Paige Stafford
Master of Arts, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, May 2021
Master of Arts, Theology; Ethics, Spirituality and Professional Practice, December 2018
Bachelor of Science, Psychology and Theology, May 2017
What brought you to ISSJ?
I completed my undergraduate degree at Xavier in 2017, having double majored in psychology and theology. I came to the ISSJ because I thought it would be an excellent opportunity to expand my personal theology and prepare for my intended career as a clinical mental health counselor. After having such a wonderful experience with the theology department as an undergraduate student, I was sure that the Master’s program would be fantastic. I am not exaggerating when I say my time with the ISSJ was truly transformative. I came into this program to build my understanding of theology and to use it for the betterment of others. The ISSJ offered me the chance to continue creating my theological framework to become a stronger clinical mental health counselor. I joined this program to build a theological framework that would help individuals with personal and spiritual growth and healing as a counselor. After graduating from the Ethics, Spirituality and Professional Practice (ESPP) specialization in 2018, I returned to Xavier again in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
What impact has your studies with ISSJ had on you?
Xavier’s Jesuit core values combined with the engaging coursework and expert faculty lead to lasting academic and spiritual growth for me. “Cura Personalis” is at the very heart of this program and thus is at the core of who I want to be as a counselor moving forward. The ISSJ has provided me with tools and insights that I use to work for the betterment of others and for my own spiritual journey. Each class I took in this program was filled with possibilities and goals for solidarity and loving action. It gave me the skills to stand firmly and confidently with, and in defense of, the marginalized and oppressed in informed social justice. My time with the ISSJ and the wisdom I gained in this program has helped me to answer the cries of suffering, and do so through a life of love, wisdom, and hope. These courses gave me the skills to fight for and work with that love, helping others so that we can reach the goals of peace together across our differences.
The faculty at the ISSJ have been instrumental in the discernment of my vocation as a theologian and a counselor. They have been open and available for me to ask for help and always fostered growth. The professors in this department have acted as my mentors, my guides, and my friends. I am grateful for their wisdom and experiences, and I continue to see them as my colleagues. One example of this is Dr. Dewey and his work with the Jesus Seminar. Having the opportunity to learn from him in several classes and to treat him as a mentor has been truly priceless. The support and care given by each member of the faculty was transformative.
The small class sizes and deep theological discussions with classmates help to foster a truly unique intellectual community. Each course is designed to be inclusive across different denominations and faith traditions. Each class is engaging and collaborative, and the coursework is very enlightening and manageable for the students. Although I had positive experiences with all of the courses, I must highlight a few that had profound impacts on me. The course Radical Compassion completely changed how I interact with others and foster compassion in my own life. Liberation theology, Feminist Theology, and Ethics in a Time of Planetary Crisis all broadened my horizons and changed how I interact with the world. These are the basis for my social justice today. The Challenge of Peace is an eye opening and fascinating course that transformed how I experience and fight for peace. Recovery and Growth after Trauma and Pastoral Counseling both laid the foundation for my counseling work. Although this is not an exhaustive list please know that each course and all of my experiences with the faculty were fantastic in their own right.
The wisdom of the professors and nurturing environment they provided allowed me to grow and thrive. I am so grateful for my time with the ISSJ and for all of the people and courses that have shaped me into the person I am today. The classes, students and professors at the ISSJ offer empowerment and transformation in a wonderful community that is based on compassion and care for others across different denominations and faith traditions. I cannot recommend this program enough.