For Isabelle (Myriam) Larsen ’27, the path toward psychology began long before graduate school. Growing up in Haiti, she witnessed firsthand how political instability, trauma, and limited access to mental health resources deeply affected her community. “I saw a lot of pain and mental health disorders and challenges that people did not have adequate support for,” said Larsen. “I noticed a huge need for psychology and mental health professionals, and I knew I wanted to help fill that need.” Now pursuing her doctorate of clinical psychology (PsyD) at Azusa Pacific University, Larsen has transformed that early calling into a mission rooted in healing, research, faith, and global mental health advocacy.
Originally studying medicine in Haiti, Larsen planned to pursue psychiatry, following
in the footsteps of her parents, both of whom are medical doctors. However, after
moving to the U.S. in 2019, her academic journey began to shift. While completing
her undergraduate studies at Delta State University, she discovered the field of clinical
psychology and began exploring the possibilities of pursuing a PsyD. When searching
for doctoral programs, Larsen said APU immediately stood out because of the community
she experienced during the admissions process. “As soon as I went to the open house,
I truly felt the warmth of all the faculty,” Larsen said. “I was looking for mentors
and professors who are actually invested in my learning and growth.” Larsen was also
drawn to the program’s emphasis on diversity and faith integration. “There has been
a lot of healing for me throughout the program,” Larsen said.
Throughout her time at APU, Larsen said she has developed a stronger understanding of both herself and others. Navigating life between two countries also shaped her understanding of resilience, identity, and the emotional complexity many people carry across cultures. “Being an international student gave me a richness of experience and a different perspective,” Larsen said. “It has allowed me to have more empathy and compassion for the people around me and for my clients.” Her experiences have also inspired her research interests, which include global psychology, trauma, intergenerational trauma, and mental health in Haiti. “There’s such a big gap in the research,” she said. “There are not enough psychologists, mental health facilities, or people receiving care.” Larsen hopes to contribute to culturally responsive and sustainable mental health systems in Haiti through research, clinician training, mentorship, and community-based interventions.
Faith has remained central throughout her journey. Larsen described her path into psychology as something she did not fully understand at first, but ultimately trusted through prayer and spiritual guidance. “I feel like I was called to come into this field,” she said, “even when I didn’t fully understand it at the time.”
Inspired by her mentor Theresa Tisdale, PsyD, PhD, ABBP, professor emerita, Larsen said she learned the importance of relationship-centered healing and experiential learning within psychotherapy. “One of the big things she tries to highlight is really learning through experience,” Larsen said. “At the end of the day, you do have to make sure you build a relationship with the person.” Larsen also shared that Charles Chege, PsyD, an associate professor in the Department of Clinical Psychology, inspired her through his work supporting mental health initiatives in Kenya and by demonstrating how psychologists can create meaningful change in their home countries. “Seeing what Dr. Chege has accomplished truly taught and inspired me so that I can do that for my own country,” Larsen said. Larsen was also inspired by Sam Girguis, PsyD, chair of the Department of Clinical Psychology and director of the PsyD Program, and chose to come to APU partly based off of who he is as a professor and person. “I cannot think of one person in our program who didn’t mention Dr. Girguis somewhere in their story,” Larsen said. “He’s the embodiment of warmth, care, and everything that you would want to be in a psychologist.”
As Larsen prepares for the next stage of her training and future clinical work, she continues to carry forward the relational approach, global perspective, and mentorship she has gained at APU. Her experiences have shaped a deep commitment to integrating compassion, cultural awareness, and faith into her approach to psychology, as she looks ahead to serving communities across borders and contributing to global mental health care.