For Erika Korenblit ’23, ’26M, staying at Arcadia to earn her Master’s in Counseling was essential in growing both personally and in her career. 

“I chose Arcadia because I was already familiar with how supportive and strong the Psychology department was, especially from my undergraduate experience,” the Warrington, Pa., native said. “I had such a positive impression of the instructors and the learning environment, which made my decision feel very natural. I also really connected with Arcadia’s values, especially its focus on multiculturalism. Coming from a family of immigrants, that emphasis felt personal to me and aligned with the kind of counselor I want to be.”

Korenblit’s time in the program and her internship with The Center for Family Empowerment in Jenkintown have helped her to build confidence to connect with clients more naturally.

“When I first started, I was really in my head,” she explained. “I second-guessed everything and felt like I needed to have the ‘right’ answer all the time. Over time, especially through my internship, I’ve learned that therapy isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present and real with your clients. I’ve found my voice a lot more and feel more confident trusting myself in sessions. I’ve also really leaned into using creativity and expression in my work, especially with kids, which has helped me connect with them in ways that feel authentic to me.”

For Korenblit, her clients’ progress is just as important to her as her own. The positive feedback from the families she works with has had a meaningful impact on her.

“My proudest accomplishment has been the growth I’ve seen in the clients I’ve worked with and knowing I was a part of that,” she said. “Hearing feedback from parents and clients about the positive changes they’ve made has been incredibly meaningful, especially as an intern. I’ve had moments where a parent has gotten emotional telling me their child feels like a different person because they’ve been able to open up and actually use the skills we’ve worked on, and that is so fulfilling.” 

Korenblit takes pride in how far she’s come as a counselor.

“Letting go of perfectionism and allowing myself to grow through experience has been one of the most important parts of my journey,” she said. “I went from feeling really unsure of myself to being able to sit with clients and feel grounded and confident in what I bring to the space. That shift didn’t happen overnight, and it means a lot to me.”

In her free time, Korenblit enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying out new restaurants and different foods, traveling, and getting to experience new places. After graduation, she will prepare to take the National Counselor Exam (NCE) and hopes to obtain her Licensed Associate Professional Counselor licensure as she searches for full-time employment.

“I feel really grateful for Arcadia’s Counseling department as a whole,” Korenblit said. “They truly pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible, while also supporting and guiding me through every step of the program. Even in moments where I felt unsure of myself, I always felt encouraged to keep growing. Looking back, I can see how much that support and challenge shaped me into the counselor I am becoming.”