Margo Velez

I’ve added a second office location and I am looking forward to working with clients in this inviting space. It has windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling in the lobby and offices, bringing in a lot of light, openness, and views of the city. The furniture and décor are contemporary, yet comfortable, in soothing colors that evoke a sense of relaxation and calm. The space is clean and uncluttered, balancing a professional atmosphere with comfort.

There are so many theoretical orientations that comprise today’s integrated therapist. This used to be called eclecticism, meaning that the therapist’s therapeutic style derived from a diverse selection of theoretical approaches. It appears that the field has moved away from the idea of eclecticism because it sounds esoteric and lacks the depth that an integrative approach encourages. Instead of pulling from a counseling bag of tricks, we have moved to a more sophisticated system of applying empirically supported approaches and established interventions, with a stronger emphasis on training.

We each arrive to our graduate programs with different strengths, experiences, and levels of preparation. Do you remember what prompted you to look into graduate programs in counseling? Some of us study related majors in undergrad, and charge straight into graduate school. Others begin working after college, and their post-grad experiences lead them into this field. Many held careers in other professions and completely change gears. Counseling students represent a diverse group of backgrounds and ages, with traditional and non-traditional students. This diversity of experience enriches the classroom and the identity of the counselor.