ACA MEMBER BLOGS

What area of counseling do I want to specialize in? What types of specialties are there? How do I know what is the best fit for myself? These are all questions that you as a graduate student or new professional may have asked yourself.

Communication is a vital part of any romantic relationship. Given that, it's not surprising how many couples want to focus on improving communication.

When it comes to structuring our time outside of session, we need to determine what feels rejuvenating and what feels restrictive. Because while we all have the same 24 hours in every day, not every one of us likes to, or can, spend those hours the same way.

Being a professional student, counselor, trainee, and supervisor while also being supervised is definitely what can be referred to as role confusion! So many new therapists at the beginning of their careers find themselves wearing several different hats from the clinical setting all the way to academia.

Vision boards. For some of us they conjure up images of school project style collages while for others they might suggest Pinterest boards of recipes and renovations. But what exactly is a vision board and what’s its primary purpose?

It’s no secret that much of our society today thrives on convenience and instant gratification. From unlimited drive-thru services to same-day shipping, and from on-demand movie streaming to Instacart groceries, we have the ability to access just about anything we want or need within a matter of moments.

Decision fatigue is not a new thing. But it feels like it’s been on the rise for years. As society has become increasingly busy and inundated with tasks and obligations, we’ve started carrying more on our plates today than ever before.

Sure, counselors and therapists out there have always provided support, worked to raise awareness and advocated for mental health long before the pandemic. But this past year or so has been unique and mental health advocates and professionals have stepped up in big ways that could not have been anticipated.

Most of us at one point or another have faced challenges. If we were to be perfectly honest with one another and ourselves (who just happens to sometimes be the hardest person to be authentic with), we would admit that we have been through some type of trauma.

Life over the past year has looked quite different than years of previous. It is important to focus on how we have survived through this unprecedented time and highlight the strength and patience that you (yes, you reader!) have exhibited over the past year.