Play Therapy Personal Statement

I plan to utilize my counseling degree to have a positive impact on children's mental health and well-being. One of my primary goals as a children's counselor is to develop a strong rapport with my clients. Building a trusting and respectful relationship with children is essential for them to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. By creating a supportive environment where children feel heard and validated, they can gain a sense of empowerment and learn how to navigate their emotions in a healthy manner. I plan to achieve this by utilizing my degree and earning my play therapy credential. Play therapy allows children to communicate their experiences and emotions in a way that is natural and comfortable for them. Through play,

My time as a student-athlete has provided me with a foundation centered around effective time management, consistent critical thinking, respectful leadership, and clear communication. Additionally, I triple majored in psychology, special education, and childhood education. Throughout research methods and educational psychology classes, my writing and research skills improved exponentially. I plan to take full advantage of access to faculty members and the library as well as peers and the office of career support. The faculty members are typically experts in their fields, and I intend to use their knowledge and experience during my time at ASU. Furthermore, the Nielsen library offers extensive resources and access to recent, relevant research that will benefit my study of counseling. Additionally, students benefit from exchanging contacts, forming study groups, or participating in online forums where we can discuss coursework, research, and theories with one another. I aim to create this above-mentioned relationship with my cohort. Lastly, ASU’s career services are another resource I plan to utilize when preparing for job searches, developing resumes, and connecting with potential

The process generally involves several steps, including building a rapport with the client, gathering information about the client's concerns and background, setting goals and objectives, implementing interventions and strategies to achieve those goals, evaluating progress, and making adjustments as necessary. An effective therapeutic relationship is crucial in forming a successful counseling process. To form this relationship, a counselor should aim to create a safe, non-judgmental, and supportive environment that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and trust between the counselor and the client. Additionally, a counselor should strive to understand the client's unique perspective, values, and cultural background to tailor their approach to the client's specific needs and goals. Other important elements of an effective therapeutic relationship include active listening, empathy, and genuine concern for the client's well-being. Ultimately, building a strong therapeutic relationship is essential for helping clients feel understood, validated, and supported as they work through their concerns and pursue their