Samuel Girguis, PsyD, can easily get lost in a conversation while grabbing coffee in the breakroom. Whether he’s running into students in the halls or colleagues on their lunch break, Girguis’ warm smile and interest in others make his presence a positive force at Azusa Pacific University, where he teaches clinical psychology.
Born and raised in Downey, Calif., Girguis’ family instilled in him a love for serving the Lord. “My parents were immigrants from Egypt, and experienced persecution for being Christians. That’s why they came to the U.S., for religious freedom,” he said. Girguis reflected on the ways his parents’ culture influenced his value system, along with deepening his faith in God. “It wasn’t until college that I really embraced what it means to be Egyptian-American, understanding that God gifted me with these two cultures.”
Girguis’ interest in psychology stemmed from his early work in ministry. While at UC San Diego for his undergraduate degree, Girguis was heavily involved with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship (IVCF), an organization that ministers to students on non-religious campuses. After graduating, he worked for IVCF on the campus of San Diego State University. This work included taking students to serve alongside churches and community development groups in underserved communities during the summer. “I realized how many communities have little access to mental health services, and that led me into the field.” The more Girguis pondered his direction in life, the more he felt called to become a clinical psychologist.
At the start of his career, Girguis worked in the outpatient trauma treatment program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), counseling children and families who had been impacted by child abuse, foster care, community violence, and homelessness. “I was always blown away by how some people have endured so much suffering yet were able to hold on to love and hope. That’s when I learned that resilience and trauma go hand in hand.” Girguis attributes his vocation to his faith in God, because without it he doesn’t know how he would provide care to those walking through dark seasons. “God is a God of justice. Because of Him I have hope that people can have a beautiful future despite the hurt and brokenness they’ve experienced.”
In 2011, Girguis heard about APU through an alumnus working at CHLA. Girguis always had a passion for clinical supervision, and wanted to train others seeking to make a difference in psychology. He teaches students earning their Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD).
One of the primary reasons Girguis was drawn to APU was because of the diversity of the student body. From different faith backgrounds, to ethnically mixed cultures, Girguis enjoys hearing students’ perspectives and sharing his own, engaging in deep discussions.
Girguis acknowledges the responsibility psychologists have when leading others toward wellbeing, and he strives to challenge students to think deeply about their calling. When asked what he hopes students take away from his classes, Girguis offered a paradox. “On the one hand, it’s always up to the client to make a change in their life. We can’t fix someone,” he said. “At the same time, however, the simplest things we say have the potential to create a profound impact.”
By teaching students about the impact and purpose they have in the field of psychology, Girguis embraces what God has called him to do. He looks forward to teaching more students and delving into great conversations, exemplifying how vital connection is to making a difference.