Week 14

I can’t believe the end of the semester is here.  In addition to that, the end of the book.  This is the first time in a while that I have been assigned to read an entire textbook front to back.  At first, I was a little disappointed to know each page would have to be read...but now that I can look back on this text, I really appreciated it and feel that I gained a better understanding of myself and others because of it.  I felt like the authors presented the material in a way that was easy to connect to, and I appreciated the many opportunities for reflection.

As I read through this final chapter, one section really resonated with me.  Corey & Corey (2008) suggest seeking counseling in times of transition or challenge.  In the text, they note that many individuals hesitate to seek counseling because of the stigma or feeling of not being able to handle something on one’s own.  This past year I considered seeing a counselor.  I wanted to make sure I was getting over things from the past and be able to forgive in a healthy way.  It got to the point where I researched my options of where to go, but never followed through.  I think the main reason I never ended up making that first appointment, was because I felt like if I did, it meant that I couldn’t handle something on my own.  I felt like going to counseling would mean I was weak or unstable.  I realize this all sounds totally crazy, because I am entering this profession encouraging others to seek counseling.  This section in the text was a reminder of what I already know deep down.  I know that counseling doesn’t make someone weak or incapable of doing things.  In fact, I know the positives of it, which is why I chose this path in the first place.  However, when it is you on the other side, it doesn’t seem as clear cut or easy to make that move.

I was surprised they ended the text with the section on dreams.  Dreams intrigue me and I wish I could remember more of mine.  The one thing I am excited to try is Corey & Corey’s (2008) suggestion to repeat, “I will have a dream tonight, and I will remember it.”  Dreams have the ability to reveal current struggles or future strivings.  This chapter has sparked an interest and I plan to look into this topic further this summer.

   

Corey, G. , & Corey, M.S. (2008). I never knew I had a choice: Explorations in personal growth (9th ed.). Belmont, California: Thompson Brooks/Cole. ISBN: 9780495602293.