As a sensitive youth and vigilant observer, I looked to see how the most empathetic care providers responded to the needs of their clients. Along with my admiration and sense of awe at their abilities, I also felt an indiscernible longing. Clearly these were very special people, and I knew I wanted to be like them. Today my reasons for pursuing a career in counseling, while more informed and multifaceted, retain the same clarity I had as a young child. I continue to believe that offering support and understanding to individuals is can be a transformative exchange for all …show more content…
There I discovered first hand that the art of therapeutic engagement is not only rewarding but frequently contains an element of surprise. Because I developed a reputation for being patient, empathetic, and unflappable supervisors often requested that I contend with the most “difficult” residents (or their visiting family members). While I had great success in establishing respectful, nonjudgmental relationships, exposure to potentially challenging situations helped me to develop an awareness of my own vulnerabilities and how to contain them. In turn, I believe this skill set will be a valuable resource when I begin my clinical