As I enter the final quarter of the program, I have a clear sense that so much has been covered.
I have read many books and articles, written countless discussion posts late into the evening, revised and refined several papers, and delivered many presentations in class. Along the way, I have worked through counseling theories and skills, learned to think diagnostically, and developed a deeper understanding of the lifespan, addictions, and sexual issues, among many other areas. There has been a steady rhythm to it all, one that has shaped both what I know and how I approach the work.
This experience has not been defined by academic content alone. Laughter accompanied us along the way, as members of the cohort, together with our professors, created moments of levity and connection. We also engaged in advocacy, reaching out to program leadership to request changes that would strengthen our learning experience. Both the lighter and more serious moments have contributed to what made this process meaningful.
But it is not over yet. This final quarter brings two courses that continue that academic arc. In Career Development Theories and Techniques, the focus turns toward how people come to understand their direction in life and work. It considers how interests, abilities, and values take shape over time, and how counselors can support individuals as they make decisions, navigate transitions, and place their careers within the larger context of their lives.
Internship II builds on the foundation of Internship I, with a continued focus on direct client work and the steady accumulation of hours required for the program. It is where theory, skill, and presence begin to come together in a more integrated way. This class is also a source of support as we count on our instructor and peers to further refine our case conceptualization skills and expand our repertoire of interventions.
At this point, I’m hopeful that I have absorbed what I need from this part of the journey. At the same time, I’m aware that learning does not end with the completion of these two remaining courses. It has already extended beyond the classroom through more specialized trainings, building on what I have learned at Palo Alto University.
The Spring quarter ends in June. Here we go!
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I will see you next week!
Roque Neto 