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.
Tag: #counselorintraining
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.
Speaking Up, Showing Up: Advocacy as a Core Value
Advocacy requires us to show up when our presence can make a difference. Whether through protests, community involvement, or simply speaking up in meetings, each action shapes the future we want to see.
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.
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.
Two Must-See Eye-Openers for the Holidays
This weekend, I watched two compelling pieces that I believe are must-sees: Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. and Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy. Though different in genre and focus, both offer eye-opening perspectives that challenge our habitual ways of thinking.
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.
A Peek into the Legal and Ethical Foundations of Counseling
Just when I thought I was getting the hang of my classes this term, bam, it’s almost over. The second quarter has been busier than the first, but it has also felt more real. We transitioned from a theoretical perspective of counseling to practicing specific therapeutic skills, and addressing the ethical and legal issues we may encounter in our counseling careers.
Roque Neto 