Human Services Reflection

My educational background of Human Services has helped me expand my knowledge in mental health, cultural and economic backgrounds, and family dynamics in a person’s life. Each class has guided me into a path for my future career. I have taken numerous classes on theories of counseling, cultural ethics, and crisis intervention. In my theories of counseling class, I was taught the different theories that can be used to help individuals. This class expanded my knowledge on numerous amounts of techniques that can be used during a therapy session. It showed me how different theories can be applied to a client. This course allowed me the perspective to learn more about which theories I felt connected to. I felt a connection with many of the theories

In this class, we were taught how to help a client in different crisis situations. The class permitted us to role play and create scenarios in a group setting. This crisis intervention course enabled me to see how much I enjoyed supporting others in their times of need. I did exceptionally well in this class and was given the chance to become a coach to facilitate groups for a semester. This meant helping my peers learn how to ask open-ended questions, paraphrase, reflect, and summarize a client. It was essential for me to understand that I was capable of stepping out of my comfort zone and take on new risks. Despite my anxiety and self-doubt, I helped my fellow peers in learning different types of situations that can lead a client into a crisis. It was a terrifying experience for me to let go of my insecurities and fears to teach others. However, after I completed my role as a coach, I felt accomplished and proud of myself for taking the risk. From this experience, I gained skills in leadership and communication that aided me in a professional

In New Directions Counseling Center, I interacted with multiple clients and gained experience in how to communicate and administer intakes in one-on-one sessions. I also interacted with different clients of all ethnicities, ages, and gender. They all had different problems that lead them to New Directions, like drug and alcohol abuse issues, domestic violence, and anger management. I experienced how counseling differs from what you learn in a class. Being in a room with a person that has issues that are hindering their life and sitting down in a class learning about it are completely different realities. I educated a thirteen-year-old with anger issues how to manage his anger in an effective manner. I also assisted two teenage sisters who were attending small workshops to help them with their anger management. It was far more real and exciting to be able to speak to a client face to face than just reading from a textbook. Interning at this counseling center helped me interact with individuals of all ages. At first it was a complete daunting experience, having to interact with teenagers. I was scared to have to be in a room with teenagers who had anger issues. I was scared of how they would react if I said something wrong or if I hit a nerve and they might lash out. It was clear to me that working with children and teenagers can be scary, but it was great to be able to work