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Effective Guide: Personal Statement for Mental Health Counseling

Table of Contents

A personal statement is a reflection of a person’s life and experiences. A personal statement for mental health counseling should be no different. It showcases your skills, values, and motivations while providing insight into your thinking process.

This document highlights why you are interested in becoming a mental health counselor. This document can also give potential employers an idea of the type of individual they could be working with. As a result, it may increase their interest in interviewing you.

This article provides an effective example of a personal statement for mental health counseling. It also offers tips to help you draft one that draws the reader’s attention.

What Is a Personal Statement for Mental Health Counseling?

A personal statement for mental health counseling is a document to set out your reasons and qualifications for wanting to become a counselor. This document can provide admission committees with insights into an applicant’s motivations, experience, and professional goals . A well-crafted statement can be instrumental in helping an individual secure admission into a graduate program in counseling.

How Do You Write a Mental Health Personal Statement?

A personal statement focuses on the purposes of your mental health counseling skills, academic and experience background, and how they relate. It also highlights your career goals that are related to mental health counseling. When writing your personal statement for mental health counseling, keep the following tips in mind:

Be As Specific As Possible

Think about what has led you to want to become a counselor. Highlight why you are interested in working with people who experience mental health challenges. Be specific!

Highlight Your Experiences

Focus on your experiences (both academic and professional) that have prepared you to work with this population. What did you learn from these experiences? How did they help shape your understanding of mental health?

Provide Real-Life Examples

Use concrete examples from your own life to illustrate how you have been affected by or interacted with people who experience mental illness. This will help convey that you understand firsthand the struggles faced by those living with a mental illness.

Keep Your Tone Polite and Non-Judgmental

Make sure your tone is respectful and compassionate throughout the entire statement. Mental health can be sensitive, so it’s essential to come across as supportive and non-judgmental.

A white paper with the text

Personal Statement Example for Mental Health Counseling

Below are two examples of a mental health counseling personal statement that you can use to write your own:

I have always been passionate and eager to learn more about mental health counseling. Having experienced depression and anxiety first-hand, I understand the importance of seeking professional help. I believe in utilizing evidence-based practices to help individuals cope with mental health challenges.

My interest in mental health counseling began while I was an undergraduate at UCLA. I took a course on abnormal psychology there, which sparked my curiosity about how people experience mental illness. In addition to pursuing my education in psychology, I have also gained extensive experience working with diverse populations within clinical settings. I worked in outpatient clinics and schools in the inner city of Los Angeles area communities where resources are scarce. This hands-on clinical training and my academic background uniquely prepare me for a career in mental health counseling.

Beyond possessing the necessary skill set, what drives me to pursue this field is the privilege it affords me to connect with others. It helps me build trusting relationships that can foster change down the road. It’s incredibly fulfilling for me to see clients make progress and reach their goals. It might be overcoming major life transitions or managing chronic conditions like depression or anxiety disorders.

After years of exploring options, it became evident that becoming certified as a counselor would allow me to provide personalized care using my skills. As I study at [university name], I hope to use the knowledge I have accumulated over the years to better understand mental health counseling. I picked this path to realize a lifelong dream of mine: being one of the top mental health counselors.

I would like to pursue a Master’s degree in Counseling at [University Name] with an emphasis on Mental Health. I firmly believe that counseling is one of the most effective ways to help people struggling with mental health issues.

My interest in this field began during my undergraduate studies. I had the opportunity to work as a research assistant for a professor who studied schizophrenia. This experience gave me valuable insight into the different aspects of mental illness and how they impact patients and their families. It was also during this time that I realized how passionate I am about helping people with these kinds of challenges.

In addition to my academic background, I have extensive experience working directly with clients suffering from various mental illnesses. For years, I worked as a case manager for an organization that provides support services to mentally ill adults living independently in the community. In this role, I was responsible for assessing each client’s needs and developing individualized care plans accordingly. In many cases, this involved providing counseling services myself.

I feel confident that my skills and experiences make me well-suited for a career in mental health counseling. But even more importantly, I am passionate about providing significant assistance to those suffering from mental illness. And I eagerly wish to pursue a Master’s degree in Mental health counseling at [University Name] to be more competent in the field.

To get your spot in a coveted counseling program or job, you need to write an effective personal statement in the application process. This article provides valuable tips and examples to help you craft a personal statement that impresses the admission committee.

Effective Guide: Personal Statement for Mental Health Counseling

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Sample Counseling Psychology Personal Statement (NYU Steinhardt)

personal statement mental health counseling

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program at NYU Steinhardt School in Counseling Psychology. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in Counseling Psychology should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in Counseling Psychology

Growing up in Poland, I had internalized the stigma attached to Psychology and Psychotherapy. I was famous in my circle of friends as “the understanding one,” but I had developed a bitter taste for formally studying Psychology. Therefore, I opted for a more socially acceptable high school major – Computer Science.

But I wanted to learn about human behavior. Turning my back on the subject of my intellectual curiosity alienated me from myself. As expected, I scored miserably in high school. However, I did not give up just yet and went on to enroll in an IT program at the University of Warsaw.

Despite trying to ignite a passion for the discipline, I was inevitably headed toward disaster. A day before my first-year exams, I stared dispassionately at my book. I felt helpless and broke down into tears. At that moment, I realized I needed help from a mental health professional.

But I didn’t seek help because of two reasons. Firstly, hearing that only the crazy go for psychotherapy all my life, I could not muster the courage to deal with that label. Secondly, I only knew of Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and I did not want to be diagnosed or medicated.

Then I mustered the courage to cross the inner hurdles that kept me from studying Psychology. I wanted to gain insights into my emotional imbalances and tried to help myself by learning to help others. After that, I convinced my parents and changed my undergraduate central to Psychology.

This opened new doors that led me to a journey of growth and self-discovery. I met some wonderful people and began excelling in my studies. I was unanimously voted as the class representative in my second semester. Improved psychosocial support and self-efficacy began to work magic on my sense of self-worth.

Experiencing a shift from clutter to clarity, I felt a newfound affiliation with those in need. I heard about  Chayn  Poland through social media and started volunteering for it. While working at  Chayn , I was a part of an online community that created a resource portal to inform and help victims of domestic violence in Poland. It was an excellent opportunity to transmit the knowledge of the psychological aftermath of abuse to those who could benefit from it. I’m channeling the same spirit at my current job at  Social Welfare, Academics, and Training for Poland . Lending my hand in research about the psychological impact of militancy and war on the youth of Ukraine allows me to play my role in helping those in need.

Through my introduction to counseling and the humanistic model in my  Perspectives in Psychology  class, I saw the framework I could use to pursue the field of Psychology. Moreover, I realized that the humanistic school stood for the same values I had innately developed – holism; the importance of an individual’s experience, and the belief that all humans have an actualizing tendency.

Coincidentally, one of my close friends had joined a certificate course in  Humanistic Counseling  at Therapy Mission, Warsaw. I enrolled in the next session to test my interest in the subject. As part of the course, I completed 85 hours of group therapy and an equal number of lectures. I learned basic counseling skills, person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and transactional analysis. Being in the group was truly transformational. As group therapy generally does, the group started to represent my unconscious perception of the world for me. Some of my group members represented specific figures from the past who I had unresolved issues with. I had the privilege of working on those issues through hot-seat exercises and psychodrama enactments. Being heard changed my relationship with myself. I learned to nurture myself and develop an inner resource, which would help me cope with future distresses more intelligently. I’m currently enrolled in a diploma in  Integrated Counseling .

Stepping out of my comfort zone gave me the strength to explore further. Hence, last summer, I decided to go to Kenya for an internship through AIESEC at  Living Positive Kenya . Among other experiences, the training allowed me to practice the skills I had acquired at Therapy Mission. I facilitated a psychosocial support group of women who had HIV/AIDS. My primary strategy was to create a safe space for women to express themselves. In that space, a woman could express her thoughts, and the group would provide her unconditional presence. Though the feedback was encouraging, I realized I needed more advanced training to deal with similar issues back home. I based my conclusion on the general resistance with which the idea of therapy is met in Poland.

My strength is that I come from a place where people are skeptical about counseling. However, I understand Poland’s dire need for counseling and have experienced its value first-hand. Therefore, I want to reach out and counsel as many people as possible. Having crawled from a pit of emotional darkness towards light puts me in the position to hold someone’s hand while they do the same. Now, all I need is extra muscle.

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Counselling Personal Statement Examples

Looking for inspiration for your counselling personal statement ? Check out our collection of counselling personal statement examples to get a better idea of what to include and how to structure your statement. 

Counselling Personal Statement

With over 10 years of experience as a counsellor, I believe I am an ideal candidate for a Master’s in Counseling. I am a mature and compassionate counsellor with solid communication skills and a proven track record of helping clients navigate challenges and find resolve.

I want to pursue a Master’s to enhance my knowledge and skills and provide an even higher level of care. The programme will allow me to expand my repertoire of methods and problem-solving skills to better serve clients. The field of counselling is constantly evolving, and continuing education helps ensure I am utilizing the latest research and techniques.

I look forward to exchanging knowledge with peers and conducting research to strengthen my practice.

Through work with adult, elderly and mental health clients, I have developed expertise in areas like risk assessment, treatment planning, and progress reviews. I have a strong foundation as a caring and supportive counsellor and aim to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I welcome the opportunity to have my skills challenged and strengthened through practical experience in the programme.

I am an enthusiastic, diligent and motivated counsellor dedicated to helping each client achieve success. While the work can be complicated, I have the empathy, active listening skills and adaptability required to understand and convey even complex needs. I tailor my communication to meet the needs of each client and to collaborate with external partners like housing services or emergency responders.

My Muslim and ability to speak Spanish, Hindi and Punjabi allow me to provide culturally sensitive support to clients from various backgrounds. I believe an effective counsellor must commit to constant learning and development. A postgraduate degree in Counseling will provide the knowledge and competence I need to guide clients through difficult situations and choices.

I have a proven track record, relevant experience, and dedication to becoming an even stronger counsellor. I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to the opportunity to advance my education through your programme.

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Counselling Personal Statement Example

I have always had the desire to understand human thoughts, feelings and behaviour. I am driven to answer not just why people act in certain ways but also how they can improve their situations and mental well-being. I aspire to become a therapist or counsellor, helping people overcome challenges and live happier lives. I believe an undergraduate degree in psychology or counselling would provide the necessary foundation, which I would then build upon through a Master’s in Counseling and Psychotherapy.

Through volunteering, I have seen both the psychological impacts of disabilities as well as the benefits of therapeutic activities. At a riding centre for disabled children, I witnessed the fear and anxiety experienced by both children and parents in their daily lives. However, I also saw the joy the children felt while doing horsemanship, an activity that allowed them to express themselves as freely as able-bodied children.

During my time shadowing a health visitor, I witnessed firsthand the emotional toll that postnatal depression and societal stigma can take on new mothers. I aim to help people overcome conditions that inhibit well-being and healthy relationships. My experience with equine therapy has helped me strengthen my skills in interpreting behaviour and finding solutions, which would serve me well as a counsellor.

I have studied sociology at the GCSE and A-level, gaining valuable skills in analyzing people and societies. However, this has inspired me to study individuals in more depth through psychology and psychotherapy . My coursework in sociology, English literature and history has also allowed me to strengthen my skills in essay writing, analysis and structuring arguments.

I believe I would excel in this program due to my ability to show both compassion and critical thinking on a subject about which I am passionate. While some may question why anyone would choose a career surrounded by distress, I see it as an opportunity to create positive change where it is needed most. Misery can only be overcome by facing it, and I appreciate the chance to do so as a counsellor.

With my relevant experience, skills and drive to become an effective therapist or counsellor. I appreciate your consideration of my application and look forward to the opportunity to advance my education in psychology and counselling through your program. 

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Dr. Joseph H. Hammer

Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology

Personal Statement of Purpose for Counseling Psychology PhD and PsyD Applications

All counseling psychology doctoral (PhD or PsyD) programs require applicants to submit one or more written essays about why the applicant is interested in and qualified to enter that graduate program.

Each program calls these essays by different names, including “Personal Statement”, “Statement of Interest”, “Statement of Purpose”, “Statement of Professional Goals”, “Career Goals Statement”, “Personal Essay”, and various combinations of those terms. Programs may have you write a single statement or multiple statements (e.g., Personal Statement plus a Diversity Statement).

Writing a good statement is one of the hardest parts of applying to counseling or clinical psychology graduate programs.

One of the things that makes it hard to apply is the ambiguity and mystery that surrounds statements: what should I talk about? How long should it be? Do I talk about my experiences and interests in research, applied psychology (e.g., helping others by being a supportive listener), working with diverse groups of people, or what?

To help prospective applicants to counseling psychology doctoral programs, members of the HAMMER Lab analyzed what programs told applicants they should write about in their statement.

Check out our Counseling Psychology PhD and PsyD Personal Statement of Purpose Questions google spreadsheet to see the detailed analysis. See the bottom of this page for how we went about collecting data.

Before we review the take-home points of our analysis below, a brief reminder: be sure to check out my other  Psych Grad School  resources using the menu above, such as  Graduate School Advice ,  Counseling Psychology Faculty Research Interests List ,  Best Doctoral Programs in Counseling Psychology , and  What the Ideal Graduate School Applicant Looks Like .  I also recommend completing the  Mental Health Professions Career Test , which will give you interest scores on 21 different mental health occupations, including counseling psychology and clinical psychology.

Take-Home Points

Below are the key results from our analysis, the take-home points that every applicant should keep in mind:

  • Most programs provide provide a suggested or required statement page or word length in their instructions. The most common request is 2-3 single-spaced pages . On the shorter end, some programs restrict applicants to 500 words maximum.
  • 90% of the counseling psychology doctoral programs we sampled (N=50) instruct applicants to talk about their professional goals and career aspirations. In other words, no matter what programs you apply to, you should discuss this in your statement. Specifically, you should talk about your professional goals and how getting the specific doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) at that specific program (given the unique strengths and opportunities afforded by that program) will facilitate these goals.
  • 52% instruct applicants to talk about their background and relevant experiences but may not clearly specify the type of experiences the applicants should discuss. (Many programs do specify the type of experience to talk about; see bullet points below.) As a rule of thumb, when applying to PhD programs, you should be ready to discuss research, applied (i.e., helping, listening, counseling, clinical), and multicultural experiences. When applying to PsyD programs, you should prioritize discussing applied and multicultural experiences (you can mention research too, especially if that program specifically requests it).
  • 52% instruct applicants to clearly indicate why they want a counseling psychology doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) specifically. In other words, why not a clinical psychology degree, counseling psychology master’s degree, or a master’s in social work degree instead? Some PhD programs often want to know why you are specifically interested in the PhD instead of a PsyD (and vice versa). Even when a program does not ask you to address this specifically, I recommend always discussing how that particular degree will help you work toward your career goals.
  • 59% of PhD programs (13% of PsyD program) instruct applicants to talk about why they are interested in that program specifically (versus similar programs at other institutions across the country). As a faculty member at University of Kentucky’s counseling psychology PhD program, I understand that people who apply to our program are also applying to other programs. (I always advise students to apply to 7 to 10 programs across the country that fit their professional goals, since getting into a given doctoral program is hard and you need to apply to multiple programs to maximize your chances of being offered admission.) However, even if an applicants is applying elsewhere, I still want to know “why us?”. I want to know that the applicant has carefully considered the strengths and opportunities that our program has to offer and has applied because of those unique attributes. If an applicant does not mention specific aspects of our program, then I don’t know if they are truly interested in our program or are just treating us as a “safety school” or “backup plan”. Since finding the right graduate program is more about “fit” between applicant and program rather than “being the best applicant”, I want to hear how the applicant sees themselves uniquely fitting with our program. Thus, even when not asked explicitly to address this, I recommend always discussing what attracts you to that particular program.
  • 41% of PhD programs (13% of PsyD programs) instruct applicants to talk about their research interests. This serves two purposes. First, because PhD programs train students to be both scientists and practitioners (and some also train people to be advocates), the doctoral admissions committee want to see that a student has thoughtful research interests (not too broad, not too specific, and sufficiently flexible given that students are still early in their professional development) and is serious about wanting to get additional research training as a doctoral student. Second, some PhD programs prefer to admit students whose research interests overlap with the research interests of one or more program faculty members. More on that in the next bullet point. I recommend always discussing your research interests when applying to PhD programs even if not explicitly asked to do so by the program’s application instructions.
  • 27% of PhD programs (0% of PsyD programs) instruct applicants to talk about how their research interests fit with the research interests of specific program faculty members. These programs tend to use an “apprenticeship model of research mentorship”, meaning that doctoral students apply to work under a specific core faculty member in that program, who will work closely with them to train them in the theories and techniques used to do research on the topics of interest to that faculty member. The expectation usually is that the student will help that professor out with the professor’s program of research while the student is enrolled in the program (and that the professor will help the student start to build the student’s own line of research, which will usually be topically related to the professor’s line of research). Therefore, programs that use this apprenticeship model often value selecting an applicant for admission based, not only on that student’s fit with the wider program, but on how well that student fits with a particular professor’s research team. Our counseling psychology PhD program at the University of Kentucky uses this apprenticeship model and this is why we explicitly ask all applicants to pick one (two at the most) professors with whom they could fit research-interest-wise. However, while only 24% of programs explicitly instructed applicants to address research fit with a professor, some programs implicitly expect you to address this . This is part of the “hidden curriculum” of graduate school–sometimes people expect you to know certain things, but you won’t unless you have a mentor who clues you in to this insider knowledge (or you happened to read it on the internet or a how-to guide). The tricky part is that you won’t always know if a given program wants you to talk about research fit with a professor. When the program’s website or application instructions does not provide clear guidance, I recommend that you make a case in your statement for how your research interests fit well with the research interests of one (maybe 2) of the professors in that program. Bear in mind that some programs do not use an apprenticeship model and instead select students based on overall fit with the program rather than research fit (they will often make this clear on their website/instructions), in which case you don’t have to spend time in your statement articulating research fit.
  • 24% of PhD programs (13% of PsyD programs) instruct applicants to talk about their research experiences and qualifications. Even if a given PhD program does not explicitly request this information, you should always talk about this, as it’s an implicit expectation. However, make sure you are not just restating the information you listed under the “research experiences” section of your CV.
  • 16% instruct applicants to talk about their past experiences with diverse people or cultures. However, even when a program does not explicit ask for this, I do recommend that you talk about this when discussing past research/applied/professional experiences. My anecdotal experience suggests that most programs like to see evidence in your application that you have experience working and/or living alongside people who share both cultural similarities and differences from you in terms of race/ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, (dis)ability, religion, etc. However, because some people grew up in culturally homogeneous places (surrounded by people with similar cultural identities), what’s even more important than past experience with diversity is a genuine desire moving forward to (1) learn about yourself as a cultural being with multiple identities that may carry privilege and marginalization, (2) learn to work productively with colleagues and clients who are both similar and different from yourself, and (3) learn about how interlocking systems of power influence your life and the lives of others (e.g., racism, sexism).
  • 16% instruct applicants to talk about their interests, beliefs, aspirations, and/or contributions to social justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, etc. This is related but different from the “past experiences with diversity” aspect mentioned above. These pieces go beyond past experience and capture what you value and how you (plan to) contribute to making the world a more just place. This is increasingly at the heart of counseling psychology as a specialty. As with the prior bullet point, even though a minority of programs explicitly instruct applicants to address this in their statement, my anecdotal experience is that most programs want to see you incorporate this into how you talk about your experiences and goals related to both research and practice.
  • 26% instruct applicants to talk about their past applied (i.e., helping, listening, counseling, clinical) experience. All counseling psychology doctoral programs train their graduate students to be talk therapists, which requires being a good listener, showing empathy, problem solving abilities, a willingness to tolerate ambiguity, an openness to both positive and constructive feedback, and demonstrating cultural humility and sensitivity. To determine which applicants show promise as future psychotherapists and would therefore be suitable for admission into the doctoral program, one thing we consider is your past applied experience. Faculty want to see that you have (1) some practice with basic helping skills, (2) at least one letter of recommendation from a supervisor of one of your helping experiences that states that your helping skills are good and that you show promise as a future talk therapist, and (3) a clear track record of wanting to further develop your helping skills by seeking out relevant opportunities. Talking about your past applied experience in your statement is one way we can gather evidence about #1 and #3.
  • 25% of PsyD programs (6% of PhD programs) instruct applicants to talk about their theoretical orientation, their understanding of mental illness, and/or their understanding of how people heal and change. An applicant’s answer to these questions can provide hints to faculty about how sophisticated that applicant’s clinical abilities may be. These are hard questions to answer well without having taken graduate-level therapy coursework, and more sophistication will be expected of applicants who would be joining the doctoral program after having completed a talk-therapy-related master’s degree than would be expected of applicants who joined the doctoral program after having completed only a bachelor’s degree. Most programs do not ask about this topic and there is not an implicit expectation on behalf of programs that you address this in your statement.
  • 16% instruct applicants to talk about their professional strengths and/or weaknesses. Most programs do not ask about this topic and there is not an implicit expectation on behalf of programs that you address this in your statement. For those programs that do, remember that you need to strike a balance between “selling yourself” appropriately in terms of strengths and not sounding arrogant when doing so. Likewise, some weaknesses are going to be socially acceptable (e.g., typical areas of growth for new graduate students like managing mild perfectionism) whereas others will cast a shadow on your application (e.g., poor interpersonal skills, cultural insensitivity, difficulty with time management, difficult with autonomous functioning), even if they are true. While you might not need to talk about strengths and weaknesses in your statement, it’s likely you’ll have to talk about this during interviews, so make sure to put some thought into this before going on interviews.
  • 38% of PsyD programs (10% of PhD programs) instruct applicants to address how the program will benefit them. This question is a combined way of asking the 3 questions of “What are your professional goals?” and “Why do you want a _____ degree specifically” and “Why are you interested in our program specifically?”. Regardless of whether a program explicitly asks this or not, there is an implicit expectation that your statement always address how your completing this chosen program will bring you closer to achieving your career goals.

In regard to our data collection strategy, our team used APA’s list of accredited counseling psychology doctoral programs (both PhD and PsyD, both counseling psychology and “combined” programs, N=84 at the time of data collection in September of 2019). We navigated to each program’s “how to apply” page to look at what instructions they provided regarding what the student should talk about in their statement(s). We copied and pasted this information into in the Counseling Psychology PhD and PsyD Personal Statement of Purpose Questions google spreadsheet. You’ll notice that we de-identified what instructions come from which program, as the point of this analysis is to get an overall snapshot, rather than to learn about a specific program (you’ll want to see the program website for that info). Some programs did not provide this information on their website but required applicants to create an account in the application portal in order to access the instructions; for our purposes, we did not include these programs in the analysis. Thus, readers should bear in mind that our analysis is based on a subset of programs that is not guaranteed to be representative of all programs. Our final sample was N=50, of which n=42 were PhDs and n=8 were PsyDs. We analyzed the set of instructions to look for topical themes (e.g., career goals), which we then coded for across programs so that counts and percentages could be created. We also calculated descriptive statistics broken down by program type (PhD vs PsyD).

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Counselling psychology personal statement example.

As I sit here at my desk, trying to figure out how to write a brilliant essay to be better recognized throughout this application process, I have come to realise that this is what life is about.

We are all given a blank sheet in the beginning. What we choose to put on this blank sheet determines our outcome. The life experiences that have “filled my pages” have shaped me into who I am today. My endurance of difficult times and my willingness to persevere in the face of obstacles makes me unique.

I come from a single parent home. My parents have been divorced since I was two years old. My father stepped in when he had to throughout my childhood, but it was my mother who raised me.

I remember numerous days living in one room, wondering “How long life will be like this?” and “Why does everyone else have a completed family and living in one area?”. All while my mother and I moved to numerous locations in an attempt to survive in the face of divorce.

During this time, I attended an elementary school where I was placed in a special education program. Teachers and rest of the staff told my mother that I had a learning disability and my knowledge capacity was limited. She never believed them. My mother believed that I was capable of doing anything. She never gave up on me. She believed in me.

As soon as I was given an opportunity in the main stream I never looked back. I set out to prove those who doubted me wrong with every chance I was given. And now, I am able to say that I will be a college graduate in six months. It is both a personal triumph as well as for my family.

When I first entered the university setting after community college I had a rough time at first. It was my first time being away from home.

Additionally, there were many family issues occurring at the time. As such, my marks did not reflect my full potential. But as my transcript shows, my grades steadily improved every semester and will continue to do so on a graduate level if allowed to continue.

I have a diverse ethnic background. This enables an understanding my part regarding the social issues that are so pertinent today. I am part El Salvadorian and part Irish.

The community that I am from on Long Island, New York, was extremely diverse and full of people from different social classes. Having many diverse groups in one community paves the way for discrimination, which I unfortunately experienced in my childhood. However, because of my background, I have a much needed perspective.

I have a deep understanding of discrimination as well as an interest in learning more about racism and how it has developed. I am hoping to work with families of different ethnic backgrounds because I feel my past experiences and my college education have helped me to understand the challenges that minorities face, and a great understanding of how a culture affects a way of life along with family values.

I am also extremely family oriented. I utilised these skills during the difficult times of my own childhood when they were desperately needed. Divorce is a family issue. I want to extend help to families in similar situations.

I believe I am right for the Counseling/Psychology field. I believe that my life experiences have given me the compassion needed. I am passionate to help people. I know I can make a difference if given the chance.

Syracuse University is clearly the place to start. The “Family and Marriage Therapy Program” at Syracuse University will help me to pursue my dream.

I know this is a great institution full of great faculty that will provide me the tools I need to pursue such a career. As this Marriage Family and Marriage Therapy Program” is recognised as a culturally sensitive therapy, there is a great connection between what is offered and what I would like to accomplish with my education and career.

My overall goal is to pursue a PhD after completing the Master Program. I hope to one day open my own psychology practice.

I know if given the chance I can achieve much and help many.

All I need is for someone to believe. I won't let you down.

Profile info

This personal statement was written by esjojo23 for application in 2008.

esjojo23's Comments

just looking for some feedback.

This personal statement is unrated

Related Personal Statements

Sun, 13/01/2008 - 14:08

Very personal. i thought it was quite good though, i believed all u said was genuine. Did You get in?

Great job.... but also

Sat, 26/01/2008 - 03:50

Great job.... but also wondering did you get in?

Heartfelt statement

Fri, 28/03/2008 - 23:24

I think you did a great job. Your were honest, as everyone should be but yet it did not come off as if you were laying it on thick. So did they at least contact you for an interview?

a little self pitying and (i

Tue, 12/08/2008 - 14:40

a little self pitying and (i know it's a personal statement) but this i felt this was too personal. but at least it's original! i hope you are doing the course you wanted and are enjoying Uni life

Sat, 25/10/2008 - 11:53

I'd take you in if i'm the admission tutor. Your PS is genuine and it shows you have deep interest in the course.

Tue, 16/12/2008 - 18:33

After reading your personal statement i feel more inspired. Your statement was very inspirational and has helped me get through tryin to write my own for couselling. I hope u reach where u would like 2b when in the future because u deserve it.

God Bless U XX

I thought that the opening

Tue, 08/09/2009 - 21:40

I thought that the opening was pretty good although it sounded like it belonged more in a philosophy statement. Maybe you should study philosophy instead.

Tue, 23/07/2013 - 22:29

I think this is a real great article post.Really thank you! Fantastic.

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What to include in a Personal Statement

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Personal Statement Tips

Personal statement example psychotherapy and counselling: practices and principles personal statement.

Submitted by Chloe

Psychotherapy and Counselling: Practices and Principles Personal Statement

I have always desired to understand feelings, behaviour and the human mind; always been driven toward solving the questions that start with why. However, after leading many spontaneous counselling sessions with friends, witnessing the empowering feeling it brings to simply aid someone find a way forward, instead, I also became driven toward solving the questions that start with how. I would deem it a privilege to take the time with someone to answer how they can move forward from their situation and how they can deal with whatever hand life has dealt them, as well as being able to diagnose any conditions before initiating treatment. All of these feelings have led me to aspire toward the rewarding career path of becoming a therapist or counsellor and I believe this degree would lay down the foundations I would need for this to happen. Following on from this, I would strive towards a Master’s degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy to get closer to my chosen career and enhance my undergraduate skills.

Upon volunteering with Scropton Riding for the Disabled Centre, I was able to witness the psychological impacts living with disabilities had, such as the extra sense of fear implemented in everything both the children and parents did. But on the other hand, I saw the psychological benefits the horsemanship brought to the children, even just for a small time, as they were able to express their enjoyment for an activity the same as an able-bodied child simply through laughter and smiling. As well as this, I have also participated in shadowing a health visitor, in this I saw new mothers suffering from postnatal depression but also struggling to understand the normality of this condition. From studying sociology I learnt society places many stigmas upon psychological conditions such as postnatal depression through a lack of understanding about it; I was able to apply this knowledge and analysis when observing how the mothers suffering deemed themselves as inadequate. All of this experience inspired me further toward working to help people overcome psychological conditions which inhibit their way of life and relationships with those around them. I have recently begun learning about “Straightness training” with my own horse; this is used to enhance an understanding of the psychology behind why horses act a certain way and help to find solutions. This has enabled me to witness an alternative approach to interpreting behaviour, but in a way in which the participant is not able to communicate or explain through speech. Because of this, I have been able to further develop skills in observing feelings and emotions, which I feel would greatly benefit me when doing so with humans in counselling practice.

I have studied sociology at both GCSE and A-level and from this, I have learnt invaluable skills in analysis of society as a whole, however, this has only motivated me more to learn about the individuals that make up this society. I feel studying about psychology or psychotherapy would allow me to do this through understanding not only different conditions but also the motives behind people’s actions. I have also developed the skill of being able to use studies made by sociologists in my essay writing. My essay writing skills and structuring have also developed through A-Level English Literature, as well as my analysis skills developed further through A-Level history.

I feel I would be most suitable for this course as I am able to display compassion and sympathy but also critical thinking toward a subject I am greatly passionate about. Many people wonder why someone would choose to work in an environment infiltrated with misery; however, I have reached the realisation that the ever-changing world we live in is indisputable and as opposed to dwelling on the unfortunate events, it is essential that focus is placed upon the recovery. Quite simply, I believe the perfect opportunity to make any positive change is only granted through being surrounded by what was once misery.

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Glenn Geher Ph.D.

Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

Keep your writing straightforward and honest..

Posted October 16, 2019

PublicCo / Pixabay

Here are some situations that require writing a personal statement:

  • Applying to college
  • Applying to special camps or programs
  • Applying to graduate school, law school, or medical school
  • Applying to an internship program
  • Applying for a job
  • Applying for a promotion
  • … and more!

Like it or not, you’ll be writing personal statements (sometimes referred to as a "statement of purpose") pretty much throughout your adult life. I bet that some retirement communities may even require personal statements in their application process!

As a college professor for over two decades, I’ve advised and edited hundreds—even thousands—of personal statements for students. I take this work seriously, as I know how these statements have the capacity to make or break an application.

Based on this experience (see my new book Own Your Psychology Major! A Guide to Student Success ), below are some tips for making your personal statement sing, along with some classic no-nos in the process.

Tips for Making Your Personal Statement Sing

First and foremost, realize this: A large but often-unstated purpose of this statement-of-purpose assignment is to allow folks to get a sense of your writing skills. Keep this point in mind the whole while. Here are some other tips:

1. Keep it short! Students often develop this idea that the longer their paper is, the better. As my mom would say, the opposite! All things being equal, you should use as few words as possible in trying to make your point. Think about the points you are trying to make and then make those points.

Efforts to add fluff are always pretty obvious. Further, the people reading your application may have dozens or even hundreds of applications to sift through. Do them a favor by keeping it short!

2. Avoid the big-word trap. Sometimes, students feel a need to use all kinds of fancy, multi-syllabic words in their writing. Try to avoid this trap at all costs! All things being equal, I suggest this approach: Write exactly as you speak (minus slang and, of course, any profanity!).

Sure, you may use some fancy words every now and again in your speech. But speech is all about communication—trying to get someone else to understand something. Writing is no different. Big words used for the sake of using big words are not doing anyone any favors.

3. Follow the guidelines. Whatever the details of the particular application process, know that there are going to be specific guidelines. This all may pertain to word count, specific questions that you are asked to address, etc.

Here is the simplest possible suggestion I can give you: Read those guidelines and follow them 100 percent in every single way. Doing so will make sure that you make it into the pile of applications to be even considered.

4. Proofread your work. Imagine this scenario: You are applying to a job at Southeast State University. After you have submitted the application, you reread your cover letter. Check it out:

“… I am thrilled to be considered for this position at Southeast State University. …. In conclusion, let me say that I am excited about this opportunity at Fresno Institute of Technology. …”

Given that you are applying to multiple positions and/or programs, it is very likely that you are writing statements that are “tailored” for each particular position and program. That is fine and is typical. But the second that you write the name of the incorrect institution in your letter due to a lack of detailed proofreading, you might as well be throwing your application into the recycling bin. Proofread your letter carefully before sending it.

5. Have an “expert” look things over. When I was a senior in college, I recall my advisor, the formidable Dr. Gwen Gustafson of the Psychology Department at UCONN, suggesting that I bring a draft of my personal statement for her to look over before applying to Ph.D. programs. So I did.

I was surprised by how much red ink she put on my paper. But I was also grateful . And I also learned a lot. Every suggestion that she had made sense. And, at the end of the day, I took those suggestions, worked hard, and got into a great Ph.D. program in psychology that shaped the rest of my life in positive ways.

Your professors and mentors have sat on admissions and hiring committees for years. Use their wisdom to your advantage. And pay things forward when you are older and wiser.

Personal Statement No-No’s

1. Don’t overemphasize personal details. A letter that focuses on your own personal traumas and history will only go so far. Sure, it is often the case that someone has a significant personal event or history that is influential in shaping his or her interests. Myself included.

personal statement mental health counseling

But letters that over-emphasize one’s own adversities lose a bit when it comes to getting members of a committee to see the applicant in a professional setting. Sure, you may have baggage. And it may well ultimately have come to shape you in a positive manner. But unless the guidelines of the letter are asking about that in particular, don’t make that your headline.

2. Remember that you are not texting your friend. Be professional in your statement of purpose. Don’t use emojis. Don’t use acronyms. Use your most professional and respectful writing and communication skills. You can send all kinds of silly texts to the group chat about it after you’ve been accepted...

3. Seem like you care about them. A statement of purpose, or a personal statement, is largely about you. But the last thing you want to come across as is unempathetic and disinterested in the organization and/or program that you are applying to.

If you are applying to the master’s program in mental health counseling at Western State College, learn about who they are. Care about who they are. And include something in your statement which demonstrates that you both know about them and care about who they are.

Bottom Line

Modern professional life these days includes writing personal statements/essays at various junctions. Pretty much forever. Don’t be daunted by this task. You should be proud of who you are and capable of describing yourself, your interests, and your goals in a clear, engaging, and powerful manner.

Write from your heart. Follow the guidelines. And follow the common-sense suggestions here. You’ll go far.

Geher, G. (2019). Own Your Psychology Major! A Guide to Student Success. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Glenn Geher Ph.D.

Glenn Geher, Ph.D. , is professor of psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz. He is founding director of the campus’ Evolutionary Studies (EvoS) program.

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Personal Statements

students editing assignment

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is a professional essay that outlines your interest for the field, relevant experiences, career goals, and fit to the program and or faculty member in which you are applying. Psychology and Psychological Sciences majors apply for a myriad of applied-masters, doctoral, and professional programs. The following tips will help you get started in addition to the supplemental articles from the APA. Students who are looking for a course that breaks down all of the steps in applying to graduate school (including writing your Personal Statement) should consider taking PSY 396C , Preparation for Graduate Programs in the Field of Psychology. This course is recommended Fall of junior year.

General Tips for any Personal Statement

  • Follow the directions and answer any questions or prompts provided by your programs.
  • Your Introductory Paragraph should share what ignited your passion or interest for the field (NOT TOO PERSONAL).
  • Give details, include names of agencies, labs, and or faculty to help paint the picture of what you did.
  • Share not only your duties but also what you learned from the experience and how that has solidified the work you want to do.
  • The conclusion needs to show fit to the school/program/faculty member. (PhD programs you need to name who you are applying to specifically).
  • Ensure your statement flows. Paragraphs need to have transition sentences to connect the ideas. Telling your professional story chronologically helps.
  • Edit, edit, and edit again. Ask many people to read and edit your statement before submitting it to your programs.

Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs

An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others. These statements aim to convey your interest for the field, share your relevant hands-on experiences as evidence of your preparation, and demonstrate how you are a good match for the program.

Personal Statements for PhD Programs

Ph.D. programs are primarily research-based programs. Even if they provide Clinical Training (e.g. Clinical and Counseling Psychology), they are still fundamentally rooted in producing scientific research. Your personal statement is an opportunity to sell yourself in terms of your research interests, previous research experience, and research goals. Your writing should be clear, concise, grammatically correct, and professional in tone.

Personal Statement Editing

Are you in the process of writing your personal statement for graduate or professional programs and need tutoring/editing services? The University of Arizona Writing Skills Improvement Program is your answer! They offer free and fee-based services. Students can schedule appointments or attend drop-in tutoring . Check it out!

Advice from the American Psychological Association

Applying to Grad School: What should I say in my Personal Statement

Preparing your Personal Statement for Graduate applications

Finding Fit: Personal Statements

How to Write a Strong Professional Statement

Your Zencare professional statement serves as high-level overview of your practice, covering the clientele you serve, your therapeutic approach and style, and any basic information a client needs to know prior to starting therapy with you. Read on to learn how to make the most of this 3-5 paragraph written introduction.

(Don't want to deal with writing? Not to worry! You can request the Zencare team to write your professional statement .)

Professional Statement Writing Guide Click on any item to jump to that section.

1. basic guidelines.

2. Writing prompts

3. Sample template

4. Excellent examples

5. Reviewing your work

6. Advanced considerations

As you get started, here are some basic guidelines on formatting your professional statement!

  • Length: We suggest writing about 250 words , with a minimum length of 100 words and a maximum length of 300 words. This tends to be a digestible amount of content for therapy seekers, and allows you to communicate just enough key information about your practice without becoming overwhelming.
  • Structure: We recommend writing 3-5 paragraphs , written in the third person , in this rough outline (more detail below!): First paragraph: Describe your specialties and clientele Second paragraph: Describe your treatment approach Third paragraph: Describe your therapeutic style Fourth paragraph: Describe your relevant professional experience and any key logistic information about your practice.
  • Tone: The professional statement is an opportunity for your clients to learn about you both as a professional and a person. Try to use a tone that conveys your expertise and professionalism, and include details that make you personable and relatable.

2. Sample template

Writer's block is real! We completely understand the uncertainty that can come with staring at a blank document. To make things easier for you, here's our " Professional Statement Mad Libs ."

Fill this out to get your professional statement written – and try to add some creative wording to it as well to make it unique to you! More information on each section below.

{Your full name} is a {credential}  in {neighborhood}. They work with {client demographics}. Many of {Your name}’s clients come in when {common challenges, symptoms, development points}. {Your name} is particularly passionate about serving {population}. They also have advanced training in the area of {niche specialty}.
{Your name} is trained in {approach}, which uses {describe how approach works}. In session, {Your name} focuses on {what happens in session with you}. This approach supports clients to {result of treatment}.
{Your name's} style is {describe style}. When a client first comes in, {describe therapeutic environment or how you build the treatment plan}. {Your name} is dedicated to providing a relationship that is {describe relationship}.
{Your name} received their {degrees, universities, study focus}. They gained experience at {fellowship, training institutes, previous employment} which enables them to {significance of experience}. Outside of private practice, they {personal or professional note}.

Download Your Professional Statement Guide

3. writing prompts.

As you're writing your professional statement, here are some prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Think how you'd describe your practice to a friend who wants to refer a colleague to you – how would you share each of these parts of your practice?

(1) First paragraph: Specialties and clientele

In the first paragraph, you want to immediately draw the reader in. Your first few sentences should give prospective clients a sense of "Oh, this therapist could be a great fit for me because they see clients struggling in the areas I need support with!"

The majority of therapy seekers are looking for help with general concerns, so be sure to include and allude to these if you see clients experiencing: anxiety, depression, stress, work and career, life transitions, relationship issues.

Here are some questions to help you think of your unique specialties and any niche clientele you want to market to:

  • Who are the clients you work with most frequently? Who are your ideal clients?
  • What are they struggling with when they enter your office?
  • Why do they come to therapy with you?
  • Are there any populations you are particularly well-positioned to serve?

(2) Second paragraph: Describe your treatment approach

In this paragraph, think of both the specific types of modalities that you are trained in, as well as how that translates to the client's experience. For example, you may be trained in cognitive behavioral therapy – to a client, that could mean understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and learning specific skills to interrupt unhealthy patterns.

Here are some prompts for communicating your treatment approaches:

  • What therapeutic orientations are you most trained in and informed by?
  • What happens in a therapy session with you?
  • What skills or approaches do you use to guide clients in addressing challenges?
  • How are their lives, relationships, self-concept, emotional responses different after treatment?

(3) Third paragraph: Therapeutic style

This paragraph is a great opportunity to describe your therapeutic style – are you more of a listener or active in therapy? Do you provide homework? Set concrete goals and measure progress? Focus on healing through the therapeutic relationship?

Here are some prompts to get you thinking about your therapeutic style:

  • What do your clients most appreciate about you? What words do they use to describe sessions?
  • What kind of relationship or environment do you seek to offer to new clients? What happens in a first session with you?
  • How do you think about progress in therapy?

(4) Fourth paragraph: Professional experience and logistics

In this final paragraph, describe your relevant professional experience and any key logistic information about your practice.

  • Think about the credentials, training, and work experiences you've gained. What trainings or experiences outside of private practice most influence your therapeutic framework?
  • This is a good place to include any logistical information about your practice that can help clients access care. How, when, where do you currently offer sessions? For example: do you offering remote therapy? Do you have an office close to public transit and/or with lots of parking space? Do you have a therapy dog that accompanies sessions?

Here are some examples you can reference as you get started!

Example one

Marian Cooper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Queens, NY, who works with individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on professional women. Many of her clients have found great success in their careers or academically, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Marian is particularly sensitive to clients facing moments of transition, like a move to the city, job loss, or breakup, when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge.
Marian’s approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, so that they can begin to make targeted change. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change.
Marian is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Marian is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges, and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion.
Marian’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.

Example two

Dr. Melba Nicholson Sullivan is a licensed clinical-community psychologist committed to promoting individual and collective resilience. Her clients are big thinkers, dreamers, and decision makers who sometimes find themselves held back by painful experiences of the past. Dr. Nicholson Sullivan treats old wounds with curiosity, creativity, and compassion, creating an opportunity for clients to move with greater freedom into their bright future.
Many of Dr. Nicholson Sullivan’s clients navigate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression that have become overwhelming, and impact how they show up at work and in relationships. She works with clients to explore core beliefs about themselves, others, and the systems they exist within, co-creating practical strategies tailored to each client and their life journey.
Dr. Nicholson Sullivan’s therapeutic approach is rooted in mindfulness and human rights. She draws from her training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and executive coaching strategies in order to expand clients’ internal and external resources for healing, rest, and joy.
Dr. Nicholson Sullivan is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice, which serves as a safe harbor for people who identify as LGBTQIA and people of the global majority. In addition to her Midtown office, Dr. Nicholson Sullivan offers the flexibility of remote therapy sessions, and welcomes new clients to her online practice.

Example three

Dr. Todd Kray is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, where he welcomes both individual adults and couples who are seeking to create change in their lives. Many of his clients bring in emotional pain, whether the symptoms of anxiety and depression are taking a daily toll, relationships feel unbalanced and disconnected, or stress and self-criticism are impacting performance at work. Together, he supports clients to pull back the layers of present challenges in order to release painful past experiences and re-engage with their careers, their loved ones, and themselves in more meaningful ways.  
Therapy sessions with Dr. Kray integrate both insight-oriented and skills-based approaches. He gently challenges clients to explore the root cause of their symptoms, gaining new awareness into their emotional and relationship patterns. At the same time, he focuses on practical strategies, with an emphasis on relaxation and meditation practices, to help clients feel better in the here and now.
Having served as a consultant at local hospitals, Dr. Kray is uniquely skilled in working with those experiencing chronic pain, chronic illness, and other serious medical illnesses. He brings a special awareness to the healing power of the mind-body connection, and his office serves as a safe harbor to freely process pain and find relief.
Dr. Kray is committed to maintaining an inclusive practice. With a background in the arts, he is particularly sensitive to the creative process, and welcomes a wide range of creative professionals, freelancers, executives, parents, and young adults to his practice.

5. Reviewing your work!

Once your professional statement is written, here are some things to look out for and avoid :

  • Therapy jargon
  • Acronyms and abbreviations
  • Rhetorical questions
  • Vagueries, clichés, and anything that is unspecific to your practice
  • Long lists of every diagnosis you would see or training experience that you've had
  • More than one sentence on your speaking, writing, teaching, or other activities outside of private practice
  • Quotes from other people

Get the next email on managing your private practice!

A writer at heart? Here are some tips for the advanced marketer!

General vs. specialized practices

There are two ways you might about how your Zencare professional statement is focused:

  • General: For providers who may have specific interests, but are open to seeing clients outside of one demographic or diagnosis. This is the option we recommend for most providers, due to the nature of how therapist directories work: it’s helpful to appeal to the broadest base of potential clients, so that you can capture the attention of a wide pool and tailor your conversations to them as they proceed through the intake process. Read more on the case against specialization . For a more general professional statement, think about the structure of your professional statement as an inverted pyramid : start broad, covering information that will be relevant to most therapy seekers, and becoming increasingly narrow as you read through, highlighting details that speak to your current  and unique interests towards the end of the statement.
  • Specialized : For providers who are experts within a highly specific niche, and only want new referrals for clients within that niche (ie providers who only see couples or only individuals recovering from eating disorders) . Note, choosing this path may mean a below average referral volume , since your profile may not appeal to the majority of therapy-seekers, but also less time fielding inquiries from clients who are not within your scope of practice. In tandem with other marketing strategies (offline networking; a well-rounded online presence), a specialized statement can be a good way to deepen your reach within the niche. In particular, know that through your word-of-mouth efforts, when a new prospective client is given your name, it’s highly likely they’ll still Google your practice to learn more and assess if it’s a fit for them. When they are seeking support for a specialized challenge, it’s helpful for you to be positioned as the clear expert in the field. so f ocus on your niche from the opening sentence , and make sure each paragraph ties back to it. What are the trainings you've taken that make you the expert in this niche? What skills or approaches do you use to address it? What does progress within this area look like?

Reviewing your profile as a whole

Remember that your professional statement is only one piece of a whole puzzle, and should it be considered within the context of the rest of your profile.

In particular, make sure that the areas you focus on in your professional statement are also captured within your Specialties, General expertise, Treatment approaches, and Clientele: these are the sections that determine what filters your practice appears under from the search page.

These sections should also be consistent with what you write in the professional statement to avoid any potential client confusion (for example, if your professional statement reads that you work with "adults of all ages," clientele should probably not include "Children").

Lastly, remember that you don't have to fit everything in your professional statement if it's covered elsewhere on the profile! For example, if a complete list of your previous employment is visible under Work and Education, you only need to mention the most important experiences in your statement.

Still stuck? If you're left starting at a blinking cursor on a blank page, we're here to help. Request the Zencare team to write your professional statement .

Read Next: More On private practice

A therapist’s guide to working with highly sensitive people.

Highly sensitive people make up a high proportion of therapy clients. But who are they, what are their defining characteristics, and how can you best support them? We’ve got the answers for you on our blog.

Social Media Marketing for Therapists Part 1 — TikTok Marketing

This is the first of three blogs focusing on how social media is an effective marketing strategy for therapists and how it can lead to a thriving practice — so stay tuned!

A Therapist’s Guide To Out-of-Network Benefits

With more therapists turning away from traditional insurance panel membership and instead offering a self-pay option, it’s a great time to understand out-of-network benefits and how they might apply to your practice so you can help clients access affordable therapy.

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My Journey to Becoming a Mental Health Advocate: A Personal Statement Example

My own struggles with mental health inspired me to pursue a career in advocating for others. I believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental healthcare, and I am committed to making that a reality

My interest in mental health was sparked by my own personal journey, which has been marked by struggles with anxiety and depression. Through my own experiences, I have come to realize the critical importance of mental health care and support, and I have developed a strong desire to help others who are going through similar challenges.

To this end, I have pursued a degree in Psychology, which has provided me with a deep understanding of the workings of the human mind, as well as the many factors that can contribute to mental health issues. Through my coursework, I have gained valuable insight into the many different approaches to mental health care, and have developed a strong desire to contribute to this field through my work.

In addition to my academic studies, I have also gained practical experience in the mental health field through volunteer work at a local mental health clinic. In this role, I have worked closely with clients to provide emotional support, as well as practical assistance with tasks such as filling out paperwork and finding appropriate resources. This experience has given me a deep appreciation for the challenges faced by those with mental health issues, as well as a strong desire to help improve access to care and support for those who need it most.

As I look towards the future, I am eager to continue my education and training in mental health care, with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist. I am committed to providing high-quality care to my clients, and to staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field. Ultimately, my goal is to help people find hope and healing in their lives, and to contribute to a world where mental health issues are treated with the same care and attention as physical health issues.

Growing up, mental health was not something that was talked about in my household or community. It wasn't until I started university that I was exposed to the reality of how prevalent mental health issues are and how it can impact anyone, regardless of their background. This realization ignited a passion within me to learn more about mental health and help those who are struggling with it.

Throughout my academic career, I have focused on studying psychology and human behavior, which has further solidified my interest in mental health. I have also volunteered at a crisis center, where I have assisted individuals who are experiencing mental health crises by providing support and resources. This experience has taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and the value of providing non-judgmental support.

I believe that pursuing a career in mental health counseling will allow me to utilize my skills and passion to help others in a meaningful way. My goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to process their emotions and experiences while working collaboratively towards their goals. I am eager to continue learning about the latest developments and advancements in mental health research and treatment, and I am confident that my strong academic record, interpersonal skills, and dedication to the field will enable me to excel in this career.

Ultimately, I want to make a positive impact on the mental health of individuals and communities. My experiences and passion have led me to pursue a graduate program in clinical mental health counseling, and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am committed to growing as a mental health professional and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

If you're considering applying for a mental health nursing program, a strong

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personal statement mental health counseling

I have come to internalize the well-being of my community as my own; and also come to the firm conclusion that I will be able to best contribute to the community as a psychologist since we have a very high incidence of mental health issues in Pueblo that require the assistance of bilingual, well-trained psychologists who are also comfortable communicating in Spanish.  I will begin by earning my Master’s Degree and proving my excellence as a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health at Adams State with hopes of continuing to the doctoral level.

I am especially interested in the complex relationships that exist between trauma, anxiety, and depression, on the one hand, and addiction on the other.  Most of the mental health issues that we have in Pueblo are at least related in some way to. substance abuse and/or alcoholism. Particularly with respect to its public face, the problem appears to clearly be concentrated in the non-white population, Hispanics and Native-Americans, as well as African-Americans and the lower economic strata of society generally speaking. Many local victims of substance abuse are also undocumented, further exacerbating the challenges that they face. I want to help them, especially those who end up seeking assistance for one reason or another at Colorado State Mental Hospital where I look forward to being employed once I acquire the requisite credentials.

My long term plan, based on my graduate education in Clinical Mental Health and professional work experience would be to open a non-profit harm reduction facility in which my team and I will facilitate therapy, group therapy, and therapeutic activities that provide our clients with healthy activities in which to engage socially that builds their self-esteem and provides them with tools to help deal with their mental health issues - coming to a better understanding of why they suffer and what they can do to stop or minimize suffering in their lives.

I am very excited about continuing my intensive focus on the way that relationships develop and thrive as a result of non-judgmental, positive regard. It is important to create a safe space that is sensitive to each client’s lifestyle, culture and religious beliefs.  An excellent communicator, I always seek to build trust and authenticity into relationships and I look forward to taking full advantage of this talent on a professional basis for decades to come. Along with establishing clear boundaries, being 100% professional, and staying focused on the therapeutic goals that we set, I see my outgoing, friendly disposition to also be an asset as a mental health counselor. By communicating a clearly defined set of objectives, with milestones along the way, I can help the individual to feel hopeful that their issues can be resolved with time, patience, and hard work.  In order for my counseling relationship to be effective, it is essential to empower and not coddle the individual.  Feedback from clients as well as colleagues and supervisors, along with rigorous practice of my own self -care, will enable me to always be at my best at the counseling relationship.

Central to establishing a rapport with multicultural clients is expressing an interest in their culture and a willingness if not eagerness to learn more about that sub-society and its unique characteristics, always demonstrating a profound respect for the client’s culture and worldview, belief systems, and means of problem-solving.  Learning about and addressing the client’s realities will allow me to create culturally-sensitive interventions and grow as a human being and professional.  Self-reflection is vital to becoming a culturally-competent counselor.  I have begun by clearly identifying my own worldview and personal beliefs about those who are different than I am.  This enables me to uncover my own prejudices, feelings, and stereotypical ideas about people from other cultures.  Being open-minded and willing to educate myself about culturally diverse groups has been productive for me and advanced my own personal growth.  Mankind’s existence depends upon our ability to diversify, it is imperative that diversity be accepted and in fact celebrated on every level of society, from local to international.

I will earn my undergraduate degree in Psychology along with a minor in Biology this coming May, 2019, from Colorado State University Pueblo. At Adams State, I am very excited about the prospect of full immersion in the study of trauma, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, especially in the context of addiction and substance abuse. Now 44, I have the maturity, wisdom, and experience to excel as a graduate student of Psychology and Mental Health in the MA Program at Adams State. Married, divorced, and married again, I know what it is like to be a single mother. My father and grandfather were alcoholics, although highly functioning and able to support the family (barely). On my mother's side, grandma was a drug addict who had survived polio as a child. Her father was also a drug addict who eventually died homeless on the streets. I see my own background as helpful, inspiring, keeping me humble and advancing at every turn my power to empathize with the gravity of all-too-common problems that people have to live with day-to-day in my community.

I have successfully raised 4 girls; 2 are in college studying Ecology and Physics; 2 are married moms – we are also raising an 8-year-old boy as our own, another experience which I regard as a professional asset. I do not need to work as my husband earns a good living and is very supportive of my career, sharing my great joy at being able to serve as a volunteer, and excited that I am going to graduate school.

Another factor which inspires me greatly is fact that several of my friends as a teenager committed suicide. As I reflect upon their short-lived lives and how they ended, I feel close to them still, somehow, and their stories continue to inspire me and drive me forward. I foster a working relationship with our neighbor who is diagnosed with schizophrenia, employing him to take care of the yard, helping to provide him a sense of purpose and community relatedness. I have an Aunt who works toward wellness as she suffers from anorexia due to trauma. The are many experiences that drive my career direction. I currently volunteer at Fountain Elementary School in Pueblo CO. District 60, assistiing with reading groups. In the past, I provided literacy support to kindergartners, administered assessments of skills, and provided emotional support. I adore children and will miss them terribly soon when my career directions result in my turning my volunteer efforts and attention to adults.

I love Yoga, my dogs, the outdoors (fishing, hiking, climbing, bike riding). All help me to stay mentally fit, especially the Yoga.

I thank you for considering my application to Clinical Mental Health at XXXX.

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Sample 1st Paragraph for the MA in Mental Health Counseling, Saudi Arabian Applicant

personal statement mental health counseling

Psychology graduate programs like to see some independent research experience, an ability to think like a scientist, someone who can generate hypotheses, who is familiar with research literature, who can understand the limits to prior research, someone who demonstrates ability for scientific thinking and writing. Some applicants indicate a lot of enthusiasm for an area of research, but not knowledge of how to conduct good research. For example, they might indicate that they're very excited about working with children or adolescents, and that they think it's important to study internalizing symptoms. This is fairly broad. That type of essay will not stand out as much as an applicant who expresses such enthusiasm, but also is knowledgeable about some of the current theories and methodological approaches that are used to study specific developmental psychopathology symptoms.

 

Careers in Psychology

  • Accounting, MAcc, MSc
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  • Logistics MS, PHD
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  • Nuclear Energy
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  • Pathologist Assistant MS
  • Pharmacy Masters, Doctorate
  • Physician Assistant Studies BS, MS
  • Physics MS, MSc
  • Political Science MA
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Perspectives on Counseling Psychology

personal statement mental health counseling

Samples of My Work in Counseling

  • MA Counseling, Alcoholic Father, Suicide Mother
  • Masters School Counseling, HIV Survivor/Activist
  • Master’s Clinical Counseling, Polish
  • Diversity, Psychology: Russian Woman
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  • Masters Educational Counseling, HR Background

Statements of Excellence for Admission to Graduate School in Counseling Psychology

personal statement mental health counseling

Heroines of Counseling

Here are some of the most influential women counseling psychologists alive today. There are so many, that it was hard to choose our favorites for you, but we did it.

Susan Blackmore

Susan Blackmore started her career in psychology as an advocate of the paranormal. Her work has transitioned over the years and her current research interests include evolutionary theory, consciousness, memes and meditation.

Blackmore is a visiting professor at the British University of Plymouth and holds degrees in psychology and physiology from Oxford University.

Her PhD is from the University of Surrey in parapsychology. But Blackmore no longer works on the paranormal. She writes for the British newspaper, Guardian, and Psychology Today. She is also the author of over eighty book contributions.

Elizabeth Loftus

A cognitive psychologist and expert on human memory, Elizabeth Loftus is best known for her research on eyewitness memory and the misinformation effect.

She has conducted research in the fields of childhood sexual abuse and recovered memory, and her work has received numerous honors and awards. She holds six honorary degrees in a variety of fields from different universities and colleges.

Loftus is currently a distinguished professor of social ecology at the University of California, Irvine (USA).

Alison Gopnik

Alison Gopnik is a Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. She is a world-renowned counseling psychologist known for her work in cognitive and language development.

Her work regularly appears in Slate and The New York Times, and she is a columnist for The Wall Street Journal. Gopnik regularly appears on TV. She is known for her presence on The Colbert Report. Her work at the Berkeley Child Study Center focuses on children and the development of mathematical models to help them learn more effecitively.

Brenda Milner

Brenda Milner is still actively working at the age of 95. She is recognized as the pioneer and founder of neuropsychology.

Milner is a professor at McGill University’s Department of Neurology and a visiting professor of psychology at the Montreal Neurological Institute.

Her life’s work earned her the prestigious Gairdner Award and more than twenty honorary degrees. Her current and ongoing research includes brain region identification and the association of spatial memory and language. Milner was awarded the Kavli Prize in Neuroscience in 2014.

Barbara L. Fredrickson

Barbara L. Fredrickson is a social psychologist, counselor, and professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She researches emotions, positive psychology, and social relationships.

After earning her doctorate degree at Stanford University, Fredrickson taught at the University of Michigan for ten years. She then took an appointment at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Frederickson has received numerous awards and honors, including the American Psychological Association’s Templeton Prize in Positive Psychology. This award earned this professor and counselor a $100,000 grant to assist with future work.

Thalia Eley

Thalia Eley is a graduate of Cambridge University and University College London’s Institute of Child Health and a professor of developmental psychology at King’s College in London.

Her publications include over 140 academic articles, with extensive research on genetic and environmental factors and their relationship with the treatment of anxiety and depression.

She has conducted studies on cognitive behavior therapy for child anxiety and exposure therapy in treating adult phobias. Eley was awarded the Macquarie University Research Excellence Award for her study on childhood anxiety in 2011.

Elizabeth Spelke

Elizabeth Spelke is a cognitive psychologist. She works in Harvard University’s Department of Psychology. She is also the director of the Laboratory for Developmental Studies. There, she studies and defends the debate on cognitive differences between males and females.

After attending Radcliffe College and Yale University, Spelke received her doctorate from Cornell University and has received numerous honors and awards, including the National Academy of Sciences Prize in Psychological and Cognitive Sciences honor in 2014. She has written articles for the New York Times and New Yorker.

Most recognized for her research and insight on autism spectrum disorders, Uta Frith is a Fellow of the Royal Society and Emeritus Professor of Cognitive Development at the University College London. A graduate of King’s College London, where she completed her PhD on autism, Dr. Frith has spent all of her career investigating the cognitive processes involved with dyslexia and autism.

She believes in research that is relevant to understanding autism and providing a better quality of daily life for those affected by this condition. She is an advocate for and leader of women in science and co-founded the UCL Women Network.

Susan Carey

Susan Carey is a Harvard University graduate and current professor for the Department of Psychology at Harvard. She is also a world-renowned psychologist and counselor.

Known throughout the globe as an expert in language acquisition, Carey was the first woman to receive the Rumelhart Prize in 2009. Before joining the faculty at Harvard, Carey taught at both MIT and NYU.

She is the author of numerous journal articles and a book called Conceptual Change in Childhood. The work reconciles Piaget’s research on animism and provided a new perspective.

Carol Dweck

Carol Dweck is Professor of Psychology at Stanford University. She has become recognized for her research in the fields of motivation and social psychology.

Her research focuses on the origins of social, personality, and developmental psychology and how they bridge together with self-regulation and mindsets.

Dweck is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, which include the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2013 for the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Her key contribution to social psychology focuses on her theories of intelligence, showcased in her book entitled Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, which was published in 2006.

We want to support all the counselors in this world that have a passion for progress and want to make their mark in this field on behalf of women and humanity. Is the lack of an amazing personal statement holding you back?

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personal statement mental health counseling

Top 20 things to do and attractions in Mytishchi

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personal statement mental health counseling

1 St. Basil's Cathedral

personal statement mental health counseling

2 All-Russian Exhibition Center

personal statement mental health counseling

3 Kva-Kva Park

4 fest mytishchi drama and comedy theatre, 5 mytishchi arena.

personal statement mental health counseling

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

personal statement mental health counseling

6 Mytishchi Park Of Culture And Leisure

7 monument to the hero of the soviet union raspopova nina maksimovna, 9 teatr kukol ognivo, 10 mytishchi history and art museum, 11 mytishchinskaya kartinnaya galereya, 12 temple of the don mother of god, 13 perlovskiy park, 14 petrushkina sloboda, 15 church of st john the baptist in the barbarous gate.

personal statement mental health counseling

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

personal statement mental health counseling

16 XL Outlet

17 interactive einstein museum, 18 zamaniya, family adventure park, 19 temple st. great martyr george, 20 chasovnya vo imya nikolaya chudotvortsa v mytishchakh, what's the weather like in mytishchi.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Mytishchi for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

  • Weather in Mytishchi in January
  • Weather in Mytishchi in February
  • Weather in Mytishchi in March
  • Weather in Mytishchi in April
  • Weather in Mytishchi in May
  • Weather in Mytishchi in June
  • Weather in Mytishchi in July
  • Weather in Mytishchi in August
  • Weather in Mytishchi in September
  • Weather in Mytishchi in October
  • Weather in Mytishchi in November
  • Weather in Mytishchi in December

Explore nearby places

  • Lesnyye Polyany
  • Dolgoprudny
  • Zagoryanskiy
  • Ptitsefabriki
  • Pekhra-Pokrovskoye
  • Ivanovskoye
  • Bratovshhina
  • Likino-Dulevo

All related maps of Mytishchi

  • Map of Mytishchi
  • Map of Korolev
  • Map of Zdravnitsa
  • Map of Nagornoye
  • Map of Yubileyny
  • Map of Cherkizovo
  • Map of Boltino
  • Map of Pirogovo
  • Map of Pogorelki
  • Map of Tarasovka
  • Map of Sorokino
  • Map of Lesnyye Polyany
  • Map of Povedniki
  • Map of Ostashkovo
  • Map of Oboldino
  • Map of Zhostovo
  • Map of Suponevo
  • Map of Dolgoprudny
  • Map of Zagoryanskiy
  • Map of Izmaylovo
  • Map of Moskovsky
  • Map of Ptitsefabriki
  • Map of Pekhra-Pokrovskoye
  • Map of Ivanovskoye
  • Map of Komyagino
  • Map of Yuryevo
  • Map of Bratovshhina
  • Map of Fedoskino
  • Map of Danki
  • Map of Shatura
  • Map of Likino-Dulevo

Mytishchi throughout the year

  • Mytishchi in January
  • Mytishchi in February
  • Mytishchi in March
  • Mytishchi in April
  • Mytishchi in May
  • Mytishchi in June
  • Mytishchi in July
  • Mytishchi in August
  • Mytishchi in September
  • Mytishchi in October
  • Mytishchi in November
  • Mytishchi in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Mytishchi?

Get inspired for your trip to Mytishchi with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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  1. Effective Guide: Personal Statement for Mental Health Counseling

    A personal statement for mental health counseling is a document to set out your reasons and qualifications for wanting to become a counselor. This document can provide admission committees with insights into an applicant's motivations, experience, and professional goals. A well-crafted statement can be instrumental in helping an individual ...

  2. Mental Health Counseling Personal Statement Example

    Sample Personal Statement for Counseling (Mental Health) Nietzsche's quote, "that which doesn't kill us, makes us stronger," captures my life's journey. Lying in a hospital bed as a sixteen-year-old cancer patient, I resigned to accepting my inevitabile death. Yet, as the annihilating poison from chemotherapy went through my veins and ...

  3. Sample Counseling Psychology Personal Statement (NYU Steinhardt)

    The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters's program at NYU Steinhardt School in Counseling Psychology. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in Counseling Psychology should look like. ... At that moment, I realized I needed help from a mental health professional. But I didn ...

  4. Counselling Personal Statement Examples

    Counselling Personal Statement Example. I have always had the desire to understand human thoughts, feelings and behaviour. I am driven to answer not just why people act in certain ways but also how they can improve their situations and mental well-being. I aspire to become a therapist or counsellor, helping people overcome challenges and live ...

  5. PDF Personal Statement Workshop

    Examples: Tailor Your Statement § "At UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Jones' research on the family transmission of mental and physical health and health behavior in underserved families aligns with my interest in working with minority adolescents and their families. I am interested in both her basic research, as well as her

  6. Personal Statement of Purpose for Counseling Psychology PhD and PsyD

    To help prospective applicants to counseling psychology doctoral programs, members of the HAMMER Lab analyzed what programs told applicants they should write about in their statement. Check out our Counseling Psychology PhD and PsyD Personal Statement of Purpose Questions google spreadsheet to see the detailed analysis. See the bottom of this ...

  7. Counselling Psychology Personal Statement Example

    Counselling Psychology Personal Statement Example. As I sit here at my desk, trying to figure out how to write a brilliant essay to be better recognized throughout this application process, I have come to realise that this is what life is about. We are all given a blank sheet in the beginning. What we choose to put on this blank sheet ...

  8. How to Write a Personal Statement

    As you consider your application to William & Mary's Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling program, follow these steps to ensure you hit the mark with your personal statement. 1. Research. Know the ins and outs of the program you are applying to, including the admissions requirements, curriculum and faculty before you start writing.

  9. Psychotherapy & Counselling Personal Statement Example

    Psychotherapy and Counselling: Practices and Principles Personal Statement. I have always desired to understand feelings, behaviour and the human mind; always been driven toward solving the questions that start with why. However, after leading many spontaneous counselling sessions with friends, witnessing the empowering feeling it brings to ...

  10. Tips for Writing a Personal Statement

    Personal Statement No-No's. 1. Don't overemphasize personal details. ... If you are applying to the master's program in mental health counseling at Western State College, learn about who ...

  11. Personal Statements

    Personal Statements for Applied Masters Programs. An applied master's program is a program that is hands-on and provides coursework and experiences such as internships and field placements to train you to do the work in your chosen field. Some examples are Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, and School Counseling. There are many others.

  12. Psychology Personal Statement Masters Counseling Examples

    Multiculturalism, School Counseling Personal Statement of Purpose Jan 22, 2020 ... Sample Counseling Psychology Masters Personal Purpose Statement, Community Mental Health

  13. How to Write a Strong Professional Statement

    Second paragraph: Describe your treatment approach. Third paragraph: Describe your therapeutic style. Fourth paragraph: Describe your relevant professional experience and any key logistic information about your practice. Tone: The professional statement is an opportunity for your clients to learn about you both as a professional and a person.

  14. My Journey to Becoming a Mental Health Advocate: A Personal Statement

    personal statement is crucial to your success. Crafting a compelling personal statement that reflects your unique strengths and experiences can be challenging, and that's where our Mental Health Nursing Personal Statement Writing Service comes in. Our experienced writers will help you create a personalized statement that highlights your achievements, goals, and aspirations, making sure it ...

  15. PDF This information is intended to inform you about my professional

    Professional Disclosure Statement Example Benny Rosen, Masters-level Intern Happy Tails Counseling Front Desk: ((999) 999-9999. This information is intended to inform you about my professional background and to describe certain aspects of our therapeutic relationship. Please read it carefully and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

  16. Counseling Masters, MA Personal Statement Help, Mental Health Samples

    Sample 1st Paragraph for the MA in Mental Health Counseling, Saudi Arabian Applicant. While I am a licensed pharmacist in my country, Saudi Arabia, and still only 23 years old, my closest friends and family members have all encouraged me to pursue the dream that I have in my heart, a career in counseling as I am a good listener and I find it ...

  17. M.S. in Counseling

    Upload Personal Statement. The personal statement helps us get to know you beyond the objective data provided in review of your academic transcripts and other requisite information. It also demonstrates your ability to communicate your thoughts in a professional, organized, and succinct manner. ... (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School ...

  18. Online Blog from W&M School of Education

    Drafting a personal statement for graduate school can be a challenging prospect for even the most confident writers. To make this process less daunting, let's break it down into actionable steps that will help you shine. ... All counselors—clinical mental health counselors, military and veterans counseling specialists, school counselors, or ...

  19. Effective Guide: Personal Statement for Mental Health Counseling

    A personal statement is a reflections of a person's life and experiences. ONE personal statement for mental health counseling should be no different. It. A personal statement your a reflection of an person's life and experiences. A personalbestand statement for mental health counseling should become no different.

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