I'm seriously considering getting an M.A. in Counseling Psychology

[Shine]

which is pretty ironic, considering my dad has been a therapist for over 30 yrs, my sister has her PhD in clinical psych, and my best friend is a therapist, too.

I NEVER thought I'd go down this path and yet here I am, actually considering the possibility for myself.....

I've had a lifetime of people and friends telling me I could be an excellent therapist, yet I always scoffed at the idea.

Funny how life unfolds.

Does anyone out there have an M.A. in Counseling Psychology? :shrug: Do you find your work fulfilling?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. My dear Shine...

I think you would be excellent at this.

I don't have a Masters in anything, but I know some psychologists (slightly different animal, I know) and they are very good at what they do, and they love it.

I think you should give this serious thought. I know you'd be good at it!

:hug:

[Shine]

3. Awww...thanks, Peggy!

:loveya: I can always count on you for love and friendship.

After being a stay-at-home mom for almost 15 yrs, this is a VERY big deal for me.

I've got all sorts of conflicting feelings, to be honest.

Not sure what I'm gonna do yet....

[Droopy]

2. I have a Ph.D. in patientology

:)

The only thing keeping me from pursuing a career in psychology is the cost. If you can afford it, go for the Ph.D. You will have a lot more freedom in your work and you will make a lot more money.

[Shine]

4. Well, you know what they say about PhD's....

Piled Higher and Deeper.... :rofl:

My sis got her PhD and hasn't done anything with it to date, mostly cuz she's got little ones at home right now and that's her focus.

She worked incredibly hard and long to get it, though.

I don't know if I'm THAT motivated.

A 2 yr commitment is a big enough deal. :hi:

[Midlodemocrat]

5. PhD in clinical adolescent and child psychology.

Practiced for about 12 years in CT. Not currently licensed. I found that adolescent psych therapy didn't exactly mesh with my babies' schedules and with Mr. traveling for his job, it wasn't going to work.

Might go back to it, though. I'd have to get licensed here, which frankly, I know nothing about.

[Shine]

6. That's cool, Midlo.

Yeah, the licensing procedure for CA involves 3000 hrs, on top of the M.A.

It's a big commitment.

[Road Scholar]

7. You go girl!

My wife went back and got her graduate degree when the kids were big enough to help out. It was sort've a family project.
I can't imagine anyone who loves life as much as you do, not going for the PhD.:applause: :applause: :applause: :applause: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :hi: :hi: :hi:
ps: She finished with a gpa of 4.0

[Shine]

9. Thank you, my friend.

:loveya: I really appreciate your support. :pals:

Wow, and congrats to your awesome wife! :thumbsup: I love how you said it was a "family project". Perfect.

Yes, that's what it would feel like on my end, too. It's a huge commitment and I'd definitely expect the kids to step up a bit more to make it work.

I don't know if I'm called to do the full PhD. It's enough to consider the Master's!

:hi:

[malta blue]

8. I think you would do great Shine!

Of course, I am of the belief that you would be successful at anything :loveya:

[Shine]

10. I'm working on my Personal Statement right now for the app process

Wow, it's an interesting process to do b/c it's helping me to clarify WHY, exactly, I want to do this.

Hmmm....

This morning I arranged for my transcripts to be sent to the school, so I've definitely gotten the ball rolling.

:scared: = :bounce:

I'm scared shitless AND totally excited!

[WinkyDink]

11. Follow your dream! You only live once.

[Shine]

13. Wise words, WinkyDink. Thanks!

:pals:

[skygazer]

12. Wow, that sounds like a great fit for you

You're such a compassionate person, but also very rational and level-headed - I can see you really succeeding in such a field. A profession in which you can have a strong positive impact on other people's lives is a wonderful thing.

I think it sounds like a great idea. :hi:

:pals:

[Shine]

14. Thanks, skygazer.

:loveya: I really appreciate your kind words. I think it could be a good match, too.

I know YOU know what a big deal it is to go back to school. How's everything going with that? Well, I hope. You were going for paralegal, if I recall....

:hug:

[skygazer]

18. School is going GREAT!

I am currently going for the paralegal certification but my ambitions have grown far beyond that and I now have made up my mind that I AM going to law school. Of course, I need to get my BA first so once I finish the AA and paralegal cert (I should graduate this coming spring) I plan on transferring to get my
BA in history.

After that, I'm going to law school one way or another. I have excellent grades (knock on wood, I've got a 4.0 going so far) and many professors who have offered to help in any way they can, with letters of reference etc. and I've scored very high on two sample LSAT's that I've taken. So there's no reason I can't make that dream a reality.

It is a big deal, and it feels marvelous.

:loveya:

[Shine]

20. Damn, girlfriend! That IS a big deal! Congrats and best wishes to you.

I have a B.A. in Politics from UCSC. I was originally gonna do the law school route, but my interests changed along the way.

:yourock:

[NV Whino]

15. No, no, no

You aren't fucked up enough to be a psychologist.

[Shine]

17. LOL! so how 'bout a psychotherapist, instead?

:rofl:

this program would be the first step towards moving in that direction.

After the M.A. then to get my official M.F.T. (Marriage Family Therapist)license, the state of CA requires 3000 hours of clinical work with clients, working under the auspices of another licensed therapist.

It's a long haul and a lotta work, bottom line.

[huskerlaw]

16. I think you would be an absolutely fabulous therapist.

Your friends are correct.

Go for it, Shine. We need more good therapists out there.

:hug:

[Shine]

19. Our own capacity for change is what a good therapist helps a client with.

Thanks for your kind words, huskerlaw. :hug: I appreciate them a lot.