As cliché as it sounds, I always wanted to be a counsellor. There is something about supporting others, combined with my fascination of human behaviour that draws me into this profession. I was granted my undergraduate degree in Psychology from York University in 2009. I completed this degree over 8 years part time, while I worked, travelled and got to know myself a little better. Here I am in Costa Rica, where I spent three months...pretty much doing this!
My next academic step occurred in the fall of 2009. During my undergraduate course in women's studies at York, I discovered a passion for feminist counselling, and social justice. I decided the Assaulted Women and Children's Counsellor/Advocate diploma program through George Brown College was my next academic step.
This was my first experience in training in feminist therapy. I also completed a practicum at the Fred Victor Shelter, working with people experiencing addiction and mental health issues. It was also during this program that I began volunteering at the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre.
This was my first experience in training in feminist therapy. I also completed a practicum at the Fred Victor Shelter, working with people experiencing addiction and mental health issues. It was also during this program that I began volunteering at the Toronto Rape Crisis Centre.
In 2011, I decided to pursue a counselling degree at the graduate level. I contemplated which type of degree was best for me (Master's of Social Work? Masters of Arts or Education?) and ultimately decided on the Master of Counselling program at the University of Calgary. This program is blended meaning some of it is completed online, and some is in person, requiring me to travel to Calgary multiple times.
As part of my requirement of the Master of Counselling program at the University of Calgary, I had to complete a counselling practicum. I was lucky to secure a placement at York University's Personal Counselling Services, counselling students. It has proven to be a rich learning experience for me.
During my internship at York, I have been privileged to work with clients experiencing the following issues:
During my internship at York, I have been privileged to work with clients experiencing the following issues:
|
|