When I was getting ready to start my master’s program for clinical mental health counseling, I had no idea what to expect. Of course, there was the information they told me at the information session and the information from their website, but I wanted to know what it was really like.

I wish someone had been there to tell me what to expect from the program to put my mind at ease.

I wish someone had been there to tell me that I was worrying over nothing; that it was way better than I was imagining.

Even though I was excited for the counseling program, I was nervous because I didn’t know what to expect.

Just because you are nervous and don’t know what to expect from your counseling program doesn’t mean that this program is a bad thing, or that you won’t make it through. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Some of the best things in life are acquired through us stepping out of our comfort zones.

So sit back, relax, and let what I have learned from my time in the program bring you peace.

What I Wish I Knew. . .

It’s not as scary/intimidating as you might think.

I was really surprised by the fact that everyone was so extremely nice. I should have known, right? Counselors are supposed to be nice, warm people. Everyone was nervous starting out, which was a comfort to me because that meant that I wasn’t the only one. And everyone was so nice and encouraging to each other. We were all in the same boat, which was a huge comfort.

It’s less grade-focused and more application-focused.

In undergrad, everything is very structured: a lecture throughout the whole class time, multiple assignments each week (some that really didn’t seem necessary), at least a few exams each semester, and so many grades. In my counseling program, I was surprised to find out that there was hardly ever a class period where we had a lecture the whole time. Instead, we were working on applying what we were learning. This included different activities or exercises that we could do as counselors, or just practicing our counseling skills.

While there were plenty of assignments, the goal of most of them was to make sure we were applying concepts correctly. Sometimes, full grades were given to us just for completing the assignments. Most of my professors did not like graded assignments because they didn’t want us to worry about our grade more than actually learning and applying the concepts.

You have more support than you think.

These are some of the most encouraging and supportive people you will ever meet. Your professors are there to help you become the best counselor that you can possibly be. They want to see you succeed. It is so beneficial to go to them for any questions or guidance you might need.

Your classmates are going through the same things that you are. It’s comforting to know that you aren’t alone in what you are going through. It’s also nice to have people that you are comfortable with when you are role-playing counseling sessions. If you are struggling with a concept or skill in class, I guarantee that they are more than happy to help you work on it.

You are all in this together!

It’s a lot of work, but it’s mostly stuff that interests you.

Counseling programs have their fair share of papers, readings, and skills practice. I won’t lie to you, it can be overwhelming at times. It is graduate school after all. But if you have a passion for mental health and helping people, then most of the things you will learn will be interesting to you.

I find my assignments in graduate school so much more enjoyable than undergrad because I am loving what I am learning. It’s easier to apply all of those things to your skills for your future career.

Role plays and skills activities are so beneficial.

When I first entered the program, I was so scared to role-play with other people. I was scared that people would judge me or think that I would be a terrible counselor. Being scared and comparing myself to other people was not going to help me improve as a counselor. I decided that I really needed to work on changing my mindset about these activities.

I had to learn how to focus on the benefit that would come from practicing those skills. I had to learn how to not compare myself and my progress to others. Those skills practices were designed to help me learn and grow into becoming a better counselor, so I needed to take full advantage of those opportunities.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still nerve-wracking, but it’s important to keep our minds on the benefits, rather than on comparing ourselves to others.

It’ll go faster than you think.

Nobody tells you how fast your counseling program goes by. You will learn so much in each class meeting, it’s crazy. Before you know it, you will be meeting with your very first client!

Stay present. Hold onto every memory. Even though it is school, it’s still enjoyable and valuable.

It changes you, in a good way!

We were warned from the very beginning of our program that it would change us. I felt this change occurring in me before the end of my first semester. I can’t even imagine how much I will change by the end of the program! There is so much reflection, self-awareness, and personal development that goes along with learning how to counsel others. It’s a really amazing experience!

Concluding Thoughts

Even though entering a counseling program is an entirely new experience, you don’t have to be afraid of what might happen. This is an experience that will teach you what you need to know so that you can have the career that you’ve been wanting. You will learn and grow as a person and as a counselor.

Try not to worry about the unknown. Instead, focus on what you are learning and how that will benefit you going forward.

Remember: Some of the best things in life require us to step out of our comfort zones first.

If you are looking for practical guidance, you may also enjoy Advice for New Counseling Students: Starting Grad School with Confidence.