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.
Tag: #TherapistInTraining
The Transformative Power of Music in My Life
Music is a universal language that speaks to the collective soul, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers sometimes with its healing embrace, and sometimes with its irresistible invitation to just dance.
Interview: Dr. Alyx MacTernan
In this interview, Dr. MacTernan shares her motivations for pursuing a career in mental health, her perspectives on the challenges facing the field, and her experiences that have shaped her approach to teaching and counseling. She also discusses the evolving role of technology in mental health and offers advice to students...
Rediscovering My Inner Sanctuary: Reflections on My Time in Brazil
I felt loved and reconnected with those whom I also love and care about. I left each encounter with my heart full. But there was one more thing, something deeper, that these encounters provided me: They helped me remember who I am, what I value, and where I want to go.
New Beginnings: 2024!
This week marks not only the beginning of a new year but also the start of the Winter term at Palo Alto University, where I’m currently pursuing my second term in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.
Life as an Act of Acceptance
We become more likely to enter relationships from a position of strength and self-assuredness, rather than seeking approval from others. Understanding that our worth is not dependent on others’ opinions helps in maintaining self-esteem, especially in difficult times.
Life as an Act of Play
At the core of the concept of play is the element of freedom. It is an activity that is freely chosen and not imposed, encapsulating the very essence of liberty. In its purest form, play is unproductive, not aimed at producing goods or generating profits, but rather focused on the experience itself.
Life as an Act of Will
This volitional dimension of human nature underscores the drive to ascend beyond our current situations. This urge propels us towards personal growth, continuous learning, and an unending quest for self-realization.
Life as an Act of Creation
Embracing the “Homo faber” dimension of our lives brings more than individual benefits. Our creations, whether they are tools, art, or monuments, are not just mere objects. They carry cultural and historical significance, telling stories of our communities, beliefs, and aspirations.
Life as an Act of Consumption
The consumer mindset is the combination of thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that are primarily oriented towards consumption, emphasizing the acquisition and use of goods and services. It can influence our perception of experiences and self-worth, leading to a culture of disposability.
Roque Neto 