I began this blog thinking it would be an academic log, but it has turned into something more layered. Writing here has helped me notice patterns in my learning, observe how my identity as a future counselor is taking shape, and reflect on the kind of therapist I want to become.
Category: Self-Reflection
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.
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.
Beyond Defeat: Embracing Cognitive Restructuring and Self-Compassion
Learning from our mistakes can be even more powerful if we keep in mind what moves us ahead: our core values. Reflecting on these principles helps guide our actions, especially in moments of pain and disorientation. Ethical reflection can ensure that our responses are grounded in integrity and purpose.
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.
The Power of Self-Reflection
What stands out to me the most from this past quarter is the realization that becoming a reflective practitioner is more than an academic exercise. It is a way of being. In my career as a teacher educator, I have known this for a while. I have seen that when teachers self-reflect, they develop a deeper understanding of their students’ needs, leading to more effective teaching practices.
Roque Neto 