that I am today,” she says.
Congratulations Class of 2017!
Dean Diane Lyden Murphy, along with the faculty and staff of Falk College, congratulates the Class of 2017! We are excited to see where your careers take you. Remember that you are “forever orange” and will always be a part of Falk College and Syracuse University.
We invite you to stay in touch and connect through social media, on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
As alumni, you will now receive FalkTalk, Falk College’s email newsletter for alumni, parents and friends. FalkTalk keeps you up-to-date with news headlines, student highlights, and upcoming events delivered to your inbox at the end of each semester.
Learn how to stay connected to the ‘Cuse Community in regions all around the world
Answer these quick questions on how to reach you after graduation
We have many photos to share that recap some of the celebration events of this past week:
- Falk College Convocation & Reception
- BSSW Awards Celebration
- MSW Graduates Headed to Europe
- Human Development and Family Science Celebration
- Public Health Food Studies and Nutrition Awards Presentation
- Public Health Posters
- Marriage and Family Therapy Graduation Luncheon
- Sport Management Senior Reception
- Convocation photos from Sport Management
Check out more photos of commencement weekend on Collage or at #SUGrad17.
Falk College students host makeup drive for transgender community March 2
Falk College’s Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is hosting a makeup drive to benefit the Syracuse-area transgender community March 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Schine Student Center.
The drive was organized by Meghan Harris and Nikki Binnie, MFT graduate students on the Trans Team at the Syracuse University Couple and Family Therapy Center, part of the MFT program. Students on the Trans Team receive specialized training to provide gender-affirmative therapy for transgender people and their families and assist in the readiness process for medical gender transition. “As students on the Trans Team, we recognized that there was a need in our community that was not being met,” says Harris. “For many transwomen it is difficult to navigate the complicated world of makeup and many face discrimination and judgment if they seek out information on their own. However, makeup is a necessity for many women that helps build confidence and is an outlet to express themselves.”
The students from the Trans Team will not only collect these resources, but will also host a workshop in the future to offer a safe environment in which to teach women how to use makeup. “We want to build connections and an extending network of support within the transgender community but we cannot do that without the help of Allies in the greater Syracuse University community,” Harris adds.
Acceptable items include mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, blush, lip gloss, lipstick and other makeup products. For hygienic reasons, products must be new and unopened.
Falk College students host makeup drive for transgender community December 1
The Syracuse University Falk College Department of Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is hosting a makeup drive to benefit the Syracuse area transgender community December 1, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Schine Student Center.
The drive was organized by Meghan Harris and Nikki Binnie, MFT graduate students on the Trans Team at the Syracuse University Couple and Family Therapy Center, part of the MFT program. Students on the Trans Team received specialized training to provide gender-affirmative therapy for transgender people and their families and assist in the readiness process for medical gender transition. “As students on the Trans Team, we recognized that there was a need in our community that was not being met,” says Harris. “For many transwomen it is difficult to navigate the complicated world of makeup and many face discrimination and judgment if they seek out information on their own. However, makeup is a necessity for many women that helps build confidence and is an outlet to express themselves.”
The students from the Trans Team will not only collect these resources, but will also host a workshop in the future to offer a safe environment in which to teach women how to use makeup. “We want to build connections and an extending network of support within the transgender community but we cannot do that without the help of Allies in the greater Syracuse University community,” Harris adds.
Acceptable items include mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow, foundation, blush, lip gloss, lipstick and other makeup products. For hygienic reasons, products must be new and unopened.
Get started on a career path that makes a difference with Nov. 4 Information Session
When students think graduate school, they think curriculum, campus, community, but most of all, what the degree will mean for their lives. It’s not until after completing their degree that Falk College graduate students realize the profound difference it made not just for themselves, but for the lives of those around them as they discover new and exciting opportunities to have a positive impact. That’s what a graduate degree from Falk College means: it means our graduates can do more—more for the community, for society, and for the world. And they do!
Join prospective Falk College graduate students interested in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management at Falk’s Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
- Child and Family Studies M.A., M.S., Ph.D.
- Marriage and Family Therapy M.A., Ph.D.
- Addiction Studies M.A.
- Food Studies M.S.
- Global Health M.S.
- Nutrition Science M.A., M.S.
- Public Health M.S.
- Social Work M.S.W.
- Sport Venue and Event Management M.S.
- Dual Degree Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy M.A./M.S.W.
Information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies and global health.
Falk hosts November 4 Graduate Program Information Session
When students think graduate school, they think curriculum, campus, community, but most of all, what the degree will mean for their lives. It’s not until after completing their degree that Falk College graduate students realize the profound difference it made not just for themselves, but for the lives of those around them as they discover new and exciting opportunities to have a positive impact. That’s what a graduate degree from Falk College means: it means our graduates can do more—more for the community, for society, and for the world. And they do!
Join prospective Falk College graduate students interested in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management at Falk’s Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
- Child and Family Studies, MA, MS, PhD
- Marriage and Family Therapy, MA, PhD
- Addiction Studies, MA
- Food Studies, MS
- Global Health, MS
- Nutrition Science, MA, MS
- Public Health, MS
- Social Work, MSW
- Sport Venue and Event Management, MS
- Dual Degree Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy, MA/MSW
Information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies, global health, and intercollegiate athletic advising and support.
Your chance to have an impact: What a graduate degree means at Falk College
When students think graduate school, they think curriculum, campus, community, but most of all, what the degree will mean for their lives. It’s not until after completing their degree that Falk College graduate students realize the profound difference it made not just for themselves, but for the lives of those around them as they discover new and exciting opportunities to have a positive impact. That’s what a graduate degree from Falk College means: it means our graduates can do more—more for the community, for society, and for the world. And they do!
Join prospective Falk College graduate students interested in child and family studies, food studies, public health, marriage and family therapy, nutrition science, social work and sport management at Falk’s Graduate Program Information Session on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in Grant Auditorium in White Hall, part of the Falk College Complex.
The presentation will provide detailed information on Falk College graduate programs in:
- Child and Family Studies M.A., M.S., Ph.D.
- Marriage and Family Therapy M.A., Ph.D.
- Addiction Studies M.A.
- Food Studies M.S.
- Global Health M.S.
- Nutrition Science M.A., M.S.
- Public Health M.S.
- Social Work M.S.W.
- Sport Venue and Event Management M.S.
- Dual Degree Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapy M.A./M.S.W.
Information and advising will be available regarding Falk’s Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs including child therapy, trauma-informed practice, addiction studies, food studies, global health, and intercollegiate athletic advising and support.
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