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...
Tag: #mentalhealth
Finding Purpose Through Service
Service is not something to postpone until after graduation. It is something to live out now. Like education, counseling is a shared endeavor. We move forward by supporting one another, and I want to do my part to contribute to the growth and integrity of the field.
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.
Guest Post: Steffan Piper
I came to Palo Alto University to continue my path of service and strive to be there for others in the best capacity possible. In my own circles where I live in the Palm Springs region, it was apparent that the need for mental health counseling was severe for teenagers, veterans, families, and marginalized families.
Interview: Dr. Regina Moro
Dr. Regina Moro wears many hats at Palo Alto University, and I have had the privilege of seeing several of them up close.
Trauma, Responsibility, and the Work of Showing Up
Domestic violence, for example, is not always overt. It can manifest in subtle yet damaging ways that erode a person’s sense of safety, agency, and worth. As we study these dynamics, I find myself reflecting on the broader societal context in which such violence persists.
One Hundred Blog Posts Later
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.
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.
Roque Neto 