As I move toward the completion of my fourth quarter, I am reflecting on key aspects of my experience in my first year in the counseling program at Palo Alto University. With a background as a professor and administrator in teaching preparation programs, at 44, I transitioned back into the role of a student. This was a major shift that brought me excitement and some challenges too. Balancing a full-time job while immersing myself in counseling theories and self-reflection has been a transformative experience.
One of the most impactful aspects of this new chapter has been the transition from educator to student. After years of teaching in graduate programs, developing course syllabi and evaluating instructors, stepping into the learner’s shoes required a substantial adjustment. This experience pushed me to step back and truly embrace my role as a student, allowing me to enjoy the ride and focus on my growth as a counselor in training. The humility and openness needed to absorb new information, question pre-existing notions, and engage in deep self-reflection have been refreshing.
Balancing a full-time job with the demands of a rigorous counseling program has been one of the biggest challenges. As an administrator and professor, my schedule was already packed. Adding coursework, reading assignments, and practical exercises into the mix required meticulous planning. To make things more complex, during my first year in the program, I also transitioned jobs. This meant adjusting my routine once again as I figured out the responsibilities and understood the expectations of my new role. There were moments of exhaustion, but my passion for becoming a licensed therapist overcame them. Making space for this program meant reassessing priorities and saying no to other commitments to stay focused on my goals.
Counseling is about understanding others and about understanding myself. In this sense, the first year of the program brought some emotional moments. Exploring personal history, examining biases, and confronting uncomfortable truths about myself were integral parts of the training. This process, while not always easy, has helped me grow. It also pushes me to continue developing a deeper sense of empathy and self-awareness.
My professional background provides a unique perspective in the counseling program. Communication, empathy, and leadership have been invaluable. However, counseling requires applying these skills in new ways. For instance, active listening in counseling sessions involves deep, empathetic engagement with clients’ experiences and emotions, which goes far beyond the type of abilities needed for classroom management or leading faculty meetings. This expansion of familiar skills was challenging and enriching at the same time.
Another important lesson from the first year was the necessity of a strong support network. Juggling multiple roles wouldn’t have been possible without the encouragement of family, friends, and peers in the program. In this sense, the first in-person residency helped create a great connection with my peers and faculty, building community. Regular meetings with my program advisor have also been very helpful. They give me an opportunity to better understand the program, the profession, and my own identity as a counselor in training. This network provides emotional support, practical advice, and resources to navigate the complexities of the program.
As I approach the closure of my first year in the counseling program, I see immense growth and a deepened understanding of what it means to be a counselor. The challenges have been catalysts for learning and transformation. Moving forward, with seven quarters still ahead, including another in-person residency, practicum, and internship, I am excited to further develop my skills and ultimately make an impact as a licensed therapist. The path is far from over, but the foundation built in this first year is strong and promising.
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I will see you next week!
Roque Neto 