Why I Choose Arts in Counseling Psychology

Arts Counseling is a field that is close to my personal history. I come from a single parent family. My mother was a hardworking and dedicated woman, who raised four children on a seamstress' salary. Each person has a unique set of circumstances and challenges to overcome, so like most people life was not easy for me. Yet my mother found time and found ways to make my life as enjoyable as possible. The attention we show children has a lasting and profound affect upon the kind of people they grow up to be. This is one aspect of my life that has contributed to my decision to apply to a masters program in the field of Arts Counseling.

Another experience that has influenced this decision is my internship experience in counseling with children. I find working with children to incredibly rewarding. Children do not often have the mastery of language to clearly articulate their emotions. Even as adults, there are some times and some moments where the words do not come or words do not adequately describe our feelings or do justice to the situation. As an intern, I gained a deeper understanding of the value of listening. Children need adults in their lives to listen to what they have to say. Children need people to listen to them because it validates their value and their existence. They know that the person or people who take time to listen to them appreciate and value their presence in their lives. Being listened to and being appreciated can go a very long way in the life of a child, especially a child in need of counseling services. My siblings and I always felt appreciated and valued by our mother and this experience must have made a deep impression upon me as it is a feeling and experience I would like to share with children I may encounter because of my studies and practice in Arts Counseling.

Counseling is often a sensitive subject for many people. People often feel ashamed or embarrassed for seeking counseling or attending counseling. I find pride in it because I feel that providing counseling services is a form of community service. Counseling is a vital service that keeps a community healthy and happy. If there was a different and more positive cultural stigma toward counseling, perhaps the overall health of the culture and country would see incredible improvement. Providing arts counseling service is a way that I serve my community that gives me great happiness and pride. We all contribute to the community in some way and pursuit of a an advanced degree in Arts Counseling is a step on my path to serve my community in the way that brings me the most satisfaction and joy.