My Journey to Counseling: From Curiosity to Career as a Counseling Student

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by how things work in life. From a young age, life sciences piqued my interest, and I always found myself drawn to understanding the connections between things. I’ve always been a curious person, eager to explore the "why" behind what I see around me. As a child, I thought the world was structured, like a well-organized machine where things just “were.” But as I grew older, I started to realize that life isn’t quite as neat as I once thought. I learned that even adults are figuring things out as they go along, which shifted my perspective on the world.

Curiosity Sparks a Passion for Psychology

This change in outlook led me to ask more significant questions: Why are things the way they are? Little did I know I was unknowingly diving into the concept of social constructs. This curiosity about human behavior led me to the world of social sciences, where I found psychology to be the perfect field to explore. For me, psychology is the bridge between the biological life sciences and social sciences, providing a way to understand how people work biologically while accounting for social influences. So, during my undergrad years, I dug into concepts like neuroplasticity—how our brains can change and adapt—which drew me in. This sense of curiosity and the desire to understand change sparked my interest in counseling, particularly in the idea that we might be able to help others influence positive change through evidence-based interventions.

The Power of Listening and Connection

Alongside this academic interest, I’ve always been told I’m a great listener. People often shared with me how much they enjoyed talking to me and how they felt better by the end of the conversation. This ability to connect, to provide someone with a space to be heard and understood, felt like a superpower. It made me realize I could combine my natural curiosity about human behavior with the desire to help others heal. And so, counseling became a career I wanted to pursue.

Professional Training: Bridging the Gap Between Teaching and Counseling

While I’m still in the process of my studies, I’ve also had the opportunity to gain experience in professional training in the corporate world. This background has honed my skills as an educator, helping me break down complex concepts into understandable parts. Communicating is a valuable skill in counseling, where you need to guide clients through sometimes tricky topics and help them understand and process their emotions.

Following My Heart: Empowering Others to Grow

As a counseling student, I’m following my heart and leaning into my strengths. My goal is to help others become the best versions of themselves and empower them to show up fully for their families and communities. Some people need a supportive environment to grow and heal, while others may benefit from someone challenging them to spark change. I want to be able to do both—offer support while encouraging growth and advocate by furthering research for the quiet voices that often go unheard, particularly when it comes to underserved populations.

The Challenges of Pursuing Counseling: A Rigorous Path

That being said, pursuing a career in counseling is challenging. The path from undergraduate studies to a graduate program and eventually becoming a licensed counselor is rigorous. As a counseling student, I’ve learned that this field requires dedication and resilience. The amount of work, from maintaining academic standards to gaining practical experience, is immense. But I also understand why the process is so demanding—mental health work is essential, and it requires counselors to be well-prepared, knowledgeable, and capable.

Staying Hopeful: Navigating the Struggles of Graduate School

I’ve faced challenges throughout this journey, especially in staying organized and balancing my personal, academic, and financial responsibilities. It’s difficult, but I’m hopeful and excited to continue this path. I can’t wait to meet my future clients and make a positive impact in their lives.

Advice for Aspiring Counselors: A Few Tips for Success

As a student in this field, I suggest that anyone considering a career in counseling ensure that the program you choose sets you up for licensure in your state. Ensuring that your time and effort will lead to something tangible, like the ability to practice legally, is essential. If you can, find a mentor or someone already in the field who can guide you through the process and help you stay on track. And most importantly, enjoy the journey. It’s a long road to becoming a licensed counselor, but remember to take it one step at a time. Breathe, drink your water, and remember to care for yourself. After all, as future counselors, we’ll need to show up as our best selves for our clients.

The Importance of a Wellness Plan for High-Performing Individuals

I get it. You’re a high-performing individual with a busy life. You're achieving great things in your career and meeting professional goals, but sometimes it feels like other areas of your life are suffering. You may even find yourself questioning just how successful you truly are. Life is a balancing act, and no matter how hard we push for achievement, if we don’t take a balanced approach, our body will eventually hit pause. Your overall health is important—it's the one thing you can't buy, no matter how much money you have.

It's time we stop separating our mental health from our physical health because, in reality, they're deeply connected. Studies show that taking care of both aspects not only boosts your well-being but also enhances your performance. I'm not a scientist with all the answers, but the evidence is there: investing time in a well-rounded wellness plan can help improve your health and, in turn, contribute to your professional and personal success.

Think of it like a well-oiled machine. If you supply the machine with quality oil, it runs efficiently and produces the output needed for success—like profits or personal satisfaction. But if it’s neglected and not properly maintained, the machine becomes inefficient, and the desired results don’t follow. The same applies to you. When you feel good in different areas of your life, you naturally produce better work and find greater satisfaction. On the other hand, if you’re struggling in key areas, you risk becoming like a fruit tree that’s barren because it’s not getting the nutrients and water it needs.

How to Start Your Wellness Plan

Creating a wellness plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Physical Wellness:

   • Commit to a daily or weekly exercise routine that works for your schedule and preferences.

   • Prioritize balanced, nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up.

2. Mental Wellness:

   • Take short breaks throughout your day to clear your mind and reduce stress.

   • Practice mindfulness techniques such as journaling, meditation, or deep breathing.

3. Relational Wellness:

   • Make time to connect with friends and family to build and maintain a strong support system.

   • Schedule regular activities with loved ones to keep relationships strong.

4. Spiritual Wellness:

   • Dedicate time for daily reflection or prayer to stay grounded and connected to your purpose.

   • Explore activities that nurture your spirit, like reading, listening to uplifting music, or spending time in nature.

5. Professional Wellness:

   • Set realistic career goals and prioritize tasks to prevent burnout.

   • Invest in your growth by learning new skills or seeking mentorship.

The Bottom Line

If you’re not taking care of yourself in all areas of life, you’re not truly achieving your best. Your wellness is connected to your performance. Think of it as a cycle: when you feel good, you produce good work, which leads to more success and fulfillment. But when your well-being takes a backseat, your progress can stall, and the quality of your work may suffer.

If you're unsure where to start or need guidance on building a personalized wellness plan, I’m here to help. You can schedule a free 15-minute phone call with me to discuss your wellness goals and get support. Click the link below to set up a time that works for you.

[Click Here to Book Free 15 Min Call]

Take the first step toward a balanced life and watch how it impacts your performance, productivity, and overall well-being. Because when you’re well, everything else falls into place.

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