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.
Category: Counseling Studies
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.
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.
What My Zumba Instructor Taught Me About Being a Therapist
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.
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.
Roque Neto 