Eliza Dushku—From Buffy & Bring It On to Licensed Counselor

Eliza Dushku, best known for her iconic roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer  and Bring It On , has just achieved yet another milestone—earning a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling  from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on June 6, 2025  ( people.com ). 🎓 A Journey of Transformation Eliza and her Husband. Dushku, now 44, stunned fans and followers with a heartfelt Instagram post sharing snapshots of her graduation day. There’s a tender moment of her crossing the stage, and another where her two little boys excitedly run up to her in celebration ( people.com ). She reflected: “Graduating with my master’s degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement—it feels like a deep calling realized. True growth, energy, and passion—manifested.” ( eonline.com ) Years of Inner Work & Support This achievement follows nearly a decade of inner healing and restructuring her life  ( fangirlish.com ). Dushku expressed gratitude to a wide support circle: Her husband, Peter Palandjian , a former pro tennis player turned CEO Their two young sons, who left her sweet handwritten notes—“Good Job Mommy” and “I Love You Mom” ( people.com ) Professors, peers, friends, and family who “afforded me the grace, strength, and space” for this transformation ( fangirlish.com ) From Hollywood Scares to Healing Spaces Dushku’s evolution into counseling wasn’t just academic—it’s deeply personal. She has openly discussed surviving childhood trauma and sexual misconduct in Hollywood, notably during her time on Bull  and as a minor in the early industry ( people.com ). These experiences helped fuel her dedication to mental health—especially psychedelic-assisted therapy, a field she’s already certified in ( people.com ). A Calling Rooted in Compassion In a 2024 interview with Boston Magazine , Eliza described her purpose as "clearly my real calling, my real purpose," focusing on healing trauma—something her new credential now officially enables ( people.com ).She closed her Instagram announcement with the Latin “Non sibi sed toti” , meaning “not for themselves, but for all,”  hinting at the heart of her mission ( people.com ). Community Cheers Her journey hasn’t gone unnoticed: Reddit fans chimed in with playful references—“One could say it is her ‘Tru Calling’…” ( reddit.com ) Others shared genuine awe: “She left the sleazy world of Hollywood … and went into the academic world and kicked ass!” ( reddit.com ) Even as an unexpected shift, her transition as a mental health counselor resonated with many: “It’s a loss for the rest of us, she was great. … Really impressive!” ( reddit.com ) What Lies Ahead With her master’s degree in hand, Eliza Dushku is officially stepping into the world of clinical mental health counseling . Backed by her certifications in psychedelic-assisted therapy, she is primed to bring a unique blend of empathy, resilience, and insight into trauma recovery. For someone who once faced harassment within the industry, her journey to healing—and facilitating healing in others—represents a profound arc of purpose. In sum:  Eliza Dushku's story is one of radical personal reinvention. From beloved screen roles to confronting her own past, she’s charted a path fueled by compassion. And now, with her new master's degree, she’s positioned to impact lives far beyond Hollywood lights. people.com news.com.au