This ability to sit with discomfort rather than rush to solve problems for clients fosters a more supportive environment where clients feel heard and validated in their experiences. It encourages clients to explore their own issues and find their own solutions, promoting self-efficacy and resilience.
Category: Counseling Studies
Coping with Eco-Anxiety: A Counseling Student’s Reflection
I hope that we can see eco-anxiety as a reflection of the impact we have on our planet and a call for collective action, not just a disorder waiting for a diagnosis, prescription, or treatment plan. As professionals called to advocate for our clients, we cannot become numb to the destruction of the environment and the pain it causes.
Gearing Up for My Fourth Quarter in the Counseling Program
The skills and values I will develop and/or reinforce through these courses will be invaluable to my future profession. By learning to design and implement effective outreach programs and interventions, I will be better prepared to ensure that those most in need have access to quality mental health care.
How Lifestyle Choices Shape Our Physical and Mental Health
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.
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.
Roque Neto 