Why a Sara Schenirer Graduate Chose to Return for Her Doctorate in Psychology

Chana Deena Benjamin, a Sara Schenirer/Felician University Psy.D. student, shares why she chose to continue her education through Sara Schenirer, how she's balancing doctoral studies with her responsibilities, and what makes her experience so meaningful.

1. What inspired you to pursue a doctorate in psychology?

I've always been passionate about understanding people and helping others navigate life's challenges. Pursuing a doctorate in psychology has been a dream of mine for many years.

I was especially drawn to the extensive training and the different professional opportunities that come with earning a Psy.D.

After completing my bachelor's degree a few years ago and gaining experience in both clinical and research settings, I felt ready to take the next step.

2. What made you choose the Sara Schenirer/Felician University Psy.D. program?

I had such a wonderful experience during my bachelor's degree through Sara Schenirer, and I received a strong education. That gave me a lot of confidence that I would have a similarly positive experience in the Psy.D. program.

I was already familiar with Sara Schenirer's commitment to helping women pursue higher education while maintaining their values and balancing family responsibilities.

Having the opportunity to pursue a doctorate in an environment that understands the needs of Orthodox Jewish women was especially appealing to me.

3. Did you have any hesitations?

My biggest concern was how I would balance the demands of a doctoral program with my other responsibilities.

What helped me move forward was recognizing how much this goal meant to me. I knew that if I stayed committed and organized, I could manage the demands of the program.

Having a supportive family and encouraging faculty has also made a big difference in helping me pursue this dream.

4. Now that you've started, what has your experience been like?

So far, my experience has been excellent. The faculty have been incredibly supportive, respectful, and kind.

The courses are fascinating, and I especially enjoy learning from professors who bring their own clinical experience into the classroom. It makes what we're studying feel relevant and applicable to actual practice.

But I would say the best part has been our all-women cohort. It's so nice to be learning alongside women I can relate to. We've already become like family, and we really lean on one another as we work toward becoming psychologists.

5. What would you tell someone who's interested in pursuing a Psy.D.?

I would encourage her to speak with psychologists and current Psy.D. students. Ask them about their education, their experiences, and what their work actually looks like.

Attending open houses and gathering as much information as possible can also be very helpful.

It's a big decision, and I think hearing directly from people who are already in the field can give you a much clearer understanding of what pursuing a Psy.D. involves and whether it's the right path for you.