Counselor Spotlight: Arykah

Arykah Luzi, LAMFT, talks farm life, med school, and shaping relationships.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

I grew up in South Carolina and spent most of my childhood on a pig/corn farm with my family. While I wouldn’t consider myself a “country girl,” growing up on a small farm helped me appreciate simple and quiet moments. I came to know the Lord when I was 9 years old, and I try to know and experience Him more every day. I’ve been married for over 4 years, and I enjoy spending time with my husband, extended family, and friends. As a marriage and family therapist, I’m passionate about helping others experience more connection and growth in their relationship with God, others, and themselves. 

What was your journey to becoming a counselor?

I’ve wanted to be in the mental health field since I was in middle school. I was a pre-med student at the United States Military Academy desiring to become a psychiatrist. However, my own experience with mental health challenges led me to be medically separated. I learned that I was more suited to talk-therapy than prescribing, and God allowed me to pursue a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy at Thomas Jefferson University. Through different experiences and relationships, the Lord has cultivated a deep desire to meet people in their suffering and help them seek understanding and connection as a path towards healing. 

What do you do for fun?

 I enjoy reading books, going on walks, and spending time with my husband, family, and friends.

Favorite book, movie, or artist? 

I like the musical groups Bon Iver and Son Lux. They each have a very unique sound and personal lyricism that I like. I also really enjoy reading dystopian fiction, such as the MaddAddam Trilogy by Margaret Atwood or Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. 

What does your ideal day look like? 

Waking up feeling rested and enjoying a nice brunch. There would be some reading, a walk, and maybe a concert or movie involved. 

Cake or pie? 

Cake, mainly for the frosting.

Describe your approach to counseling.

I seek to establish a collaborative, honest, and empathetic relationship with clients, with the aim that our relationship models how they’d like to connect with their loved ones. I see clients in the context of their relationships with their families, friends, partners, and community. I believe that these relationships shape them, and I help them take an active role in shaping these relationships in a healthy, God-centered way. I also help clients experience a deeper relationship with God, encouraging them to understand Him better through faith practices and to rely on Him by vulnerably sharing their feelings in prayer.

What areas of counseling are you most passionate about? 

I’m most passionate about helping clients understand their emotions and relationship patterns. I see these interactions as important  to the health of their connections, and as a place of healing for their emotional wounds. 

Any advice for someone considering becoming a counselor?

Be patient with yourself and open to the learning process (it doesn’t stop after grad school or licensure). Practice self-reflection and self-care.