Okay, here’s my story about my experience with counseling psychology at Howard University, told in a casual and personal way:
So, I got this wild idea to dive into the world of counseling psychology. Yeah, me. I’ve always been that friend people pour their hearts out to, and I figured, why not get a fancy degree for it? That’s how I ended up looking at Howard University’s program. I heard they had a pretty solid Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree in Counseling Psychology, nestled within their Department of Human Development and Psychoeducational Studies. Sounds impressive, right?
First thing I did was dig into what they actually teach. Turns out, it’s not just about being a good listener. This program is all about balancing the science of psychology with real-world therapy skills and research. The science stuff was a bit daunting at first, but it started making sense after a while. The training involves getting some pretty intense theoretical foundations in psychology, which honestly blew my mind a little. I always thought I was just good at talking to people, but there’s a whole lot more to it than that.
Then came the practical part – learning how to actually apply these therapeutic skills. We did role-playing, group discussions, and even had to practice on each other. It was awkward and nerve-wracking at times, but also super rewarding. That is where I really started to feel like I was learning something that could make a difference in people’s lives. It is all about how to help people through their problems, and let me tell you, it is way harder than it looks. We had to learn a bunch of different techniques and theories, and practice them over and over again. It was tough, but I could see myself getting better each time.
Then there’s the research side of things. We had to come up with our own research questions, collect data, and write up our findings. It was a whole new world for me, but I learned a ton about how to actually study human behavior. But honestly, the thought of diving into research used to make me want to run for the hills. But the program breaks it down in a way that’s actually manageable. I found myself getting strangely excited about designing studies and analyzing data. Who knew?
- I also had to figure out which aspect of counseling I wanted to specialize in.
- They offer concentrations in clinical counseling, which sounded right up my alley.
- I talked to a bunch of professors and current students to get a feel for the program, and everyone was super helpful.
- Then came the application process. Essays, transcripts, recommendation letters – the whole nine yards.
- Waiting to hear back was the hardest part. But finally, that acceptance letter arrived, and it was one of the best days ever.
And get this – they said we could basically choose any area of the profession we wanted after graduation. Talk about options! Being admitted as a formal candidate by the Graduate School was a big deal, too. It meant I had passed some pretty tough requirements. The whole thing was a bit of a whirlwind, but I felt like I was really learning and growing. I even surprised myself with how much I enjoyed the research aspect of it. It felt like I was on the right path, and it was pretty exciting.
Overall, it’s been a challenging but amazing journey. I’ve learned so much about psychology, therapy, and research, and I can’t wait to see where this path takes me. Howard University’s program is tough, no doubt, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I mean, not every day do you get to learn how to help people navigate life’s ups and downs while also geeking out over research methods. I feel like I am actually making a difference now, even if it is just a small one. If you’re thinking about a career in counseling psychology, I’d definitely recommend checking it out.
