Practicum taught me to trust the foundation I have built while remaining open to growth. Competence in the therapy room, I am learning, is about showing up with confidence, humility, and genuine presence.
Tag: #counseling
Learning to Learn Differently
Learning isn’t static. It changes as we change. Earlier in the program, I needed structure and theory. Now, I need guidance that connects directly to the work I am doing in real time. I am also noticing that being a student feels different when the finish line is finally in sight.
What Practicum Is All About
At its core, Practicum is about taking everything we have learned and putting it into practice to support clients. Each session requires drawing on the foundational theories, skills, and interventions we have studied, but also learning how to adapt them to each individual client’s needs.
Interview: Catching Up with Brandi Williams
It didn’t take long for me to decide to seek out my own counseling again and look inside so I can show up better for my clients. In the beginning, I thought I just need to educate myself and build a network of contacts and resources, but that’s the easy part.
Affirming Immigrant and International Clients in Therapy
An affirming stance allows us to ask more questions before making assumptions and to see our clients more clearly within the full context of their lives, rather than as a code to be found in the DSM.
What It Means to Be an LGBTQIA-Affirming Therapist
Calling myself an LGBTQIA-affirming therapist keeps me grounded. It reminds me why I chose this work in the first place. It helps me push back on any internalized shame I have carried and gives me purpose in creating space for others to do the same.
We Need to Talk… About Sex
Counselors have the obligation to create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable raising questions about their sexual well-being, just as they do about work stress or family conflict. We are called to honor sexual health as an essential part of overall growth and healing.
Serving with Purpose: How I Chose My Practicum Sites
The most important factor I looked for was alignment, particularly in the services provided and the populations served. I want to make sure that my practicum experience is shaped by purposeful service, rather than simply collecting hours toward graduation. I also took into account practicalities...
Insights from Spring Quarter
In Child and Adolescent Counseling, I was introduced to play therapy and its potential for working with children. Although our exposure was introductory, it offered valuable insights. One assignment involved leading a 30-minute play session with a child, and the experience was truly eye-opening.
Interview: Catching Up with Edelysse Lopez
I’ve also learned that as a therapist, we have the privilege to learn something new from every client we encounter, which is such a gift in itself. Humility is key to being able to give our clients the best support possible.
Roque Neto 