Clinical Counseling Program Admissions
Columbia College Clinical Counseling Programs Admissions Essay
N. Parks
Columbia College
As I evaluate my past and look towards my future, I realize that I did not choose the counseling field, instead it chose me. As a result, the experiences that have led me to this career choice have also made me an advocate for U.S. military soldiers suffering from Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, sexual assault and suicides/suicides attempts. In addition, my reason for seeking a graduate degree in clinical counseling is due to my desire to work with troubled teens, particularly those from military families. Because the study of clinical counseling incorporates the study of other disciplines …show more content…
This is because too often this population is forgotten or ignored; mainly because public attention is not placed on military families and the civilians who work within this community. Like any other community, the military community is also affected by abuses, and individuals suffer from the same family issues and problems as other communities. As a result, there is a great need for clinical counselors within this community. As a service member for over eighteen years, I understand the many social issues Soldiers struggle with and how these issues can affect their lives, family members, or the people who work with …show more content…
In looking at theological approaches; these experiences have also allowed me to better understand how some of these approaches relate to counseling. For example, the Critical Theoretical Approach (CTA) which involves examining and critiquing literature and society (Critical Theory, 2009), draws from knowledge across social sciences that help guide the clinical counseling practitioner on principles that will protect against a biased representation and overgeneralization of a particular population or issue. The theory defines the importance of evidenced based documentation, while understanding that there must be observations concerning the population targeted at the time of study. While the Critical Theoretical Approach works well to explain the issues of the military population I wish to work with, the Strengths Based Perspective addresses the method in which the client’s interaction should be modeled. For example, within this population it is important for me as a clinical counselor to offer an experience that does not resemble the biases and assumptions that are usually encountered when working with female soldiers. In order to achieve
N. Parks
Columbia College
As I evaluate my past and look towards my future, I realize that I did not choose the counseling field, instead it chose me. As a result, the experiences that have led me to this career choice have also made me an advocate for U.S. military soldiers suffering from Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, sexual assault and suicides/suicides attempts. In addition, my reason for seeking a graduate degree in clinical counseling is due to my desire to work with troubled teens, particularly those from military families. Because the study of clinical counseling incorporates the study of other disciplines …show more content…
This is because too often this population is forgotten or ignored; mainly because public attention is not placed on military families and the civilians who work within this community. Like any other community, the military community is also affected by abuses, and individuals suffer from the same family issues and problems as other communities. As a result, there is a great need for clinical counselors within this community. As a service member for over eighteen years, I understand the many social issues Soldiers struggle with and how these issues can affect their lives, family members, or the people who work with …show more content…
In looking at theological approaches; these experiences have also allowed me to better understand how some of these approaches relate to counseling. For example, the Critical Theoretical Approach (CTA) which involves examining and critiquing literature and society (Critical Theory, 2009), draws from knowledge across social sciences that help guide the clinical counseling practitioner on principles that will protect against a biased representation and overgeneralization of a particular population or issue. The theory defines the importance of evidenced based documentation, while understanding that there must be observations concerning the population targeted at the time of study. While the Critical Theoretical Approach works well to explain the issues of the military population I wish to work with, the Strengths Based Perspective addresses the method in which the client’s interaction should be modeled. For example, within this population it is important for me as a clinical counselor to offer an experience that does not resemble the biases and assumptions that are usually encountered when working with female soldiers. In order to achieve