Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · June 7, 2025 · Entertainment

Eliza Dushku's Inspiring Journey: From Hollywood to Healing

Eliza Dushku graduated with her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Friday, June 6

Eliza Dushku's Triumphant Return: Actress Graduates with Master's Degree and Spills Tea on Her Hollywood Exit

In a major comeuppance, actress Eliza Dushku has finally achieved her long-held dream of earning a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The 44-year-old Buffy the Vampire Slayer star marked this incredible milestone by sharing a touching video clip on social media of herself receiving her diploma and proudly walking off stage with it.

But what's even more juicy is that Dushku hasn't been seen on screen since 2017, when she abruptly exited the CBS drama Bull amidst allegations of sexual harassment against her co-star Michael Weatherly. The actress claimed in a scathing statement that Weatherly had made suggestive remarks to her on set, which he later apologized for and denied were meant to be taken seriously.

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star, 44, shared a video clip of her receiving her degree on stage and walking off with it

However, Dushku's decision to leave the show resulted in her character being written out, and she was reportedly paid a whopping $9.5 million by CBS as part of a confidential settlement. The exact terms of the deal remain unknown, but it's clear that Dushku emerged from this ordeal with both her dignity and finances intact.

In a 2024 interview with Boston Magazine, Dushku opened up about her decision to shift gears and pursue a career in mental health counseling. "I had the means to shift directions and choose a course in my life that focused on healing myself so that I could help heal others," she said, exuding a sense of clarity and purpose.

Dushku's foray into clinical training has been nothing short of transformative. She credits her inner work and dedication over nearly a decade as the driving force behind her achievement. "Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement—it feels like a deep calling realized," she wrote on Instagram, accompanied by several photos of herself beaming with her fellow graduates.

She also shared several photos to her Instagram Stories including one photo posing with her classmates all looking happy to be done with their studies

But what's truly remarkable about Dushku's story is her commitment to supporting others on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing. As she proudly declared in her post, "Today, I stand grounded and ready to support others on their journeys of becoming—through self-discovery, healing, and transformation."

Dushku's Instagram Stories also featured a heartwarming photo of her young children's handwritten notes: "Good Job Mommy" and "I Love You Mom." It's clear that this devoted mother of two has put her family first while pursuing her academic and professional goals.

In addition to her own personal growth, Dushku has been instrumental in funding groundbreaking research and clinical trials on the potential of psychedelics, as revealed in her Boston Magazine interview. Her passion for healing and transformation is evident in every aspect of her life, from her work as a mental health counselor-in-training to her dedication to supporting others on their own paths.

'Graduating with my master's degree (!!) feels like more than an achievement¿it feels like a deep calling realized,' her caption began

With her newfound degree and renewed sense of purpose, it's clear that Eliza Dushku is ready to take on the world once again. And with her commitment to healing and helping others, we can't wait to see what she does next.

'To my boys + ¿¿¿for the little sacrifices made & love you gave, each day to honor and support this dream'

'To my colleagues/classmates, professors/teachers, and community. I give thanks: for rooting me on, encouraging me day in and day out, and affording me the grace, strength, and space to step fully into these past years of clinical training'

Alongside her husband, real estate developer Peter Palandjian , the 43-year-old beauty is funding groundbreaking research and clinical trials on the potential of psychedelics, according to a recent interview in Boston Magazine; (pictured in Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

In her personal life, Eliza married Peter in 2018, and the couple has since welcomed two children; (pictured 2019)