Michael Perkins (He/Him)

Hometown: San Francisco, CA.

My name is Michael Perkins, I am a 66-year old cisgender man who retired after a 45-year career supporting the US Navy. I am approximately 25% of the way through the MA MFT Program, and am anticipating a 2025 graduation. Previous education includes a Bachelor degree in Physical Science from the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland and a Master degree in Administration from Central Michigan University. I am looking forward to starting Practicum next Summer or Fall working with any population. Since starting my program at Alliant, I have pursued additional external training and obtained a 40-hour Domestic Violence Offender (DV-O) training certificate, an Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Externship certificate, and am scheduled to attend a Gottman Level One training. I feel that the demands of this field are worth it in light of the good that I will be able to provide for my future clients.

Fun Fact: I graduated Army Airborne school, received both Army and Navy & Marines Corps Parachutist badges ("Jump Wings").

Favorite part of the program: The many revelations that the MFT curriculum has given me. There is so much to learn and I am immensely enjoying the personal growth and the skills that this program gives me.

Practicum/Internship site: I am currently looking forward to starting my practicum next Summer or Fall.

Advice to first year students: What helped me was to review the Alliant MFT Program website, study each syllabus thoroughly, start my assignments early. "Life" happens and you will be glad you stayed ahead of "the power curve!" It also was very beneficial for me to help my classmates and professors where I could because it makes the program so much more enjoyable for everyone knowing that other people "have your back", and we are all practicing being the positive family that we will (hopefully) soon be facilitating!