As my sixth quarter in the Counseling program winds down, I am reflecting on the experiences and insights that have shaped these past few months. Each class has challenged me in different ways, pushing me to think more deeply about my future role as a counselor and the diverse needs of the clients I will serve.
One of the most impactful moments this quarter came from attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting for my Addiction Counseling class. It was my first time experiencing one, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I chose a meeting focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, and what stood out to me most was the deep sense of welcome and connection in the room. There was no judgment—just shared experiences, vulnerability, and support. Witnessing people show up for each other in such an open way left a lasting impression on me. It also made me think about the role of community in healing and how I, as a future counselor, can help clients find or build those spaces of acceptance and belonging.
As part of the same course, we were also required to read a memoir of someone who struggled with addiction and discuss it in a small group. I chose Dry by Augusten Burroughs and finished reading it around the time I attended the AA meeting.
This timing gave me a stronger context for my visit, as Burroughs’ unfiltered account of his experiences with addiction, relapse, and treatment made the struggles of those in the meeting feel even more real. Not everyone walks into AA fully convinced of its value. For many, the structure and support eventually become relevant. Reading Dry alongside attending the meeting helped me better understand the deeply personal and often nonlinear nature of recovery.
My Psychopharmacology class has been both fascinating and challenging. Learning about psychotropic medications—their uses, side effects, and mechanisms of action—has reinforced how complex mental health treatment can be. Counselors don’t prescribe medication. But we play an important role in helping clients navigate their experiences with it.
Many people approach medication with uncertainty. Some have concerns about side effects, others experience stigma, and many do not know what questions to ask their prescriber. This course has made me think about how to empower clients to advocate for themselves. I want to help them articulate their experiences, ask informed questions, and make choices that align with their needs and values.
Another big topic this quarter has been the upcoming Practicum and Internship. Some of my classmates have already secured placements, which has made the process feel more real. In the area where I live, agencies don’t start accepting applications for the fall until late spring, so I am in a waiting period. While I am eager to finalize a site, this time has given me a chance to refine my application materials and reflect on what I hope to gain from the experience.
Overall, I am struck by how well my two courses this quarter complemented each other. Addiction Counseling provided a human, lived-experience perspective on substance use and recovery, while Psychopharmacology grounded me in the biological and medical aspects of treatment. Together, they reinforced the importance of viewing clients holistically, recognizing that their struggles and healing processes are shaped by both internal and external factors.
Each quarter in this program builds on the last, adding new layers of understanding and new challenges to consider. For now, I am taking a moment to appreciate everything this quarter has given me.
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I will see you next week.
Roque Neto 