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.
Category: Counseling Studies
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.
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.
Reflections on My First Year in a Counseling Program
Counseling is about understanding others and about understanding myself. In this sense, the first year of the program brought some emotional moments. Exploring personal history, examining biases, and confronting uncomfortable truths about myself were integral parts of the training. This process, while not always easy, has helped me grow.
Sitting With Discomfort as a Counselor in Training
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.
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.
Roque Neto 