“For me, therapy means showing up for people, one human being to another, and listening to their story while helping them refine the pages they’ve already written,” explains Zoya Khan, a soon-to-be Master of Counseling Psychology graduate.

From the very beginning, it’s clear that Khan brings both heart and drive to her work. This December, she will earn her degree and get married, followed by a move to Maryland in January and then Virginia in June, where her partner will be stationed. Her master’s builds on an undergraduate degree in psychology and religious studies with an emphasis on International, Public, and Local Life. This program examined world religions through philosophical and psychological lenses, which left a significant impression on Zoya. A consistent theme from that work continues to shape her counseling approach: human beings seek connection, and our lives are deeply influenced by the groups and environments we belong to.

“I’m centering my theoretical orientation around looking at people from a social perspective,” she says. “Yes, we’re individuals but we’re so heavily impacted by our environmental circumstances.”

A Calling Shaped by Community

Khan plans to pursue a doctoral degree specializing in military mental health with a concentration in trauma, a field she describes as “intricate, pervasive, and unique.” She feels drawn to working with military communities and notes that her husband has helped her understand what it’s like to navigate the military as a person of color. She hopes to provide support to service members who may want to speak with someone who understands the cultural nuances of their experiences.

As a first-generation Pakistani American, Khan grew up in a family and culture where mental health was rarely discussed. “In the community I come from, talking about mental health is still taboo,” she says. “I wanted to pursue counseling because it’s a service we really need. It can be hard to reach out to someone who may not understand the subtle nuances of your experience.”

Finding APU’s Wholistic Counseling Psychology Program

Khan discovered APU’s counseling psychology program while searching for something holistic and culturally grounded. She was drawn to the university’s humanistic focus and to the chance to live somewhere as beautiful as Alaska after a lifetime in Arizona.

Her APU community quickly became one of her favorite parts of the experience. “From a nonacademic lens, what I loved about studying here at APU are the people that I’ve been able to meet and the friend groups I’ve been able to create and interact with. The people have really made this experience up here for me. We’ve gone on so many adventures, done so much exploring, done so much study buddying together. It has really made this such a wholesome experience for me. And is something that I will carry forward with myself for a very long time.”

Learning Through Doing

Khan’s practicum was her favorite academic component. It offered her first real opportunity to step into the world of professional psychology, practice under supervision, and discuss cases with classmates. The experience helped her understand how the field operate, helping her understand what progress has been made, what gaps exist, and how she hopes to contribute. It also pushed her to reflect deeply on who she is. “You can’t go into a clinical setting without understanding yourself—your biases, your perceptions, your triggers,” she says.

She credits her advisor, Dr. Andrews, with shaping her experience. “She’s made the experience so worth it and everything I needed this experience to be. She’s everything—teacher, advisor, professional, researcher, and National Guard member. Watching how she navigates all of it has been inspiring. I feel very grateful and lucky to have had her as a professor.”

Lessons Learned

When asked about one of the most meaningful concepts she learned this year, Khan doesn’t hesitate: empathy and compassion as the foundation of psychology.

“What stands out to me most is the idea that empathy, compassion, and genuine curiosity are the heart of psychology. There are too many people in the world for us to ever claim certainty about how someone ‘should’ operate. Instead, approaching others with wonder and openness allows us to support them in the ways they truly need. Psychology gives us tools, but humans don’t fit neatly into textbooks. Human beings are far too diverse for that. Approaching the world and people from a place of compassion and empathy, with curiosity and wonder, is how we build bridges, connect with people, and truly make a difference.”

Advice for Current Students

Khan encourages students to learn with openness and curiosity. “Lead with an open heart and an open mind. Undergrad was a time of relearning the world for me. Approaching new experiences with curiosity made all the difference. She believes that exposure, to ideas, people, and perspectives, is essential. “We live in a global society. You’ll meet thousands of people throughout your life. Meeting those strangers with compassion and an open mind will always serve you well.”