News from the Graduate School

A Q&A with Dr. Edith Gonzalez

What are your research interests? 
My research interest includes multicultural issues among underrepresented populations and family issues, particularly among Latinx/e immigrant families. 

What drew you to the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies? 
I was excited for the opportunity to be in a leading program that focuses on addiction studies. The Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies has a great reputation for its comprehensive approach in training and providing services.    

How did you become involved in this field? 
My motivation to become a counselor was to help multigenerational/multicultural low-income families. I was motivated through my personal experiences to help families who struggled with challenges like mine. I decided to pursue a doctorate degree in counseling to help train counselors to work with diverse families, including Spanish/English bilingual counseling. 

What are you most excited about in your new position?  
I am excited to engage with students and help train counselors to work through a systemic lens. 

Any advice for our readers who might be in a similar boat, either beginning a new role or searching for a new position?
I am a firm believer in spending your energy wisely. When I was looking for a position, I wanted to make sure I would work in an environment that allowed me to use my skills in a profound way. Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies has so far exceeded expectations in allowing me to do just that. 

A Q&A with Dr. Matt Glowiak

How did you become involved in the counseling field?
My path toward becoming a counselor was one, in hindsight, that was telling, though it was by no means linear. Growing up, I was always one involved in many activities. Two that wound up being most meaningful toward this path were my involvement as a peer mediator as well as snowball student representative. My training in conflict resolution and understanding of addiction at the time was quite minimal, though in my everyday life I had diverse friends of all sorts who entrusted in me to hear them out, provide nonjudgmental support, and—perhaps most importantly—not share what they told me with others.

As I completed high school, I knew I wanted to be a doctor of something and went the medical route. My initial major was pre-med/bioengineering; however, that was short-lived as I struggled with chemistry. Having lost myself a tad, I began speaking with various academic advisors. One after another, they kept telling me that I sounded like someone who would thrive in psychology. I did not believe this at first, moved into economics, and although I improved academically, I was unhappy. At that point, the academic advisor in the psychology department encouraged me to take the educational psychology course, where it is still up for debate as to whether our very own, Dr. Jorja Jamison, was my instructor or not. Either way, that course was the one that ultimately led me here, as we each took the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory II (MMPI-II), which not only reflected my personality better to me than I knew myself at the time, but it also told me I'd find success as a psychologist and/or teacher. In that moment, I committed myself to becoming both.

Upon officially declaring psychology as my undergraduate major, I raised my grades, became part of the personality psychology lab, landed one of the very few senior internship positions, and graduated within 4 years with honors. Everything came full circle. Though it took me 2 years to return to graduate school, as an online student in Walden University's Masters in Mental Health Counseling program, everything followed suit from my earlier successes upon declaring psychology. My grades were desirable, I made strong connections with my peers and instructors, began volunteering in various organizations, such as ACA and CSI, and was strongly encouraged to pursue my Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision. From there, I never looked back. The foundation I set as a master's student continued propelling me forward, and I knew for a fact that I was pursuing my life's calling, not only as a clinician but also as an instructor. 

My students oftentimes hear me say that while I do not believe the whole "When you do what you love, you don't work a day in your life" mentality, as best believe I work very hard, I do adamantly believe that when you do what you love while following your calling that you feel fulfilled each and every day of life. In this respect, I feel as though having followed what everything was telling me to follow that I am living the life I was meant to live. Here, I can still feel as though I am winning in life even after the most stressful of days where I would otherwise feel like giving up. That passion is what I hope to continue sharing with others.  

What are your research interests?
While I would be remiss to say that research is at the forefront of my passions professionally, it is something I find critically important. As a graduate student and early professional, I found myself more interest in qualitative and mixed studies. To me, as well as many other professionals, there is much in the human experience that cannot be quantified. Accordingly, we need to adapt the scientific method in a meaningful yet rigorous way we do draw meaningful, credible, and valid conclusions to the best of our ability.

Interestingly, having grown up in 1983, I feel as though my upbringing was a mix of new and old school. Though my wife always debates this, I regard myself as part of the Xennial generation (1977-1983). Know that I never had a computer in my house until I was 15 years old. Though we had a Nintendo in first grade, that was for rainy days and sleepovers. It was an afterthought as compared to playing outside and making up games. While technology progressed, I moved along with it but with caution. My worry at the time, and even to this day, is that despite all the advances we have made that we are relying too much on technology rather than our own intellect, critical thinking, gut instinct, and truly credible information to perceive and respond to the world. Accordingly, my research interests have been around the impact of the Internet on learning and social development, among other topics. 

My master's capstone project (2009-2010) focused on what I referred to as "Internet bullying," which we now commonly known of as "cyberbullying." As a doctoral student, my dissertation focused on the impact of the Internet on K-8 learning and social development as perceived by veteran educators of 20+ years. In both cases, what was pointed out was how the Internet is a powerful force that can be a good or bad thing but greatly depends on not only how it is used by the individual, but the boundaries and protocol placed around its use. Though I have not done much additional research on the topic since graduating, it is something continually on my mind as well as a topic I speak to whether that be around effective communication, accessibility considerations, setting boundaries, and otherwise. In fact, some of my earliest successes with various counseling organizations was presenting on the benefits of remote clinical mental health graduate programs, how to network with other professionals, and building a strong online presence. 

As I settle into my new roles here at the Graduate School, my hope is to collaborate with other faculty as well as our students and the Foundation to further much of the great work we are doing here. Hazelden Betty Ford, collectively, has paved the way for effective addiction and mental health treatment, among other things. There are many opportunities here, and I look forward to becoming more involved as I continue working here. 

What drew you to the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School?
Hazelden Betty Ford is an organization that I have held in high regard since beginning my work in the field as a substance abuse counselor. At the methadone clinic, I managed a 62-patient caseload, which was intense. Most clients were diagnosed with co-occurring disorders while each of them had a diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) on the moderate to severe end of the spectrum. 

To complement treatment, I often referred clients to various support groups in the area. Fortunately, in Chicagoland there are many options in respect to 12-Step groups, SMART Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Dual Recovery Anonymous, et cetera. Often, clients would share with me their concerns about attending a live group, which often included issues with accessibility, having cravings mostly late at night when groups were not offered, worries about running into people from their past, et cetera. In attempt to find something that worked, I ultimately came across the Hazelden Betty Ford online platform, which is like some offerings on The Daily Pledge website. What was unique, beyond the variety of group topics offered seemingly 24/7, was how I could create a login as a clinician to verify patient participation. With each client who provided an ROI, which was a handful of them, I could monitor progress, print certificates of attendance, and was able to then discuss the group experience during our next session. Best believe this was a win-win-win that got my attention!

Upon earning my PhD and full clinical licensure, I co-founded a group private practice. One of our multiple locations was downtown Chicago near Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation (867 Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois). After primarily attending monthly provider meet and greets and being invited to present, I was offered the opportunity to facilitate a monthly support group on site, which ultimately led to our field experience students leading groups every other week for years. We built a strong relationship, and from there, I had the thought, "I'd love to work with Hazelden Betty Ford one day!" 

Fast forward to this past summer (June 2024), a colleague shared with me a post on LinkedIn on behalf of Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School hiring full-time Associate Professors. Best believe I dropped everything I was doing, updated my CV and cover letter, and submitted it. I did this within an hour of seeing the post. Fortunately, the rest is history, as four interviews later I was hired into this position and have never looked back. To say that Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School has met my expectations is an understatement. Rather, like what I said earlier about finding my calling, I 100% believe that I am here in the right time and place. To that, I want to thank everyone I have met thus far who welcomed me into this program with open arms. 

What are you most excited about in your new position?
The people. Again, what I am most excited about in my new position is "the people." Culture is an important part of any environment for me. Throughout the interview process I continually asked questions about culture while speaking to the importance of being a part of a "winning team." Based off not only what the Graduate School team was telling me, but what I could read nonverbally, I felt confident that we were on the same page. Since being hired and becoming a part of the team, I have felt nothing but the winning mentality. Truth be told, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School is comprised of many highly motivated, intelligent, warm, and engaging people who have experienced various levels of challenges throughout life. Here, staff and students are quick to support one another, which is truly what this field is about. How can we expect to support our future or current clients when we are not doing the same for one another? In this respect, I believe that we continue practicing what we preach. For those whose being here is a second, third, or additional chance at living the life they've dreamed, I believe they have come to the right place.

Otherwise, I am extremely excited for potential opportunities as they pertain to adding more student engagement groups, presenting and writing together, conducting research, and being an integral part of one's journey toward following their own calling. Oh, and of course, Residency! As an extraverted person who mostly works remote these days, I cherish any opportunity to meet live in person. My first Residency this past Fall Term (October 2024) was telling. Though the week does pack in a lot, it was fulfilling. I make a point of maximizing every opportunity by attending everything I can while being intentional with personal interactions. Although I felt welcomed by the Graduate School prior to the Residency, I truly felt affirmed during and after, and look forward to the next one in February 2025. 

Any advice for our readers who might be in a similar boat, either beginning a new role or searching for a new position?
I think the important thing with either beginning a new role or searching for a new position is to not only go with but truly embrace the flow/process. Human beings are creatures of habit who struggle stepping outside of their comfort zones. Though "the grass is not always greener," many opportunities are left on the table without taking chances. As they say, when individuals reflect on their lives, they often are met with more regret around the chances they did not take than what they did (even when some of what they did was less than desirable). In the words of the Beatles (All You Need is Love), "There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be." Though the "where" might not be where you want to be, the power is in embracing it while figuring out how to maximize the opportunity. This is when and where growth occurs. In my case, my former institution is amid a teach-out. While I could have and initially intended to remain complacent for the time being, responding to the the Graduate School post on LinkedIn changed my life. Even further, I must consider the positive influence I've already had on others here and intend to have moving forward. Though the transition was a lot of work, and as some would say, "Felt like drinking out of a firehose," everything came together as intended, and I can honestly say that although 2024 was a rough start for me, the ending has exceeded my expectations. 

Sometimes we try to overintellectualize or worry our way out of something that could truly bring us happiness. During those times, I have come to find that trusting my gut is the way to go. The gut is our "second brain" after all. Shedding imposter syndrome is another key factor. Again, entrust that you are where you are because of all you put into getting here. Whether you are an the Graduate Student, employee, or otherwise; you have demonstrated having what it takes to be here. Embrace rather than challenge that while continuing to proceed with confidence.

A Q&A with Dr. Eleni Honderich

How did you become involved in the counseling field?
My path was not a straight one, and involved turns and detours along the way. Along the way, counseling and mental health was forth and center though not always evident to me as I contemplated an array of careers, including creative writing and even a short stint in acting. With time and after an existential crisis, it all came together, and I have never looked back since. To me, it is a blessing that my career is one that gives back and helps others – one filled with meaning but also responsibility considering our clients are vulnerable. 

What are your research interests?
My primary research/professional interests pertain to ethics, ethical culture, and professional identity within the field of counseling. I get excited and light up about these specific areas. Former students have told me that though they dreaded taking an ethics course – they appreciated my enthusiasm that became contagious, making them excited as well. Past ethics/professional-identity related research that I have investigated has focused on: (a) client-referrals; (b) workplace aggression, normative unethical acts, and ethical perceptions; (c) constructions of ethicality; (d) Counseling for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP) and graduate-student's enrollment decision factors; and (e) the concept of an international counseling identity.

What drew you to the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School?
Can you say dream job! I have been in the clinical field since 2005 and primarily all my work has been within the addiction sector to some capacity. Having worked in Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate schools in the past, though meaningful – it felt as something was missing; generally speaking, the institutions/university and students were not that excited about addiction-work. I wanted to be part of an organization that understood the true complexity of addiction and the pertinence of addiction-work; I am a firm believer of whatever clinical sector you work in (be it addictions or not), addiction will impact your work, your clients, and their families/friends. I feel truly grateful to be a part of the Graduate School as we all speak the same language and share common goals when it comes to addiction. 

What are you most excited about in your new position?
I have always gravitated toward the philosophical and existential aspects of life; for me, this position bears so much personal fulfillment as I have seen first-hand the detrimental impact addiction can have on individuals and have also witnessed in general mental health, clinicians avoiding any addiction work, assessments, or conversations with their clients. I feel at home at the Graduate School as I can focus more time on educating future clinicians and delve deeper into how to provide adequate treatment/services to clients suffering from addictions versus advocating for the pertinence of addictions. It is nice to be amongst like-minded peers! 

5. Any advice for our readers who might be in a similar boat, either beginning a new role or searching for a new position?

a. Though I do not personally like the saying "trust the process" – as it can at times negate the actual emotional rollercoaster of being in the process – this is the first saying that came to mind. Life has a funny way of closing doors sometimes and opening others that we might not realize in the moment. Never give up hope and have faith in yourself.