Sessily Gianakos: Supporting healing journeys
Graduate Profile
After an enlightening experience with pelvic floor therapy, Sessily Gianakos knew she wanted to support others on their healing journeys. Finding her way to Governors State University (GovState), Sessily first earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology (’21) and also sang at the Commencement ceremony. Now, she is completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
With her degree, she plans to train under physical therapists to advance her skills with a dream to one day have her own multidisciplinary clinic.
GovState Newsroom: What attracted you to GovState?
Sessily: I knew I wanted to help people along their healing journey and felt it best to first understand the human psyche before attempting to understand the human body, and GovState offered a bachelor's degree in psychology and a doctoral degree in physical therapy. My husband and I were looking for a home for our pitbull son and found a home 15 minutes from campus, and my seven-year academic journey began.
GovState Newsroom: What’s your degree and why did you choose it?
Sessily: I am in the Doctor of Physical Therapy program here at GovState. When I was in my teens and pursuing a major in vocal performance in downtown Chicago, Jesus led me to attend a support group for women survivors of CSA/ SA (child sexual abuse/ sexual abuse) in a Chicago church basement. The woman (who I only knew as Mary) leading the meetings was a retired PRPC (pelvic rehabilitation practitioner certification), and she provided pro bono treatment sessions for us all.
It was my first experience of pelvic floor physical therapy and as a woman of faith, I knew the body was designed to heal, but I came to the realization that sometimes it just needs a little assistance in order for the physical body to release stored trauma, and evolved into a healing journey that considered the entire person, mind, body and spirit. I thought to myself, there is nothing more beautiful than being a part of others' healing journeys and so God began to reveal the plan to me.
GovState Newsroom: What clubs and/or activities were you involved with? Any memories stick out with one of them?
Sessily: While earning my doctoral degree, I was a part of the Physical Therapy Student Association (PTSA) as the historian/liaison for my cohort, as well as being a physical therapy (PT) student member of the Stroke Support Group of the College of Health and Human Services. My favorite memories occurred while having the privilege of being a part of organizing, volunteering, and promoting the annual Run, Walk, Roll 5K for Stroke Awareness for the past three years, creating wonderful memories and relationships with the amazing members along their healing journey; seeing our members continuously reaching their goals and watching this event grow annually is pure joy!
GovState Newsroom: What are your dreams for your degree?
Sessily: After graduation, I plan on continuing my education and clinical experience in physical therapy by being mentored and trained by the best PTs, eventually becoming a specialist in pelvic floor rehabilitation, lymphedema, and pediatrics. I dream of one day owning my own multidisciplinary clinic with OTs (occupational therapists), COTAs (certified occupational therapy assistant), SLPs (speech-language pathologist), PTAs (physical therapy assistant) and PTs with a focus on pelvic pediatrics; eventually designing a set of continuing educational courses to develop the knowledge and clinical skills for those interested in pelvic pediatric physical therapy.
GovState Newsroom: What advice would you give to current and/or future GovState students?
Sessily: You are more important than your grades and your self-worth is not tied to your performance. Your life calling is uniquely designed just for you and you will accomplish all that you intend to do and more, as long as you lead with your heart. Be comfortable with the uncomfortable and continue to give yourself grace, everything is on a divine timeline and all will happen the way it should. Enjoy the journey because it ends faster than you think. May God bless your journeys!
GovState Newsroom: What album, movie, or TV show was on repeat during your time at GovState?
Sessily: “It's a Wonderful Life” is my favorite movie ever, and was definitely playing on repeat during the many hours of studying, writing papers, and finishing projects. Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and our Christmas tree has been up for the entirety of the program because it brings me joy. Anyway, my favorite quote from the movie is, "All that you can take with you is that which you have given away." I believe this whole-heartedly and feel that if we all understood that adding to others' joy is our main purpose in this lifetime, we'd all be living a truly wonderful life!