That is what I hope to bring to my clients: a sense that no matter what they reveal, no matter how chaotic things may feel, I am right there with them. I want to be the therapist who knows the “dance” well enough to improvise when needed.
Category: Counseling Studies
Understanding Recovery and Medications
One of the most impactful moments this quarter came from attending an Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meeting for my Addiction Counseling class. It was my first time experiencing one, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I chose a meeting focused on the LGBTQIA+ community, and what stood out to me most was the deep sense of welcome and connection in the room.
Welcoming 2025: Winter Quarter and Beyond
The year 2025 also holds two other key markers on my path to licensure: Residency II in the spring and Practicum in the fall. Although the fall start date feels distant, the search for Practicum sites starts now. I am currently reaching out to potential locations and will soon begin the application process.
Taking a Brief Break
During this time, in addition to completing the CBT trainings, I will also revise my resume. This task is more than just updating a document. Somehow, it is about recalibrating how I present my professional journey. Transitioning from a career in higher education to one in counseling requires a shift in emphasis...
CBT Trainings with the Beck Institute
In a previous blog post, I shared my intention to explore Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as my first theoretical orientation in preparation for Practicum and Internship in 2025. As the fall quarter concludes, I have enrolled in a few specialized CBT trainings through the prestigious Beck Institute.
Exploring CBT as My First Theoretical Orientation
This experience was one of those moments when I started to take more seriously the possibility of becoming a counselor. Later, after enrolling in the program, reflecting on it also informed my decision to focus on CBT first as I develop my theoretical orientation.
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.
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.
Roque Neto 