I’ve also learned that as a therapist, we have the privilege to learn something new from every client we encounter, which is such a gift in itself. Humility is key to being able to give our clients the best support possible.
Blog
Guest Post: Steffan Piper
I came to Palo Alto University to continue my path of service and strive to be there for others in the best capacity possible. In my own circles where I live in the Palm Springs region, it was apparent that the need for mental health counseling was severe for teenagers, veterans, families, and marginalized families.
Interview: Dr. Regina Moro
Dr. Regina Moro wears many hats at Palo Alto University, and I have had the privilege of seeing several of them up close.
Trauma, Responsibility, and the Work of Showing Up
Domestic violence, for example, is not always overt. It can manifest in subtle yet damaging ways that erode a person’s sense of safety, agency, and worth. As we study these dynamics, I find myself reflecting on the broader societal context in which such violence persists.
What Residency II Taught Me About Counseling and Community
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.
Looking Ahead to Residency II: Practice, Presence, and Peers
I am excited to be in the same room again with my cohort. After so much time spent learning virtually, there is something powerful about gathering in person, sharing space, and building community. These are the people who have supported and challenged me since day one.
One Hundred Blog Posts Later
I began this blog thinking it would be an academic log, but it has turned into something more layered. Writing here has helped me notice patterns in my learning, observe how my identity as a future counselor is taking shape, and reflect on the kind of therapist I want to become.
My Case for Representation in Counseling Textbooks
These textbooks were designed to prepare counselors with privileged identities to work with clients like me. What they didn’t consider is that graduate students from diverse backgrounds would also be reading them, and that we, too, need training on how to work with clients who hold privileged identities.
Spring Quarter Begins: Residency II, Crisis Counseling, and the Road to Internship
The highlight of this quarter is Residency II, an immersive in-person experience designed to sharpen our counseling skills through intensive practice and direct feedback from faculty and peers. I am looking forward to reconnecting with my cohort, strengthening our relationships, and collaboratively deepening our competencies.
Speaking Up, Showing Up: Advocacy as a Core Value
Advocacy requires us to show up when our presence can make a difference. Whether through protests, community involvement, or simply speaking up in meetings, each action shapes the future we want to see.
Roque Neto 