Okay, here’s my blog post about my journey into clinical and counseling psychology, written in a casual, personal style:
So, I’ve always been the “listener” in my friend group. You know, the one people call when they’re going through a breakup, a job loss, or just need to vent. I realized I genuinely enjoyed helping people sort through their stuff, and that’s what initially sparked my interest in psychology.
First, I started digging around online. I mean, really digging. I wasn’t just looking at university websites; I was reading forums, blogs from actual therapists, and even watching YouTube videos of mock therapy sessions. I wanted to get a feel for the day-to-day, not just the textbook definitions.
Getting My Feet Wet
Then I started volunteering. This was huge. I found a local crisis hotline and signed up for their training. Let me tell you, nothing prepares you for real-world situations like, well, real-world situations. The training was intense, but it was also incredibly rewarding. I learned active listening skills, crisis intervention techniques, and how to de-escalate tense conversations. It’s one thing to read about these things; it’s another to actually do them.
- The training program was rough, very intense.
- I had to do a lot of role-playing, which felt super awkward at first.
- I learned that it is so different doing it than reading it.
- There were some really tough calls, but also some incredibly rewarding moments.
I also started to shadow some psychologists. I contacted a few therapists in my area and asked if I could sit in on some sessions (with client consent, of course!). Most said no, but one clinical psychologist was kind enough to let me observe. It was a real eye-opener. I saw firsthand how therapists build rapport with clients, how they ask questions, and how they guide the conversation. It’s a real art form.
Hitting the Books (Again)
Of course, there’s the whole academic side of things. I already had a bachelor’s degree, but it wasn’t in psychology. So, I started taking some prerequisite courses at a local community college. Intro to Psych, Abnormal Psych, Developmental Psych – the whole nine yards. It was a lot of work, especially while working part-time, but it solidified my interest.
After that, I decided it, I applied to some master’s programs in counseling psychology. The application process was a beast. Essays, letters of recommendation, GRE scores – it felt like jumping through hoops. But, I eventually got accepted into a program that felt like a good fit for me.
The Grad School Grind
Grad school was intense. The coursework was demanding, and the practicum and internship experiences were challenging. I started seeing clients under supervision, which was both terrifying and exhilarating. There were times when I doubted myself, wondered if I was cut out for this, and then I’d have a session where I felt like I actually made a difference, and it would all be worth it.
- It’s a lot of reading, a lot of writing, and a lot of self-reflection.
- Therapy is not easy, it’s exhausting.
- I celebrated even the smallest of victories.
I am still on this journey of learning, but now looking back it has been so hard and so fulfilling.
