Ep 40 - Chasing Dreams: What Does it Take to Pursue a Psychology/Therapy degree?
Jul 31, 2023
auto_awesome
In this episode, the host reflects on their journey pursuing a psychology/therapy degree, highlighting personal growth and challenges. They discuss the impact on relationships, vulnerabilities in therapy, and the complexities of childhood trauma. The episode offers insights into balancing studies and personal life while emphasizing the transformative nature of pursuing a degree in mental health counseling.
Embarking on a mental health counseling degree journey significantly transforms personal life, fostering deepened insight into human behavior.
Therapy sessions unearth personal experiences, leading to self-awareness and growth, challenging preconceived notions about trauma.
Deep dives
The Impact of Pursuing a Mental Health Counseling Degree
Embarking on a mental health counseling degree journey has significantly transformed the speaker's life. Initially driven by a desire to become a therapist since high school, the journey transitioned from obtaining a bachelor's in psychology to pursuing a clinical mental health counseling program. The program introduced the speaker to the clinical aspects of psychology, enhancing their understanding and application of therapeutic techniques. Despite the demanding nature of balancing work, study, and personal life commitments, the speaker reflects positively on their decision to commence the program, highlighting personal growth and a deepened insight into human behavior.
Revelations Through Personal and Program-Induced Reflection
The speaker's journey as a counseling student intertwines personal revelations with academic insights. Delving into childhood trauma and family dynamics, therapy sessions unearthed layers of personal experiences previously overlooked. Engaging in EMDR therapy exposed the pervasive nature of trauma, challenging preconceived notions about personal history. The process led to a deeper understanding of self, shedding light on past behaviors and emotional responses, ultimately fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
The Transformative Power of Vulnerability in Therapy Training
Navigating the complexities of therapy training, the speaker emphasizes the significance of vulnerability in the therapeutic process. The program cultivates emotional openness and self-understanding, transcending theoretical knowledge. Learning to balance empathy, listening skills, and personal boundaries, the speaker grapples with integrating therapeutic insights into personal interactions. The journey underscores the challenge of delineating the therapist role from personal identity, prompting introspection and professional growth.
Struggles of Balancing Personal and Professional Boundaries
The speaker candidly explores the blurred lines between personal and professional identities inherent in the counseling field. From unintentionally applying therapeutic skills in personal relationships to others' heightened expectations of empathy and listening, the speaker faces challenges in setting boundaries. The episode delves into the struggle of maintaining distinct roles and preventing therapeutic techniques from overshadowing personal connections. The ongoing battle of separating the therapist persona from personal interactions unveils the complexities and emotional nuances inherent in the counseling journey.
In this milestone 40th episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I introspect on the transformative path of a counseling student. I look back at my journey through obtaining my bachelor's in psychology and starting my master's in mental health counseling, profoundly illuminating the positive impact these programs have had on my life.
I delve into how this pursuit has not only enriched my understanding of human interactions but also made me a better person for it. Discover what a degree in Psychology/Therapy can do to you and how much vulnerability it will bring out of you.
I also address the challenges that come with taking off the therapist's hat in personal relationships and the emotions that surface when learning about different personalities, familial issues, and more.
Go listen to this episode and remember to rate, subscribe, and follow the Student Counselor Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or any of your preferred podcast platforms! Your support means the world.
Let's stay connected! Reach out to me on Instagram - @student.counselor.podcast.
Thank you!
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode