Goal Statement Essay

Degree program: Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Trauma and Crisis Counseling Personal/Professional Goals My professional goal is to obtain Walden’s Master’s degree in mental health counseling with a specialization in trauma and crisis and become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I would especially like to work with soldiers who have been affected by frequent deployments and their families to help them overcome their personal and social problems that have, without a doubt, strong negative influences on their lives. Throughout my life I have always been drawn to opportunities that helped others lead a healthier and happier life. As a military spouse I have witnessed the need the military community has for qualified mental health professionals and decided to pursue the counseling profession to give back to the community that has provided my family with so much. My own personal experiences as a military spouse have helped me become quite familiar with the lifestyle and many challenges members of the military and their families face. I feel my own experiences would put me in the unique position to truly understand the conflicts of my clients, which will in turn increase credibility with my clients, and should greatly contribute to a good client-therapist relationship. My background allows for a close bond with the community I would like to work with. I feel I could make a significant difference in military families’ lives with the aid of a degree in mental health counseling. Personal Qualities I possess various people skills that are, in my opinion, vital to mental health professionals in terms of perceptual, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. I am a very diligent and attentive person who deeply cares for others. It is important for me to help others overcome their own difficulties or lighten their burdens through therapy. Through my own experiences in the past I have learned happiness and fulfillment start in one’s own heart and, most importantly, one’s own mind. The profession of mental health counselor will provide me with the opportunity to contribute to my community in a meaningful way. Why Walden? As a working mother and wife, I feel the online format of learning has provided me with the greatest amount of opportunities. Walden’s quality  mental health counseling program is exactly what I was looking for because it allows me to continue to support my family financially while pursuing an excellent education. I would be honored to become part of Walden University’s pool of students, and I am looking forward to the deep immersion in the study of counseling strategies, intervention models, and the early diagnosis and prevention of problems. Thank you for your consideration.