As I scroll back through my earlier posts, I’m humbled by the reflections I’ve shared with you all, recounting my experience as an immigrant and the undying spirit to make a change. However, today’s post is a little different. It’s about the journey ahead, a journey that will entail intense learning, acquiring new skills, and embracing the intricate art of therapy.
A few days ago, I received my schedule of classes for my first term as a counseling student. I’m excited to be sharing this with you! The fall quarter is composed of two pivotal courses: COUN600 Counseling Theory and COUN601 Professional Orientation. This powerful combination aims to familiarize me with both the theoretical underpinnings of counseling and the practical aspects of the profession.
COUN600 Counseling Theory dives into the diverse theoretical foundations that have shaped counseling as we know it today. I anticipate exploring psychodynamic theories, humanistic and existential theories, and more. Understanding these theories is key to effective therapeutic practice, enabling us to understand human behavior, emotions, and cognition.
COUN601 Professional Orientation aims to introduce me into the practical world of counseling: the ethical and legal aspects, the responsibilities we hold as therapists, and the nuances of building a professional identity in this field. It is about ensuring that we maintain the highest standards of ethical practice, all while adapting to the evolving needs of our clients.
These courses mark the first significant step in my path of becoming a certified therapist. I’m both excited and slightly nervous as I anticipate the demands of these rigorous courses. Still, I’m confident that this academic endeavor will fortify me with the knowledge and skills necessary to guide my future clients through their journeys.
As I embark on this new chapter in the fall, I will make sure to share key insights and learning points from these courses with you. This blog has been a space for reflection, learning, and sharing. Once classes start, it will focus on documenting my journey, the ups and downs, and the insights gained along the way.
Thank you for being part of my journey. I look forward to sharing more reflections with you soon!
PS: If you’ve found inspiration in my reflections so far, I invite you to become an integral part of it. By subscribing to my blog, you will be the first to be notified every time a new entry is posted. With every new blog entry, we’ll continue to explore the multifaceted world of counseling, living abroad, and other topics. Subscribe today and let’s learn, grow, and discover together!
Roque Neto 