What Residency II Taught Me About Counseling and Community

I am sitting at my desk two days after the final session of Residency II, and I feel like I haven’t had enough time to fully process everything that happened during the week. Still, I want to take a moment to reflect and try to put into words what this past week meant to me. The experience was intense and expansive, as if each hour contained far more than sixty minutes.

Throughout the week, we practiced our counseling skills in a variety of formats. There was a particular emphasis on facilitating group therapy and conducting crisis counseling sessions. We also engaged in training around intimate partner violence, focusing on how to support victims with empathy and clinical skill.

A personal highlight was co-facilitating a group therapy session. It stood out not only because I had the opportunity to apply what I had been learning, but because I led it alongside a colleague I have admired since the beginning of the program. He brings a grounding, calm presence, and we were able to build on each other’s strengths throughout the session. We certainly missed a few opportunities, but I left the session feeling confident and enthusiastic about group work. This experience reaffirmed my interest in becoming a strong group facilitator.

Residency, however, was not only about skill-building. It was also about connection, care, and what I can only describe as a sense of shared greatness. The relationships within our cohort grew stronger this week. Friendships were nurtured, and there was genuine joy in being around one another. The way we showed up for each other spoke volumes, and so did the small moments: the way we lingered after sessions even though the days were long, the way we still had more to say and more to share, the way we listened and laughed together, even when it was time to say goodnight. While our program is rigorous, it is also filled with warmth. As a cohort, not everything has gone smoothly, and we have weathered a few storms together, but we still choose to show up for one another. And I can truly say I have found a community among my peers.

Another aspect of Residency that stood out was the opportunity to connect with students from other cohorts, sharing stories about practicum searches and theoretical preferences. It was interesting to observe their unique dynamics, their inside jokes, and the ways they supported one another. At the same time, there was a strong sense of shared purpose. We are all on a similar journey, working toward becoming counselors. That recognition created a sense of connection that extended beyond our individual groups.

In addition to the bonds we strengthened, we were also inspired by the example set by our professors. There is something powerful about being in the presence of compassionate educators who care about their students. One evening, one of our professors offered a bonus session for our cohort to demonstrate how to support victims of domestic violence. This was not part of the official schedule, and it was clear she was doing it simply because she cared. What followed was one of the most memorable experiences of the week. As I watched her work, I saw a therapist who was fully attuned to her client, so much so that I momentarily forgot it was a demonstration. Later, several of my peers said they had the same experience. It was a moment of excellence that confirmed we are learning from professionals who embody the very skills they teach.

As this post comes to a close because it is getting long, I will continue reflecting on this week and sharing more in future posts. I am excited for what lies ahead, and I am filled with gratitude for all that we have experienced so far.

If you would like to receive my blog posts in your inbox, please enter your email address below.

I will see you next week.