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.

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.

An Interview with Dr. Donna Sheperis: Insights from a Leader in Counseling

In this interview, Dr. Sheperis shares valuable insights into her professional journey, from the evolution of her theoretical orientation to the mentors who profoundly impacted her approach to counseling. She reflects on the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing feedback from diverse perspectives, and the critical role of mentorship for counselors-in-training.

Joining Chi Sigma Iota at Palo Alto University

I have become a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the international honor society for counseling professionals and students. Not only have I joined this organization, but I am also serving on the leadership team of the Phi Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Palo Alto University as the Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program Member-at-Large.

Starting Year Two in the Counseling Program

Group Counseling has been on my radar since the beginning of the program. My personal experience with group counseling many years ago was eye-opening and incredibly valuable for my growth, so I have been curious to learn what it takes to become a skilled group counselor.

Gearing Up for My Fourth Quarter in the Counseling Program

The skills and values I will develop and/or reinforce through these courses will be invaluable to my future profession. By learning to design and implement effective outreach programs and interventions, I will be better prepared to ensure that those most in need have access to quality mental health care.

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.