Master of Science Candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy

When she moved into the inner city of San Diego as a missionary among the urban poor, Christine Brinn had no idea how much her life’s course was about to change.  After spending two years mentoring urban teenagers and beginning a grass-roots ministry for adolescent girls, her eyes were opened to the complex psychological and spiritual needs of urban teenagers.  Aware of the lack of accessible and effective mental health services in poor communities, she was convinced something needed to change. 

Desiring to be trained as a therapist, Christine was committed to finding a program that integrated solid theological training with psychology, and took seriously the issues of justice, diversity, and faith.  Fuller Seminary offered exactly what she was looking for.  Christine enrolled as a full-time student in the Marriage and Family Therapy program in the School of Psychology, and has loved the rich resources that are available to her as she studies.  The unique combination of the three schools at Fuller have given her the opportunity to take elective courses dealing specifically with issues of poverty and justice in the School of Intercultural Studies and has allowed her to expand her faith as she takes theology classes. 

Community has been a strong theme in Christine’s ministry and education, and here at Fuller, she has found ample opportunity to develop relationships with her classmates that go beyond being colleagues in the classroom.  She has served in leadership roles in the Psychology Graduate Union and has found it “particularly meaningful to participate in community with fellow students who have dedicated themselves to similar professional interests and future goals.” 

Christine is a recipient of the Marriage and Family Department Community Scholarship Award, and she is grateful for the support and opportunities Fuller provides its students.  “We come here to learn and grow, and we are being sent out into the world with meaningful vocations and a vision for our place in the Kingdom of God,” Christine says. “Thank you for your contribution that allows Fuller to provide its students with rich community and resources.” 

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