The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology Hosts Spring Social Justice Forum

The Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology (Psy.D.) program at Holy Family University hosted the Spring Social Justice Forum on April 19 at the University's Newtown campus.

The Bucks County Opportunity Council led graduate Counseling Psychology students in a Community Action Poverty Simulation that allowed participants to assume the role of a person living on a limited budget with limited resources.

The experience was divided into four 15-minute sessions, each of which represented one week in which participants were required to provide for their families and maintain their homes.  The simulation experience is designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month.

“The simulation was a captivating experience to be a part of, it truly allowed participants to walk in the shoes of those less fortunate in various and extreme socioeconomic circumstances,” said Patricia DiFalco, a participant who is entering Holy Family’s Psy.D. program in Fall 2023. “As an incoming student in the doctoral program, participating in this event expanded my awareness of the physiological and psychological difficulties and needs of populations of individuals facing constant worries.”

"The immersive experience of the simulation was really impactful for me," shared Laura Carroll '21, a student in Holy Family's Psy.D. program. "It evoked strong emotions, offering insight into the varied experiences of families in our community and the stressful circumstances they may be navigating through. I would highly recommend the experience for counselors and others in the social service field."

For more information on Holy Family University's Doctor of Psychology in Counseling Psychology program, please visit the program webpage.