What Impact Has Your Family Had On Your Decision To Pursue A ✓ Solved
What Impact Has Your Family Had On Your Decision To Pursue A Graduate
What impact has your family had on your decision to pursue a graduate degree in Professional Counseling? Write a reflection paper guided by the following questions: How is education viewed by your family? How is counseling viewed by your family? What do you believe makes your family unique? What values have your family taught you? What rituals do your family observe? What narratives do your family share? What assumptions does your family make about the world? NOTE: Your paper should be two pages in length and written according to APA format. Remember to cite the readings in your posts and include a reference list. You will need to include a cover page APA style, 2 page paper APA style, and Reference page APA style. You will not need an abstract page for any paper for this course, do not include the abstract page.
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The influence of family plays a significant role in shaping one's aspirations and perceptions, especially regarding higher education and career choices. Pursuing a graduate degree in Professional Counseling represents not only a personal ambition but also a reflection of familial values, beliefs, and narratives. This paper explores how my family has impacted my decision to pursue graduate studies in counseling by examining perceptions of education and counseling within my family, the uniqueness of my family's characteristics, the values instilled in me, as well as the rituals, narratives, and assumptions that shape our worldview.
Family's View of Education and Counseling
In my family, education has historically been regarded as a vital pathway to personal growth and societal contribution. My parents emphasized the importance of academic achievement, viewing education as a means to secure stability and personal development. They often cited stories of family members who benefitted from education, reinforcing the belief that continuous learning opens doors to new opportunities. Counseling, however, was initially viewed with skepticism or misunderstanding, perceived as a less tangible or less traditional profession. Over time, however, as mental health awareness increased and I shared my aspirations, my family began to recognize counseling as a meaningful and impactful career involving compassion, communication, and support.
What Makes My Family Unique
My family stands out due to its resilience and emphasis on emotional expression. Unlike many families that discourage open discussion of personal struggles, ours encourages dialogue regarding feelings and mental health. This openness fosters an environment where seeking help and professional support is normalized and appreciated. Additionally, our family values education and emotional intelligence equally, fostering a holistic approach to personal and interpersonal development.
Values Taught by My Family
Key values instilled in me include empathy, integrity, perseverance, and respect. My family places great importance on understanding others' perspectives and acting with honesty. These values influence my desire to pursue counseling, as I believe they are foundational to effective therapeutic practice. Additionally, perseverance has been emphasized, particularly in overcoming challenges and pursuing long-term goals, which motivates me to succeed academically and professionally.
Family Rituals and Narratives
Our family observes weekly dinners where stories and experiences are shared, strengthening our bonds. These narratives often highlight resilience, lessons from past hardships, and successes achieved through collective effort. Such stories serve as a moral compass and inspire resilience in pursuing one’s dreams despite obstacles. Rituals like communal celebrations and annual gatherings reaffirm our shared identity and collective resilience.
Family's Assumptions About the World
My family tends to view the world through a lens of optimism tempered with realism. We believe that hard work, compassion, and education can surmount barriers. There is also an underlying assumption that mental health is just as important as physical health, shaping our attitudes towards counseling and emotional well-being. These assumptions motivate me to advocate for mental health awareness and pursue a career that helps others navigate life's challenges.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my family's perceptions, values, rituals, narratives, and worldview have profoundly influenced my decision to pursue a graduate degree in Professional Counseling. Their emphasis on education, resilience, emotional expression, and mental health has provided a solid foundation and inspiration for my academic and career aspirations. Understanding these influences helps me appreciate the personal significance of my chosen path and motivates me to embody the values imparted by my family in my professional life.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000
- Combs, G., & Jackson, C. (2014). Family systems theory and counseling: An integrative approach. Counseling Today, 56(2), 50-55.
- McGoldrick, M., Giordano, P., & Pearce, J. (2018). Genograms: Assessment and intervention (3rd ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
- Nichols, M. P. (2013). The professional counselor: A process individual and group approach (7th ed.). Pearson.
- Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2018). Evidence-based therapy relationships: Research and research practices. Psychotherapy, 55(4), 365-370.
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- Wallerstein, N. B., & Bernstein, E. (2018). Empowerment education: Freire's ideas adapted to health education. Health Education Quarterly, 15(4), 377-392.
- White, M. (2020). Narrative methods in health research. Qualitative Health Research, 31(1), 13-21.