Challenges Of Counselor-In-Training

Coun5004 Week 1 Discussions
Discussion 1
I believe that one of the greatest challenges of a counselor-in-training is obtaining the practicum and internship required for my state. Capella does not provide a place for students to get their practicum and internship; it is up to the student to find an agency or profession that is willing to provide the services.
Online resources are helpful in this area. There are several organizations that students of mental health counseling can become a member. I have already received a membership in the Alabama Counseling Association (ACA). Students who are graduates or undergraduates and not employed in a full-time counseling position and actively in a program studying counseling can apply for membership
Most of these organizations listed have memberships for students. I plan to join as many groups as I can in order to help get my name and face into the mental health counseling community. As I can participate in the different groups and get to know more counselors, my chances of obtaining my practicum and internship agency may be better.
Deciding on the counseling specialization was easy for me. My desire has always been to help individuals who suffer from sexual trauma. From personal experience, I understand the problems associated with being victimized. I have always desired to help those who suffer from sexual assault or abuses understand what they experienced, why, and how it has affected their life. I did consider a school counseling career. However, my desire has always been to work with sexually traumatized survivors, and I was quickly able to decide that working with students was not what I wanted to
One of the greatest challenges I have is managing family needs and managing my college work. While in undergraduate school, my stepfather passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. While my dad was so sick, my mother, and he moved into an Assisted Living facility. Once my dad passed, my mother moved into an apartment. Since she cannot drive, I go regularly to ensure she does not need anything. My mother is also in poor health and at times, I have to go unexpectedly. Since my mother lives about two hours away, it is always an all day trip there and back. I usually do my work in advance so that in the event I am called to go to my mother, I do not get behind on my college work. In addition to having my mother, I also have my husband who has health problems, my niece who struggles from a learning disability, and I babysit each day. My life can get hectic at times, so it helps me to do my work in advance so that I do not get