My clinical practicum at a prison setting has afforded me opportunities to conceptualize cases from different theoretical orientations. Due to the nature of this setting, I have become familiar with treatment formats that are short-term. I believe that these treatments can be quite effective with results comparable to those of long-term treatments.
My preferred theoretical orientation is cognitive behavioral, but due to the multifaceted and sometimes hostile patients I meet, I have begun incorporating time-limited dynamic psychotherapy. I believe that in fast-moving environments, I need to employ therapies that set clear goals for treatment and both these orientations have helped me understand my patients’ long-standing maladaptive patterns
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The stories were those of abuse and trauma, but also some of success and resilience. At the end, the women turned toward me and asked for my turning point. I thought for a few seconds and told them about the story of coming to the United States and how my experienced shaped my motivation to work with those who had been …show more content…
Indeed, this year was full of experiences that would shape my goals and attitudes. I experienced how it is to live below the poverty line, I witnessed family dysfunction, observed disadvantage due to socio-economic status, and watched the devastating effects of violence, crime, and addiction. From that point forward, my academic career revolved around helping the misfortunate. I began to study sociology, wanting to learn how societal behavior depends on gender, race, religion, and class. To me, this field was a gift because it allowed me to examine our world, but also a curse for I would never be able to shut off my eyes from the social and economic inequality and their impact on vulnerable populations. This first step of my academic career has proven to be of much value once I had decided that I wanted to study the human mind and chose to become a clinical psychologist.
My broad clinical experiences in brief treatment approaches, group therapy, neuropsychology, and work in a correctional setting have taught me that my experiences have equipped me with considerable passion for this profession. For example, during my practicum at the women’s prison, I was working with women who have complex trauma histories. As they open up to share their stories of poverty, familial dysfunction, and the lack of