martinr60
Feb 21, 2012
Graduate / Personal Statement: Marriage and Family Therapy [3]
I don't have a variety of experience, so I feel it makes my statement weak. How can I pump it up? I welcome proofreading (i'm not sure if that's what people do here). Thank you for your time!
Listening to my sister's dread of our family's reproach to her homosexuality was an agonizing milestone for me. I spent months supporting her and my family through her coming out process. That experience solidified my decision to pursue my master's degree in marriage and family therapy.
In my undergraduate studies I had the opportunity to be exposed to a full range of psychology courses in cognitive, developmental and social psychology. I also had the opportunity to study outside subjects that enlightened me on power dynamics and discrimination. These courses gave me a groundwork that is well rounded. Those courses engrained in me the impact of societal factors on an individual and groups.
I also made a few mistakes in my college years. I had originally wanted to major in psychology and minor in business management. That minor was not offered when I attended xxxx. I decided to minor in economics. I have always been persistent, so when my economics grades started to dwindle I did not think to quit. I finally realized the best decision was to drop that minor. However, by that time the pressure had affected my other classes and my GPA had suffered immensely.
My previous work while not directly applicable to the field of marriage and family therapy still has served me well in my ventures. I was a resident assistant at the University of xxxx during my undergraduate studies. I was able to polish my interpersonal skills, communication skills and professionalism. I have used those skills in almost every aspect of my life.
My current occupation gives me the pleasure to work with children who have autism. I am able to apply technique as well as observe behavior. Working with each child has made me realize that therapy is a slow process. I work with one little girl with mental retardation and autism. For a year she showed minuscule progress. At first, I thought it was due to my lack of skill, but I realized she was progressing at her own pace. I believe this applies to marriage and family therapy. Every patient will need a different degree of patience and adaptability on my part.
As I am only allowed to work with the child, I observe the families from afar. This has become frustrating for me. I am ready to get involved with the whole family. Completing the marriage and family therapy program, will allow me to pursue my long-term goal of having my own practice. On the road to my practice I want to work in non-profit organizations. I would enjoy leading group therapy for couples at local churches.
I look forward to learning the theories and research about the family unit. The intersection between family dynamics and societal factors fascinates me. I need to learn a variety of theories and techniques in order to create my own unique, creative therapeutic technique. xxxx's biopsychosocial approach seems a perfect fit to integrate those factors into my therapeutic technique.
I don't have a variety of experience, so I feel it makes my statement weak. How can I pump it up? I welcome proofreading (i'm not sure if that's what people do here). Thank you for your time!
Listening to my sister's dread of our family's reproach to her homosexuality was an agonizing milestone for me. I spent months supporting her and my family through her coming out process. That experience solidified my decision to pursue my master's degree in marriage and family therapy.
In my undergraduate studies I had the opportunity to be exposed to a full range of psychology courses in cognitive, developmental and social psychology. I also had the opportunity to study outside subjects that enlightened me on power dynamics and discrimination. These courses gave me a groundwork that is well rounded. Those courses engrained in me the impact of societal factors on an individual and groups.
I also made a few mistakes in my college years. I had originally wanted to major in psychology and minor in business management. That minor was not offered when I attended xxxx. I decided to minor in economics. I have always been persistent, so when my economics grades started to dwindle I did not think to quit. I finally realized the best decision was to drop that minor. However, by that time the pressure had affected my other classes and my GPA had suffered immensely.
My previous work while not directly applicable to the field of marriage and family therapy still has served me well in my ventures. I was a resident assistant at the University of xxxx during my undergraduate studies. I was able to polish my interpersonal skills, communication skills and professionalism. I have used those skills in almost every aspect of my life.
My current occupation gives me the pleasure to work with children who have autism. I am able to apply technique as well as observe behavior. Working with each child has made me realize that therapy is a slow process. I work with one little girl with mental retardation and autism. For a year she showed minuscule progress. At first, I thought it was due to my lack of skill, but I realized she was progressing at her own pace. I believe this applies to marriage and family therapy. Every patient will need a different degree of patience and adaptability on my part.
As I am only allowed to work with the child, I observe the families from afar. This has become frustrating for me. I am ready to get involved with the whole family. Completing the marriage and family therapy program, will allow me to pursue my long-term goal of having my own practice. On the road to my practice I want to work in non-profit organizations. I would enjoy leading group therapy for couples at local churches.
I look forward to learning the theories and research about the family unit. The intersection between family dynamics and societal factors fascinates me. I need to learn a variety of theories and techniques in order to create my own unique, creative therapeutic technique. xxxx's biopsychosocial approach seems a perfect fit to integrate those factors into my therapeutic technique.
