Professional Counseling Personal Statement

Earning a degree in counseling will allow me to pursue my goals, with my primary long-term goal being the ability to open my own private practice. However, I have a multitude of goals along the way, such as working with adolescents and young adults in any number of settings. Once I enter the professional world, I primarily want to work with that aforementioned age group, as well as those in the LGBT+ community, and those who fall into both. However, I would not gate myself off to these specific groups, as the opportunity to work with a plethora of people is one I would be grateful for. The privilege of being able to work with and counsel those who need it, to whichever degree they may, is one I’ve been aiming to earn for years. With my experience,

This is an incredible opportunity, and in tandem with the program’s two required internships in the field, would prepare me to immediately make the leap from the academic to professional world, and feel confident in doing so. Furthermore, the proximity to not only areas in New Jersey, but New York (City), broadens my horizons as to where I can engage in those internships, as well as greater job prospects in general while both in and out of the program. I believe that the Professional Counseling program at Seton Hall is a superb program in terms of its academic offerings, professional opportunities, and

I worked 8-10 hours a week, primarily at night when there was the highest demand for volunteers. The clientele varied in age, gender identity, and magnitude of crisis, but they all shared a common need: help. It was an enriching and challenging experience, teaching me a multitude of lessons that would not have been possible without that direct experience. It showed me the importance of meeting someone where they are in their journey, and how necessary it is to be prepared to do so. Being able to formulate a plan and adapt it in real time during a difficult situation is invaluable, and my volunteering has aided me in developing that skill. As rewarding as it was, it also came with an emotional tax I could not have been prepared for. I quickly realized the necessity of separating my personal and “professional” life, as allowing the two to blend together would damage me in both. Balancing my emotions and problems, while also digesting those of clients without ruminating on them, was a process I still haven’t perfected, but am making progress