As a counseling student, I often think about how societal changes, especially around our professional lives, shape our mental health. One of the most noticeable shifts is from a society rooted in strict rules and prohibitions before the Industrial Revolution to our current performance-driven culture. This change has dramatically affected the way we experience and… Continue reading Internal Pressure: How Performance Culture Fuels Depression
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Guest Post: My PAU Journey by Edelysse Lopez
When I was accepted into PAU, a new fire ignited inside of me. I was ready to become a student again, eager to learn and experience such a special program that was the perfect fit for me.
Joining Chi Sigma Iota at Palo Alto University
I have become a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the international honor society for counseling professionals and students. Not only have I joined this organization, but I am also serving on the leadership team of the Phi Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Palo Alto University as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program Member-at-Large.
Living for Today: The Trap of the Idealized Past
This “rosy retrospection” leads us to remember past events more favorably than they truly were, often overlooking the reasons we moved on. We might romanticize places we once lived, forgetting that we left them seeking better opportunities or personal growth. Similarly, we may yearn for old friendships that have faded, not acknowledging that some relationships ended for valid reasons.
Living for Today: The Trap of the Perfect Tomorrow
Like it was for my father, for many of us, the big moment, the special turning point we have been waiting for, may never arrive. The idea that everything will align just right and we will reach that idealized life can be an illusion.
Starting Year Two in the Counseling Program
Group Counseling has been on my radar since the beginning of the program. My personal experience with group counseling many years ago was eye-opening and incredibly valuable for my growth, so I have been curious to learn what it takes to become a skilled group counselor.
Final Week of Summer Quarter: A Short Pause Ahead
I will take a short break from posting here on the blog. Don’t worry, though. I will be back on September 10 with an exciting update! In that post, I will share the courses I will be taking in the Fall quarter and reflect on my expectations for the journey ahead.
The Challenges of Making New Friends in Midlife
As we age, we prioritize emotional stability and comfort. I don’t know about you, but after a long day or week of work, I enjoy the ease of my backyard and the series I want to catch up on. However, this can make us less inclined to disrupt our well-established routines to make room for new friendships.
Making New Friends in My 40s
Maintaining social connections has tangible health benefits, including a positive impact on physical health. Research suggests that people with strong social networks tend to live longer, healthier lives. By making new friends, I am reducing my risk of social isolation, which is linked to various health issues, including depression and cardiovascular problems.
A Year in Review: My Favorite Blog Posts So Far
Last week, I shared a reflection on my first year in the counseling program. Today, I would like to highlight my favorite blog posts.
Roque Neto 