PTSD recovery

Eliza Dushku, best known for her role in the cult classic “Bring It On,” has recently taken a significant step in her life after retiring from acting. The 44-year-old actress proudly announced her graduation with a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University, marking a profound transition from Hollywood to a new career dedicated to mental health. In a heartfelt Instagram post on June 6, Dushku expressed her joy and fulfillment at achieving this milestone. “Graduating with my master’s degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement — it feels like a deep calling realized,” she wrote. Her words reflect a journey of personal growth and a commitment to helping others. “True growth, energy, and passion — manifested,” she added, highlighting the transformative experience of her education. Dushku’s path to this moment has been anything but ordinary. After stepping back from her acting career in 2017, she embarked on nearly a decade of introspection and self-discovery. In her post, she conveyed gratitude for the support she received from her family and friends during this journey. “To my highest self — for taking this wild leap away from everything I knew and making it happen. To my boys + ♥️ — for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream,” she shared. Dushku’s graduation ceremony was attended by her husband, Peter Palandjian, and their two children, Philip and Bodie. Their presence underscored the importance of family in her life and the sacrifices made along the way. In her post, she also expressed appreciation for the community that supported her throughout her clinical training. “Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becoming — through self-discovery, healing, and transformation,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to helping others heal. Since her departure from acting, Dushku has been actively involved in mental health initiatives. In a 2024 profile featured in Boston Magazine, she revealed her certification in psychedelic-assisted therapy, a field she has embraced as part of her mission to aid in healing. “I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others,” she explained. Dushku’s journey into mental health counseling stems from her own experiences with trauma, including struggles with PTSD, alcoholism, and addiction. Reflecting on her past, Dushku shared, “I found myself feeling so wholly unwell… terrified and suffering from what was diagnosed as PTSD. I finally surrendered and began to feel a release and a sense of peace and security and calm whooshing through me.” This personal journey has fueled her passion for helping others navigate their own challenges. In her Instagram post, Dushku concluded with an inspiring message: “To possibility, hope, and healing, all. Non sibi sed toti 🤍,” which translates to “Not for self but for all.” This mantra encapsulates her dedication to serving others and fostering a sense of community and connection in her new role. As Eliza Dushku embarks on this new chapter, her fans and followers are eager to see how she will utilize her education and experiences to make a difference in the lives of those seeking support. Her story serves as a reminder that personal growth and transformation are possible, even after stepping away from the spotlight. With her newfound knowledge and passion for counseling, Dushku is poised to impact the mental health field positively, helping others navigate their own journeys toward healing and self-discovery.