Elliott Connie, MA, LPC is a 2006 graduate of the Texas Wesleyan Graduate Counseling program. Since graduating from TXWES, he has authored numerous books, spoke at conferences and universities across the country and opened a private practice in Keller, TX. We recently sat down with him to talk about his experience at Texas Wesleyan.

What was your educational experience at our Graduate Counseling program?

My experience was impactful. The time I spent in the [Texas] Wesleyan counseling program prepared me for the work I would eventually be doing in the field, both with clients and as a professional contributor.

What impact did the program have on your professional career?

The impact that the TXWES program had on my professional career is beyond measure. Upon graduation, I was ready to impact the counseling field. I was able to write books, articles and deliver lectures all around the world. None of this would have been possible without the counseling program at Texas Wesleyan University.

What is the best memory you have about your time at Texas Wesleyan?

I actually have too many to count. What I can say is my memories are about my confidence growing. Each memory is of my confidence building step by step. To focus on one would be impossible, my time at TXWES was about the journey.

What was student life like for you?

TXWES students were largely academic and about us getting through the graduate program.

How was the bond between you and the faculty at the schools?

The bond between the students and professors was quite strong — so much so that I remain friends with many of the faculty that taught me, even though I graduated more than 15 years ago.

What do you think separates Texas Wesleyan from other universities out there?

For me, the thing that separates TXWES from other universities, that I'm aware of, is that this program prepares you to be a professional beyond the counseling room.