At this point, I’m hopeful that I have absorbed what I need from this part of the journey. At the same time, I’m aware that learning does not end with the completion of these two remaining courses. It has already extended beyond the classroom through more specialized trainings.
Tag: #paloaltouniversity
Approaching the Finish Line
These questions point toward the beginning of a new stage, yet they are not completely new. Over the past three years, this program has asked much more of me than learning theories or practicing counseling techniques. It has asked me to grow in patience, humility, and presence.
Winter Quarter: The Final Stretch Begins
One especially exciting aspect of this course is who will be teaching it. Research and Program Evaluation will be co-taught by two professors who taught us early in the program. Full-time faculty rarely co-teach due to their workload, but my cohort asked anyway. To our delight, they said yes.
Interview: Lili Niclas
I hope to become a counselor who embodies empathy and cultural humility while helping clients feel empowered to make positive changes in their lives and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness. I believe we all have an inner compass that guides us in life when we are connected to it.
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.
Summer Quarter: Family Systems and Sexuality in Counseling
These two courses will strengthen my readiness for the next phase of training. But more than a bridge to practicum, this quarter represents an opportunity to broaden my perspective and honor my commitment to becoming a responsive and well-informed, and open counselor.
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.
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 