Walk me through your related counselling education. Where did you perform the best while achieving your credentials?
The interviewer would like to know more about your education and how you have prepared yourself to be a successful Mental Health Counselor. When you answer this question, be cautious not to recite your credentials as listed on your resume. The interviewer is more interested in your overall education experience, which includes highlights, and your biggest take-aways.
Talk about the courses you excelled in or where you thrived during your internships and other experiences as a counselor. When you reply, be sure to give the interviewer insight into your counseling style, personality, and approach to therapy.
"Years ago, I complete a diploma in Child and Youth Care, which allowed me to break into this line of work as a Youth Worker. Over the years, I continued to add certifications to my resume related to addictions, group counseling, talk therapy, mindfulness, and CBT therapy. I also completed my SMART Recovery Program certification, allowing me to facilitate 12-step recovery training. I have a degree in Psychology, which I completed two years ago. After completing my Psychology degree, I started my master's in Counseling, which I focus on in the evenings and weekends. I expect to graduate with my masters' in three months. Throughout all of these educational opportunities, CBT therapy was where I excelled the most. I am especially strong when it comes to opening conversations that are dynamic, encouraging, and helpful. I believe this is because of my non-judgemental, warm, and compassionate nature, which are teachable qualities; however, they have to surface naturally at the same time. Since your organization focuses heavily on CBT therapy techniques such as exposure therapy and social skills training, I am especially excited to work here where I know my credentials will shine."
"First, I achieved my diploma in counseling. I learned a wide range of therapeutic techniques available to Mental Health Counselors such as CBT, reality therapy, and narrative therapy. I also excelled in mindfulness coaching, where the client pays keen attention to their feelings and thoughts, in the moment. Next, I moved on to achieve my degree in Psychology. While expanding my education, I devoted many volunteer hours to the women's shelter. There, I worked with amazing professionals who helped me to grow my expertise in intervention counseling. Now, thanks to my broad education, I would say that my greatest strength is in a unique blend of mindfulness and intervention counseling. I believe my approach will be an excellent fit with the cognitive-behavioral techniques in which your facility focuses."
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Anonymous Answer
I began my counseling experience as a Pastoral Care Provider after completing my Bachelor's Degree with a concentration in Pastoral Care. This degree limited me from functioning as a counselor. I was limited in knowledge and skill, so it motivated me to pursue my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling where I could be more efficient as a counselor and as a mental health therapist. At the completion of my master's degree, I began working at Bowie State University Counseling Services. The experience was very rewarding and I was able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during my study and saw lives impacted and restored through psychotherapy. My passion to be a great people helper motivated me to then move further in the doctoral program. Regardless of the many challenges that were presented in my path, I was able to complete the Doctor of Education in Counselor Education and Supervision program.
I have only worked in two locations the Ebenezer Church of God where I do Pastoral Care and the Bowie State University Counseling Services where I do psychotherapy. I served at both places as I worked towards achieving my credentials. Both places gave rewarding experiences, those experiences were different, and the needs were met differently.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great--your post-secondary education and clinical experience are both impressive and have well-equipped you as a therapist.
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