An Albertus Education: Overcoming Fears; Steering Careers

The following article appeared in the From The Hill Magazine Summer 2025 Issue. Follow these links to make a gift, update your information, or submit a class note.

By: Sarah Barr, Media Communications Specialist

When choosing Albertus Magnus College, students often refer to intimate class size and continuous support.  But for Natalie Rivera ’20, ’24 M.S. those deep relationships helped her overcome Imposter Syndrome and become a Clinical Therapist LPCA.

As a transfer student, the Stratford, Conn., resident got a recommendation about Albertus. Rivera earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology, but delayed further studies due to the pandemic. Upon seeking a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling, returning to her alma mater was a no-brainer.

“Albertus helped me work on time management,” Rivera said, which was critically important considering the program’s workload.

Clinical therapists help people with their mental health — struggles in life transitions, relationship issues, and the like — all very timely topics today.

“My degree aligns perfectly with what I want to do,” said Rivera, who works remotely for a group private practice.

And it perfectly aligns with her. Rivera describes herself as shy. She credits her professor and advisor Dr. Shiva Rezvan with making her “feel safe and capable” — and with whom she continues to contact for advice.

“All of the sudden, I’m volunteering in class, raising my hand,” she stated — and being encouraged to present her findings on Imposter Syndrome — self doubt and fear of being exposed as a fraud.

Imposter Syndrome is often experienced by high-achieving individuals.  In Rivera’s case, she struggled because she was the First to Fly in her family.

“I was a first gen student navigating the college experience. At times you feel alone.  My parents didn’t understand the workload and expectations. And I wanted to do my best,” she explained. “I was fighting with feelings that I don’t belong and fighting with feelings that I have to be perfect.”

“She courageously got out of her comfort zone,” added Dr. Rezvan, beaming with pride about her former student.

The Albertus Clinical Counseling program was game-changing for Rivera.

“The program really changes you as a person. You become a deep thinker, a better listener — really in-tune with yourself,” she shared, noting that the journey is not over as she might pursue a doctorate.

“I think of my younger self. I would not have thought I was capable. Just thinking about it is kind of cool,” she claimed.

And kind of therapeutic.