In 'n Out of the Classroom

In: Classes have officially begun! Last semester, I took courses that were required for all first years in my program. The fall schedule is set for the purpose of making sure each student is provided a solid counseling foundation. The courses emphasize counseling skills and theory and how to apply what you learn to your practicum experience (yes, experiential learning starts first semester :D). Another benefit of a set first semester curriculum is the opportunity to take courses together as a cohort. My (wonderful!) cohort has really bonded as a result. This semester, I had more autonomy in choosing my courses which I was quite excited about! In case you're curious, here's my first year schedule:

Fall Semester
Counseling Interventions
Counseling Practicum (Part 1) + Seminar
Ethics in Counseling
Assessment in Counseling

Spring Semester
Sociocultural Foundations in Counseling
Group Counseling
Adolescent Development
Counseling Practicum (Part 2) + Seminar

There are many more course options available to counseling students. Be sure to check out the Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS) page on the Penn GSE website to see the full range of courses offered in our program!

Out: First year students in the CMHS program are required to do a counseling practicum at a school or mental health agency site in addition to coursework. It is an 8-hr/wk requirement for the year and, so far, I have found it to be a great learning and skill-building opportunity. I am currently doing my practicum at a high school in the Center City neighborhood of Philadelphia and have had the opportunity to run individual counseling sessions with students. Some of you may be concerned about the program requirement to start field work during the first semester of graduate studies. I remember being quite nervous about it myself. My first couple of sessions with students were pretty nerve-wrecking, but I quickly learned a significant amount from those experiences. I also knew that I wasn't in it alone. I am lucky to have a dedicated and caring supervisor at my site who constantly reminded me that she was there to support me whenever needed. The practical component has been the major contributor to my personal and professional growth in the program.

And before I forget, there will be an Applied Psychology and Human Development Division information session this Saturday! If you are interested in the following programs at GSE, you should definitely check it out!

-- Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development
-- Counseling and Mental Health Services
-- School and Mental Health Counseling 

Again, it is this Saturday, January 21st, from 10am-noon at the Terrace Room  in Claudia Cohen Hall (249 South 36th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104)! This will be a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you have! Faculty, current students, and program and admissions staff will be there to provide information about the various programs. If you haven't RSVPd, you can do so at http://bit.ly/y1ERGK.

Cohen Hall

 
-L