As a future counselor, I want to adopt a holistic perspective when working with clients. Mental health issues, for instance, can be exacerbated by poor nutrition and an over-reliance on medications, which often bring a host of side effects without addressing the underlying causes.
Category: Counseling Studies
My Third Quarter in the Counseling Program
This quarter has given me a roadmap for growth, highlighting areas where I need to expand my comfort zone and deepen my knowledge. The responsibilities of a future counselor can be challenging sometimes, but they are also fulfilling. Counseling is a journey of lifelong learning, and I am grateful for the opportunity...
Embracing Mortality: A Reflection on Life and Legacy
Writing my own obituary evoked a cascade of feelings. Sadness emerged as I grappled with the reality of death. Life is fleeting. Yet, thoughts about the legacy I want to leave behind also evoked a sense of hope.
How Studying Counseling Changed My Perspective as A Client
As a client, I saw my therapist as a guide. Now, as a therapist in training, I see our relationship as a collaborative partnership. I am the expert on my own life, and their role is to support and facilitate my journey toward self-discovery and healing.
From Beans to Buzz: A Look at Caffeine Intoxication
While most of us enjoy caffeine without adverse effects, a significant portion of the population could be silently struggling with its impacts. According to the DSM-5-TR, about 85% of the U.S. population consumes caffeine daily. This widespread use makes caffeine something of a social norm, but also hides its potential for harm.
The Road to Expertise: Unpacking Development and Diagnosis in Counseling
My third quarter in the Counseling program at Palo Alto University started yesterday. I am taking two courses this term: COUN612 Life Span Development and COUN634 Diagnosis. Today, I am sharing with you what these courses are about and some of my hopes for this quarter.
Reflections on a Transformative Week: My First Residency Experience
The heart of the residency was centered around the integration of both basic and advanced counseling skills. In a series of role-playing exercises, we took turns being mock clients and counselors, providing each other with a unique opportunity to apply what we have learned in a controlled yet impactful environment. Under the caring gaze of our instructors, we engaged in these scenarios, receiving specific feedback.
My First Residency
Residency is an intensive program designed to deepen our theoretical knowledge and to hone our practical counseling skills. The days ahead promise a rigorous yet rewarding schedule, filled with workshops and role-playing sessions.
A Peek into the Legal and Ethical Foundations of Counseling
Just when I thought I was getting the hang of my classes this term, bam, it’s almost over. The second quarter has been busier than the first, but it has also felt more real. We transitioned from a theoretical perspective of counseling to practicing specific therapeutic skills, and addressing the ethical and legal issues we may encounter in our counseling careers.
New Beginnings: 2024!
This week marks not only the beginning of a new year but also the start of the Winter term at Palo Alto University, where I’m currently pursuing my second term in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.