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Counseling

WHY I CHOSE THE MASTERS IN COUNSELING PROGRAM?

I would like to start by talking about why I chose the masters in counseling program as my career path. I graduated from Metro State University in 2005, with my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I went into that program knowing that I wanted to work with “at risk youth”, I just wasn’t sure in what capacity.
My last year of college I began working as a Group Living Counselor at a residential treatment center for girls. I started working in the Treatment and Learning Center, which is referred to as TLC. TLC houses clients who cannot make commitments to be safe, who are high run risks, and who simply cannot maintain appropriate behaviors in Cottage.
I went into this job very intimidated and unsure of my own self. I knew I possessed transferrable skills from being a waitress for 15 years. I had good customer relation skills and the ability to talk with people. However, this was a whole new ball game. After only a couple of weeks, I found that I had an innate ability to connect with the girls and get them to open up to me. I developed a rapport with the most challenging- resistant clients. It was then that I knew I wanted to counsel adolescents with these types of behaviors.

CHARACTERISTICS I POSSES THAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD COUNSELOR:

I’d next like to talk about some of the characteristics I posses that I feel will make me an effective counselor. I am compassionate about helping people. My family and friends refer to me as the “go to person”. No matter what the situation may be, I am always willing to lend a helping hand- or ear.
When I am spoken to, you have my undivided attention. I am sincere and empathetic and I can relate to people from all walks of life. I try to build a mutual trust and understanding of people.
And lastly, I have integrity. I believe this is a fundamental trait for a successful counselor, being of sound moral principle, upright, and honest.

WHERE I...