Reflections on My First Year in a Counseling Program

Counseling is about understanding others and about understanding myself. In this sense, the first year of the program brought some emotional moments. Exploring personal history, examining biases, and confronting uncomfortable truths about myself were integral parts of the training. This process, while not always easy, has helped me grow.

Sitting With Discomfort as a Counselor in Training

This ability to sit with discomfort rather than rush to solve problems for clients fosters a more supportive environment where clients feel heard and validated in their experiences. It encourages clients to explore their own issues and find their own solutions, promoting self-efficacy and resilience.

Coping with Eco-Anxiety: A Counseling Student’s Reflection

I hope that we can see eco-anxiety as a reflection of the impact we have on our planet and a call for collective action, not just a disorder waiting for a diagnosis, prescription, or treatment plan. As professionals called to advocate for our clients, we cannot become numb to the destruction of the environment and the pain it causes.

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 Lifestyle Choices Shape Our Physical and Mental Health

As a future counselor, I want to adopt a holistic perspective when working with clients. Mental health issues, for instance, can be exacerbated by poor nutrition and an over-reliance on medications, which often bring a host of side effects without addressing the underlying causes.

Beyond Defeat: Embracing Cognitive Restructuring and Self-Compassion

Learning from our mistakes can be even more powerful if we keep in mind what moves us ahead: our core values. Reflecting on these principles helps guide our actions, especially in moments of pain and disorientation. Ethical reflection can ensure that our responses are grounded in integrity and purpose.

My Third Quarter in the Counseling Program

This quarter has given me a roadmap for growth, highlighting areas where I need to expand my comfort zone and deepen my knowledge. The responsibilities of a future counselor can be challenging sometimes, but they are also fulfilling. Counseling is a journey of lifelong learning, and I am grateful for the opportunity...

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.