Raphael: “I was surrounded by a cohort and staff that both appreciated what I brought to the table, but also encouraged me to grow.”

I applied to Meridian University in the early aughts to expeditiously become a therapist. After many years of deliberation, I was ready to get my degree and get licensed as soon as possible. Meridian offered me a program that combined a healthy balance of in-person and self-directed learning to match my busy lifestyle. I didn't expect much since I was so very ready to begin working with clients. There was a lot of pressure on me: I was going to get married soon and I was ready to become a professional. I was trained in other ‘healing’ modalities but felt limited by not being licensed in the state of California. I just ‘wanted the degree, already.’

I didn't expect that my time at Meridian University would then help me become a more thoughtful, reflective, and collaborative human being on top of becoming a competent therapist. The books, lectures, and classroom experiences challenged and nurtured me. I was surrounded by a cohort and staff that both appreciated what I brought to the table, but also encouraged me to grow. Based on both the academic work and the personal growth fostered at Meridian University, I felt confident to work with diverse populations and in diverse settings. I had gained so many perspectives that I felt like I could work with most anyone. I left Meridian with the sense that I could both go as deep as my client would want to go, but also have the flexibility to pivot as necessary.

The faculty walked their talk. Meridian University chose teachers whose instincts and expertise were sharpened in the field. They knew what they were talking about; they did - and were doing- the hard and noble work of serving clients and patients with a wide assortment of conditions. They both respected the medical models that inform our field as well as the artistry necessary to address the unique needs of each individual client that may step through our door who may also carry with them cultural and historical burdens that need to be addressed.

And last but not least, I want to mention that Aftab Omer was a guiding light through my education at Meridian. I very much looked forward to having him visit our classrooms, guide a practice, give a lecture. He leads with patience and a depth that is calm and profound. He feels wise beyond his years and yet he can be playful and takes delight in each and every student; never belittling and always challenging. That's a delicate balance that few can achieve gracefully.

I will always look back at my time at Meridian with great fondness. I couldn't be doing the work I do with couples and individuals, with the care and curiosity that I do, without acknowledging the nearly three years of impact that Meridian University had on me - its legacy, teachings, faculty, support staff and of course Aftab Omer - its impact on me as both a therapist and most importantly, a human being.

Raphael Barker
Licensed Marriage Family Therapist
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner