Reflective Essay: Introduction To Counseling Profession

The anxiety was clear on his face the moment he walked into my office. Sitting on the couch in the afternoon sun, his face demonstrated that the decision to seek me out was a difficult one, the unspoken anxiety hanging in the air. Having hardly worked together a week, this staff member was trusting me immensely to confide complications in his life, specifically and most recently in his college experience. It was this encounter that began our authentic working relationship, spending most of the time listening to this person rapidly describe feelings of anxiety, depression, self-doubt, panic, and struggling with decisions. Throughout the course of the conversation, his anxiety levels declined, smiles and laughter became more frequent, and plans began to unfold. This conversation has happened all too often, with staff members, colleagues, students, residents of my building, and even friends. It is because of these interactions and experiences that I became interested in the counseling profession.
My path in my career thus far has been …show more content…
I have considered higher education administration programs, However, after taking Introduction to Counseling I feel the specialization in counseling is best suited for me and my career interests. This counseling emphasis is important because it offers the opportunity to incorporate specific scientific research and psychological principles into counseling practice to best serve clients and students. In this graduate program, I expect to gain specific skills and knowledge to assist students in maximizing their learning potential by helping them cope with obstacles and barriers. I hope to encourage students to grow and develop to bridge connections from their academic and personal learning experiences to find a fulfilling path. I also anticipate engaging in a broad range of learning experiences offered by the University of