Beyond the Straight Line: A Choreography of Clinical Purpose
For Sive Egan-Djurovic, the transition from the stage to the clinic was not a sharp break, but a change in tempo. Before entering the world of mental health, Sive's life was defined by the physical language of contemporary dance at the UNC School of the Arts. While the stage offered a platform for expression, a deeper rhythm began to pull toward the complexities of the human mind. This non-linear path led from the dance floor to a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at CUNY, and finally to the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program at NYU Steinhardt.
As a first-generation college student, Sive navigated this transition with a unique mix of determination and flexibility. Moving into the clinical world required finding a sense of belonging within a brand-new professional identity. This search for a new "center" found its gravity during a pivotal turning point at the Families and Children Experiencing Success (FACES) Lab.
The FACES Lab marked a major milestone in Sive's graduate journey. It was here that classroom theories transformed into real-world impact. By engaging in clinical work while also contributing to research, Sive bridged the gap between data and human experience. This dual role gave the freedom to explore different career paths, ultimately revealing a deep sense of purpose in short-term, high-impact clinical interventions, a connection between research and practice that Sive continues to develop today.
This purpose was further crystallized during an internship at the Wellness Center at LaGuardia Community College. Working with diverse populations and varying mental health histories, Sive learned the importance of approaching each client with an open mind. Conducting intake assessments and managing crisis sessions strengthened a commitment to serve those with limited access to treatment.
Today, Sive serves as the Lead Therapist at Branches Portland Outpatient Services in Portland, Oregon. Managing a complex caseload of patients with co-occurring disorders, Sive utilizes evidence-based modalities like CBT and DBT to facilitate behavioral change. However, Sive's work extends beyond the therapy room; they remain actively engaged in research, integrating it into their current role to explore and evaluate the effectiveness of short-term interventions continually. The journey from the dance studio to the hospital outpatient unit reflects a career built on the freedom to grow. By refusing to limit the professional self to a single discipline, Sive found a career that truly feels like a vocation.
Sive encourages future students to avoid narrowing their focus too early. By staying open-minded and exploring all that NYU offers, you allow your authentic identity as a clinician to develop naturally through your experiences.