Date of Award
Spring 5-7-2026
Document Type
Project (696 or 796 registration)
Degree Name
Master of Science in Counseling
Department
Graduate Studies
Committee Chair
Dr. Jessica Brown
Keywords
Counseling theory, counseling profession, professional development
Abstract
This self-analysis articulates the author’s process of developing, across his own lifetime, personal aspects essential to professional practice as a mental health counselor. Explored in this paper are the author’s experiences across diverse areas of development, including: relationships, culture, mental and physical health, career and hobby interests, and personal strengths. The author’s theoretical orientations towards therapeutic practice, including the lenses of Psychosocial Lifespan Development, Relational-Cultural Theory, and Existential Theory, are articulated and connected to his personal narrative. Results from two personality inventories, the VIA Character Strengths Inventory and the Primals Inventory are presented and discussed, as are key points from interviews with five individuals close to the author. Results of these data are integrated with personal and theoretical themes and discussed holistically. Following this self-analysis, the author’s subsequent goals for professional practice and continued growth are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Smallen, David, "Countless Journeys: Becoming a Mental Health Counselor" (2026). Dissertations, Theses, and Projects. 1106.
https://red.mnstate.edu/thesis/1106
Included in
Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons