Student Counselor

I built Pro Counselors LLC because your grad program prepares you to be a great therapist, but it just doesn't prepare you to get hired as one as an intern. That gap is real, and it's exactly what I work in. In this episode, I break down all four of my consulting services for counseling students and new clinicians — Resume Review, Resume Creation, Internship Search, and Interview Prep — wh...

After 60 episodes and graduation, I thought I was done. Turns out, I wasn't. I'm Vitor de Souza — therapist, career consultant, and host of the Student Counselor Podcast. In this first episode of Season 2, I'm catching you up on everything. Where this show started, why I ended it, what happened after I graduated, and why I felt called to bring it back and make it bigger than before. Ne...

In this episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that began when I first started the podcast at the beginning of my Master’s program. From the highs of learning, growing, and connecting with so many of you, to the emotional rollercoaster of my graduation and beyond, this episode is a celebration of all we’ve accomplished together. I want to exp...

In this episode, Part 2 of “Chasing Dreams: What Does it Take to Pursue a Psychology/Therapy Degree?”, I reflect on how my psychology/therapy degree has shaped me, particularly focusing on the resilience it has helped me develop. We revisit themes from Episode 40, such as self-awareness and vulnerability, and dive deeper into the emotional and mental challenges I’ve faced throughout my educational...

In this episode, I reflect on graduating with my Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. From nearly not graduating high school to having a master’s degree, it’s surreal! It’s so important to follow your passion, as it leads to personal growth and success! I’m so grateful for the field of mental health and what it has given me. The episode is a blend of reflection, celebration, and f...

In this episode, I talk about this transformative journey through my internship, sharing personal experiences and lessons learned along the way. I reflect on my initial struggles, the resilience developed, and the immense support from my second internship site. From leading groups to becoming more comfortable in individual sessions, this episode emphasizes gratitude, the challenges of balancing wo...

In this episode, I talk about the emotional journey of passing the CPCE exam on my second attempt. I give you insights into the changes I’ve made to my study strategies, including taking detailed notes, watching educational videos, and not fully relying on just memorizing, but actually understanding the material. So, if you have taken the CPCE recently or will take it soon, this episode is for you...

In this episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I speak with Mackenzie Lewis, an intern at the University of the Cumberlands' counseling program. Mack shares her educational journey transitioning from student to intern, including finding practicum sites and dealing with imposter syndrome. Mack also speaks passionately about her specialty in women's health and her plans for future education, incl...

In this episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I speak with Sophie Kent, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) in the state of Florida. We discuss Sophie's journey navigating educational requirements, licensure processes, and balancing multiple jobs while in school. The conversation provides insights into the financial aspects of being a registered intern, differences in pay struc...

In this episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I spoke with graduate student Kelsey from Arkansas, who shares her journey from a successful career in business administration, information systems, and technology to pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Kelsey discusses her educational background, her shift in career focus driven by a fascination with human behavior, an...

In this episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I spoke with Jasleen Grace, a Clinical Mental Health Graduate student at New Jersey City University. Jasleen shares her background and her journey towards becoming a mental health counselor, influenced by significant professor during her undergraduate studies and her personal story with disability. We talk about her first experiences in practicum a...

Yep, I failed. Listen and find out more about this rollercoaster journey of emotions. -- If this episode was helpful, there's more where this came from. Follow @procounselors on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and visit pro-counselors.com for consulting services built specifically for counseling students — resume help, internship search support, and interview prep. Therapy also available for couns...

In this milestone 50th episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I take you through my personal and detailed journey of preparing for and taking the Counselor Preparation Comprehensive Examination (CPCE). I share insights into the process of signing up for the exam, my study routine using the Behavioral Health Pocket app and the ‘purple book’ (Encyclopedia of Counseling by Dr. Howard Rosenthal), a...

In this episode, I delve into the rollercoaster ride of being a counseling intern and provide insight into my current mental health journey. I shed light on the challenges encountered during internships while trying to balance full-time work, academic commitments, and personal life. Throughout the discussion, I offer personal reflections, sharing updates on my recent promotion and the establishmen...

In this episode, I discuss the ups and downs of my practicum experience, highlighting the roller coaster of emotions from self-doubt to personal growth. From the excitement of "sitting in the therapist's chair" for the first time to having to find another site halfway through the semester, practicum brought valuable lessons and resilience. The challenges I faced during the practicum emphasize the...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Maricel Franco, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling student from New York. Maricel shares her practicum experiences, delving into her challenges with a fully telehealth format. She emphasizes the importance of in-person interaction for learning, particularly for hands-on visual learners like herself. We also delve into the topic of balancing wor...

In this episode, Alissa Martinez discusses her journey through education, licensure, and establishing a private practice. We explore the importance of CACREP accreditation, the process of finding a niche in counseling, the significance of self-disclosure in therapy, and more! Recorded back in December as I was preparing to start Practicum, this conversation with Alissa left me feeling positive abo...

In this episode, join us as we dive deeper into the journeys of two current graduate students, Nikita and Bisola, who are classmates pursuing their Master's degrees in Marriage and Family Therapy! Nikita and Bisola share insights into their program, discussing the benefits of in-person learning and demonstrating how it often leads to great professional relationships like theirs. We also discuss th...

In this episode, we discuss the 5 things you should consider when choosing a program. Another must-listen episode for those who will soon pursue a master's, wrapping up a segment that began with insightful conversations with Lucas and Jack on the last two episodes! Tune in to this episode for essential guidance that will empower you to make informed decisions about choosing the right program for y...

In this episode, I speak with Jack Weaverling, a recent psychology graduate who's gearing up for his clinical mental health counseling journey! Jack shares his unique journey, starting back in 2004 when his original plan to join the Air Force took an unexpected turn due to a hearing issue. Then, Jack worked in engineering and ventured into his own float therapy business, which ultimately led him t...

In this special episode, I'm joined by Lucas Pezzato, a recent bachelor's psychology graduate ready to dive into the world of Clinical Mental Health Counseling! We explore the journey from a bachelor's to a master's program and discussed the differences between pursuing a psychology bachelor's in Brazil and the U.S. We also tackle the unique challenges faced by international students. Despite the...

Guess who's back? That's right – the Student Counselor Podcast is returning after a whirlwind six months, and oh boy, I have stories to share!  In this comeback episode, join me as I speak on the incredible journey I've embarked upon during my time away. I finally got married, bought a house, and secured a practicum site! So, whether you're a loyal listener or joining the podcast family for the fi...

In this milestone 40th episode of the Student Counselor Podcast, I introspect on the transformative path of a counseling student. I look back at my journey through obtaining my bachelor's in psychology and starting my master's in mental health counseling, profoundly illuminating the positive impact these programs have had on my life. I delve into how this pursuit has not only enriched my understan...

In this episode, I share my perspective on the dilemma between Windows or Mac, Microsoft or Apple. Which should you get as a counseling student? Drawing from my expertise working at Best Buy and my love for technology, I discuss my experience with Microsoft Surface products, which revolutionized my note-taking habits as a student. I also delve into my transition to Mac computers, explaining why I...

In this episode, I share my journey of self-care. Reflecting on my initial exploration of the topic, I delve into the practices that have become the cornerstone of my self-care routine. I'll share my experiences with meditation, journaling, and having a morning routine. It's important to remember one crucial aspect: being kind to yourself. Don't feel like you must follow a strict regimen or that m...