Professional Development
Skills I hope to gain from CAU
During this program, I hope to gain the educational background needed to be a proficient counselor, continue to advance my leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, and understand the different techniques used to help treat mental health problems. I would love to expand my knowledge of cognitive therapy and trauma-informed care. I hope to gain meaningful relationships that will develop a sense of camaraderie and partnership in my development in mental health counseling. I plan to apply the mission of culture for service and ensure that I uphold the standard of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of my academic and counseling career. During my time at Clark Atlanta University, I will have access to many excellent opportunities and resources to help me thrive as a counselor and advance the profession with my impact on my community.
Professional Counseling Organizations
During my matriculation at Clark Atlanta University, I hope to be elected to the Chi Sigma Iota honors society for counseling students. This organization will allow me to network with other future counselors and promote leadership, professionalism, and advocacy within counseling. I am also interested in joining the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA).
Professional Development Activities
I plan to attend conferences relating to the study of counseling, specifically for African Americans and young people. I am interested in learning ways in which I can help to mend the gap between mental health and the perception that these groups of people have towards counseling. I am aiming to get a deeper understanding of the study behind therapy and the significance of the effects of mental health in the world we see today. I am searching for a mentor in the field of mental health counseling that I can shadow, interview, and learn from to gain perspective within the field. I plan to conduct more mock sessions to build my comfort in a therapy session, and to achieve that; I plan to research different counseling workshops to develop my communication skills. I also would like to find workshops to attend that revolve around mental health concerns in African-American children.
Advocacy
I want to engage in advocacy and service activities that promote mental health awareness during and after the program. I am passionate about ending the stigma surrounding mental health. My main interest is volunteering at local community centers and shelters. I would love to serve meals to people experiencing homelessness, mentor children, and organize community events. I would love to speak on panels advocating for better mental health services in schools and community centers. I also would like to go back home to Chicago and talk to children from low-income neighborhoods about my challenges with mental health to help raise awareness and inspire others to take action. To show them that no matter how dark times may get, you can find the light at the end of the tunnel.
References
Gladding, S. T. (2018). Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession (8th ed.). Pearson Education.​​
10 Professional counseling organizations Every counselor should know about. (2001, May 29). William & Mary Education. https://counseling.education.wm.edu/blog/10-professional-counseling-organizations-to-know
Contact Me
For any questions and concerns you have, please contact me at:
Sharr Samuels, Counselor In Training
223 James P. Brawley Dr Sw,
Atlanta Georgia, 30314
123-456-7890