Please click (or copy and paste)the link below to vote for my photo--as many times a you want.
It is really important to me.
Thanks so much.
I hope everyone has a great summer!
Debbie
http://www.brickfish.com/Pages/PhotosAlbums/PhotoView.aspx?picid=898326_90604084&=ecc_all_PPIMEMAIL&isep=1&pbapi=2462680&pbvi=84329343
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Our Last Class !
Wow! I can't believe the semester is over already! It really went fast. Tomorrow, our Final exam, will be our last day. I have to say I will really miss our Saturday mornings together. It felt more like a "play date" than a college course, but I learned more with you all and especially our dear Prof. Murphy. He brought so much joy and laughter into the class--it made learning so much fun!
I never really liked English classes from High School, and I have to admit I was kind of bummed when I found out I had to take an English course, especially on writing essays. But, I have learned so much, have worked through my fears of writing and have even been awarded one scholarship so far (don't have answers to the other 15I sent out yet), but it would not have ever happened if I wasn't in Murphy's class,
I have a desire to write a book one of these days, as I have an amazing story to tell. I know this has been one of the stepping stones I needed to begin that journey.
Well, I just want to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this class and I will truly miss my Saturday mornings with you all.
Mr. Murphy--you have been a blessing and truly an inspiration for me to continue my
studies. I hope we can all still keep in touch--this blog thing has been a blast!
Good luck to you all! I hope everyone fulfills their dreams--life is too short--explore all your desires--you never know-you just might get what you pray for!
God Bless.
Debbie
I never really liked English classes from High School, and I have to admit I was kind of bummed when I found out I had to take an English course, especially on writing essays. But, I have learned so much, have worked through my fears of writing and have even been awarded one scholarship so far (don't have answers to the other 15I sent out yet), but it would not have ever happened if I wasn't in Murphy's class,
I have a desire to write a book one of these days, as I have an amazing story to tell. I know this has been one of the stepping stones I needed to begin that journey.
Well, I just want to tell everyone how much I enjoyed this class and I will truly miss my Saturday mornings with you all.
Mr. Murphy--you have been a blessing and truly an inspiration for me to continue my
studies. I hope we can all still keep in touch--this blog thing has been a blast!
Good luck to you all! I hope everyone fulfills their dreams--life is too short--explore all your desires--you never know-you just might get what you pray for!
God Bless.
Debbie
May 1 - My Anxiety attack!
This morning, on my way to my Tai-Chi class my mind was flooded with all the hymns I remembered from church services...I was trying to stay as positive as I could, then as I was parking I got the call I was waiting for from my sister--it was either going to be good or bad news (stroke or not)......Well, she told me she asked the doctor what the results were of the cat scan from yesterday---he said I don't have to --look at your father! He was sitting up--was talking-eating and even tried to get up by himself to go to the bathroom! What a remarkable
100 % improvement from yesterday--as my sister described--he "looked like a stroke victim".
It turns out that he had a little bit of air in the blood/brain--and it just took 3 days to disperse.
He will still need some rehab--but he will make a full recovery! All my prayers were answered!
BUT--as soon as my sister told me the good news--a flood of emotions came out of me---I cried uncontrollably for about 20 minutes--almost like a anxiety attack--thank God I was on my way to Tai-Chi. My classmates embraced me--and my instructor talked me down--and helped me "beathe" I was sobbing so bad, I could hardly breath. It was just 4 days of pent up emotions that just all came out at once--I was trying to be the "big sister" keeping her spirits up-she was the one going back/forth to the hospital everyday...and here I am 3000 miles away.
Later in the day I even got to talk to him! He was lucent, and sounded the same to me--just a little groggy and slow--but who wouldn't be after having open heart surgery?! Do you know they actually put your body temp to almost freezing - stop your heart , attach you to a maching that works your heart & lungs to keep your organs alive while they operate (you're actually dead during the operation) and then they bring you back to life once they reattach the heart from the machine. AMAZING ! He was happy he said to have "a valve job" and wants to go home because he has a lot of work to do......Anyway, I am rambling--only because this seems to be some kind of therapy for me--to let it out from fingers to paper....very therapeutic.
So Josh -- what do you think about the topic FEELINGS for our category essay!? I sure am hot on that one today---I felt almost everyone in the book--fear, anxiety, helplessness, loneliness, frustration, happiness, confusion, yadayadayada....
I hope you get to see this before tomorrow.
Debbie
May 1, 2009 10:23 PM
100 % improvement from yesterday--as my sister described--he "looked like a stroke victim".
It turns out that he had a little bit of air in the blood/brain--and it just took 3 days to disperse.
He will still need some rehab--but he will make a full recovery! All my prayers were answered!
BUT--as soon as my sister told me the good news--a flood of emotions came out of me---I cried uncontrollably for about 20 minutes--almost like a anxiety attack--thank God I was on my way to Tai-Chi. My classmates embraced me--and my instructor talked me down--and helped me "beathe" I was sobbing so bad, I could hardly breath. It was just 4 days of pent up emotions that just all came out at once--I was trying to be the "big sister" keeping her spirits up-she was the one going back/forth to the hospital everyday...and here I am 3000 miles away.
Later in the day I even got to talk to him! He was lucent, and sounded the same to me--just a little groggy and slow--but who wouldn't be after having open heart surgery?! Do you know they actually put your body temp to almost freezing - stop your heart , attach you to a maching that works your heart & lungs to keep your organs alive while they operate (you're actually dead during the operation) and then they bring you back to life once they reattach the heart from the machine. AMAZING ! He was happy he said to have "a valve job" and wants to go home because he has a lot of work to do......Anyway, I am rambling--only because this seems to be some kind of therapy for me--to let it out from fingers to paper....very therapeutic.
So Josh -- what do you think about the topic FEELINGS for our category essay!? I sure am hot on that one today---I felt almost everyone in the book--fear, anxiety, helplessness, loneliness, frustration, happiness, confusion, yadayadayada....
I hope you get to see this before tomorrow.
Debbie
May 1, 2009 10:23 PM
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Classification Essay -
Debbie Suer
Joel Murphy
English 51
Classification Essay
May 9, 2009
Peeling the Onion of Anxiety Disorders
Getting to the core of emotional anxiety is similar to peeling the layers off an onion. Many components of emotional anxiety can build up over time or come on suddenly. Three types of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fortunately, the idea of working with a psychologist or family therapist is widely accepted in our society today. However, when not dealt with, these emotions can be extremely detrimental to our physical health. It is known that the stress of these anxiety disorders can be a
factor in heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it is always best to try to get to the root of a problem before these states of emotion reek havoc over our bodies.
Panic disorder is displayed by feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly, usually without warning. There can also be the feeling of impending doom – that something horrific is going to happen at any given moment. I had personal experience with this phenomenon at one time in my life. For example, as I was driving on the freeway, the sudden fear that the big truck in the next lane would turn and topple over on my car and crush me, overwhelmed me. In addition, maybe an earthquake will happen while in an elevator, or in a large city with tall buildings. These types of fear will sometimes limit the quality of life because you are too afraid to participate in certain daily activities. A panic attack can cause increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, numbness and shortness of breath.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder plagues their victims by constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions,and the rituals performed are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands. Another common compulsion that displays urgent, repetitive behavior, is re-checking, for example, making sure that all the doors and windows are locked before they leave the house, then checking again, and again – just to make sure. People with this disorder also have a tendancy to count items, for example, paper clips, lines on the road, boxes on a shelf, etc.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, a natural disaster, or the unexpected death of a loved one. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event, and tend to be emotionally numb. Being exposed to the event may have threatened death or serious injury. The person will react with intense fear,helplessness and horror. The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced through dreams, recollections or even
the sudden feeling that the event was actually occurring
Anxiety is a normal and very common human experience. The anticipation of potentialthreats and dangers usually help us to avoid them. It is, however, when these worries become unrealistic and result in chronic uneasiness, fear of impending doom, bouts of terror and panic, then time to seek out professional help. Usually with either a psychiatrist who can prescribe medicine to help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication and/or a psychologist, who will help to facilitate psychotherapy sessions by
group or individual counseling. It is usually a slow process that helps people by talking through their feelings, and “peel away” the layers of their problems, to help understand and deal with the disorder. Sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy is used. This is where the person is taught how to recognize and change their behaviors and thought patterns that lead to the disturbing feelings in the first place. Dietary and lifestyle changes are also beneficial.
My advise to anyone that is suffering from any of these anxiety disorders would be to go to their primary care physician to get a referral to a treatment facility or clinic that has the appropriate health care professional suited for their needs. There has been a steady decline of people occupying hospital beds with anxiety disorders, largely because psychotherapeutic drugs,and psychotherapy, allowing people to be released more quickly, as out-patients and finally be
able to go about their daily lives without the burden of such devistating feelings.
.
Joel Murphy
English 51
Classification Essay
May 9, 2009
Peeling the Onion of Anxiety Disorders
Getting to the core of emotional anxiety is similar to peeling the layers off an onion. Many components of emotional anxiety can build up over time or come on suddenly. Three types of anxiety disorders are panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Fortunately, the idea of working with a psychologist or family therapist is widely accepted in our society today. However, when not dealt with, these emotions can be extremely detrimental to our physical health. It is known that the stress of these anxiety disorders can be a
factor in heart disease and cancer. Therefore, it is always best to try to get to the root of a problem before these states of emotion reek havoc over our bodies.
Panic disorder is displayed by feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeatedly, usually without warning. There can also be the feeling of impending doom – that something horrific is going to happen at any given moment. I had personal experience with this phenomenon at one time in my life. For example, as I was driving on the freeway, the sudden fear that the big truck in the next lane would turn and topple over on my car and crush me, overwhelmed me. In addition, maybe an earthquake will happen while in an elevator, or in a large city with tall buildings. These types of fear will sometimes limit the quality of life because you are too afraid to participate in certain daily activities. A panic attack can cause increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, numbness and shortness of breath.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder plagues their victims by constant thoughts or fears that cause them to perform certain rituals or routines. The disturbing thoughts are called obsessions,and the rituals performed are called compulsions. An example is a person with an unreasonable fear of germs who constantly washes his or her hands. Another common compulsion that displays urgent, repetitive behavior, is re-checking, for example, making sure that all the doors and windows are locked before they leave the house, then checking again, and again – just to make sure. People with this disorder also have a tendancy to count items, for example, paper clips, lines on the road, boxes on a shelf, etc.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, such as a sexual or physical assault, a natural disaster, or the unexpected death of a loved one. People with PTSD often have lasting and frightening thoughts and memories of the event, and tend to be emotionally numb. Being exposed to the event may have threatened death or serious injury. The person will react with intense fear,helplessness and horror. The traumatic event is persistently reexperienced through dreams, recollections or even
the sudden feeling that the event was actually occurring
Anxiety is a normal and very common human experience. The anticipation of potentialthreats and dangers usually help us to avoid them. It is, however, when these worries become unrealistic and result in chronic uneasiness, fear of impending doom, bouts of terror and panic, then time to seek out professional help. Usually with either a psychiatrist who can prescribe medicine to help reduce the symptoms of the disorder, such as anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication and/or a psychologist, who will help to facilitate psychotherapy sessions by
group or individual counseling. It is usually a slow process that helps people by talking through their feelings, and “peel away” the layers of their problems, to help understand and deal with the disorder. Sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy is used. This is where the person is taught how to recognize and change their behaviors and thought patterns that lead to the disturbing feelings in the first place. Dietary and lifestyle changes are also beneficial.
My advise to anyone that is suffering from any of these anxiety disorders would be to go to their primary care physician to get a referral to a treatment facility or clinic that has the appropriate health care professional suited for their needs. There has been a steady decline of people occupying hospital beds with anxiety disorders, largely because psychotherapeutic drugs,and psychotherapy, allowing people to be released more quickly, as out-patients and finally be
able to go about their daily lives without the burden of such devistating feelings.
.
Friday, May 8, 2009
How I got my idea for my classification essay-My Dad is finally home!
If anyone saw my blog last Thursday, I had a weird experience on the next day--Friday (a week ago today). I had Tai Chi class at 10:15aam. I made sure to arrive early so I could call my sister in NY while I was parked and safe, as I knew by then (3 hour time difference) she would be giving me either good news or bad. Our fear was that he might have had a stroke during the operation, as the Drs. said he wasn't responding to their vocal commands when he woke up (it took 2 1/2 days). He was still very groggy--and was having trouble moving his right elbow and shoulder (fingers were ok). I was trying to be as upbeat and positive as I could for my little sister (by 3 years) who was actually in NY with him. What she didn't know was that I was full of fear, remembering how our Uncle (Dad's brother) had a blocked artery cleaned out and had a stroke on the table. All his words were jumbled up--he would call a pack of ciggaretts a "truck" and got very mad when you didn't know what he meant. He lived the rest of his life like that--and I just couldn't see my father ever being like that. Even though he is 82, he has a body of a 45 year old--has an energy level that runs circles around me..
WELL-just as I parked the car, my cell phone rang--Patty said "He is going to be alright! He is talking, remembering, can walk, etc.just still very drugged up from the anesthesia." It was wonderful news,, but all I could do was sob thankful tears--then I broke out into a full flegged anxiety attack! I could not stop crying--she said she would talk to me when I calmed down...Thank God I was at my Tai CHi class, so my classmates all embraced me and my instructor helped me "come back down" and BREATHE--It took about 20 minutes for me to stop. She said "I think that's a little more than just your father coming out"--I guess all the pent up emotion from the past week worrying about my Dad along with my own stress just exploded like a bottle cap off a bottle. It actually felt great and I happened to be at the best place possible for something like that to happen..Well, he just came home from the hospital yesterday and we are all very excited. He is his old self--joking around about "how much work he has to do and that he just had a "valve job".
I guess that's why I wanted to write about feelings for the classification essay....I sure experienced just about every one you could imagine during that small period of time.
I haven't heard from Josh yet, so I might have to do this on my own.
See you all tomorrow!
Debbie
WELL-just as I parked the car, my cell phone rang--Patty said "He is going to be alright! He is talking, remembering, can walk, etc.just still very drugged up from the anesthesia." It was wonderful news,, but all I could do was sob thankful tears--then I broke out into a full flegged anxiety attack! I could not stop crying--she said she would talk to me when I calmed down...Thank God I was at my Tai CHi class, so my classmates all embraced me and my instructor helped me "come back down" and BREATHE--It took about 20 minutes for me to stop. She said "I think that's a little more than just your father coming out"--I guess all the pent up emotion from the past week worrying about my Dad along with my own stress just exploded like a bottle cap off a bottle. It actually felt great and I happened to be at the best place possible for something like that to happen..Well, he just came home from the hospital yesterday and we are all very excited. He is his old self--joking around about "how much work he has to do and that he just had a "valve job".
I guess that's why I wanted to write about feelings for the classification essay....I sure experienced just about every one you could imagine during that small period of time.
I haven't heard from Josh yet, so I might have to do this on my own.
See you all tomorrow!
Debbie
Friday, May 1, 2009
Career essay- finally finished.....I'm too tired-lots of emotion today!
Debbie Suer
English 51
Joel Murphy
Career Research
2 May 2009
Substance Abuse Counselor
It seems odd to me that at one time in my life, I had a substance abuse problem, and now I am investigating the profession of counseling to others in order to help them achieve sobriety, as I have over the last 21 years. It is fitting, however, that once you have gone through an experience, it is easier to identify with someone else. My goal is to assist, as many people as I can that are still suffering with addiction in their lives. I will explore all the pertinent components required to make an educated decision based on the information I collect regarding the training required, duties I would perform, salary, and in job outlook for my future as well as the big question – Is this what I really want to do?
Training
In order to achieve the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) certification, 36 credits are required, which are broken down into an average of two to three credits each of 13 courses. (College of the Desert 1,2). Some of these courses can be taken simultaneously depending on the pre-requisite classes. Supervised positions can be obtained also if I choose to continue and complete a non-transferable Associates of Arts (AA) degree, whereby 61 credits would be required (College of the Desert 1). A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is required if I want to conduct more therapeutic activities in my work. A Masters (MA) degree is preferable, especially for clinical counseling psychology, social service work, marriage and family therapy and education with addiction psychology. California recognizes certifications as being sufficient (Jones-Cage). It is important for all types of counselors to be adequately knowledgeable and have a clear understanding of the nature of all various drugs and the vast differences between them in order to counsel alcohol/substance abusers with credibility (Kennedy and Charles 181). I will go as far as I need to go to enter the division of whatever field that I pursue.
Duties
The duties will depend on whether or not the certificate is completed. Some drug rehabilitation facilities will hire if the candidate is emerged in his/her studies. Some places will offer internship while still completing degrees/certificates. Charting a patient’s progress, as well as facilitating a twelve-step program may be just a few of the duties on the entry-level job. According to Professor Jones-Cage, other duties may include intake interviews, assessments, and individual therapy sessions. Many treatment and rehabilitation facilities have different approaches, and will take into consideration the degree of education the counselor has (Jones-Cage).
Counselors usually first survey the symptoms of drug abuse, but are not generally the primary agents of treatment. They work as a team with medical professionals and are helpful by assisting in the appropriate treatment decision for each individual. General symptoms that are evident are changes in schoolwork and attendance, changes in physical appearance, unusual emotional outbreaks and changes in social patterns and behaviors. These are just a few of the signs that counselors look for in determining if a patient has a substance abuse problem (Kennedy and Charles 189).
The counselor should be active in the following four functions: prevention, therapy, open lines of communication and by keeping current on the drug scene. These functions will help the counselor in assessing certain conditions and help determine which type of treatment a patient should be referred to. Sometimes long-term treatment involves group therapy, family therapy and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Kennedy and Charles 191). A strong desire to help people, inspire, respect, trust and exhibit confidence should be the main qualifications for anyone interested in becoming a counselor.
Salary
I am finding out that the starting salary can be between $31,340 and $53,750 dollars a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1). These variations will depend on which category of employment is pursued: elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges, colleges, Universities professional colleges as well as individual and family services and vocational rehabilitation services, are just some of the options. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6). Professor Jones-Cage suggested in her email to me that here in the Coachella Valley, entry level salaries can be as low as $25,000 dollars and can go up to as much as $60,000 dollars annually. These broad ranges also take into account whether or not the facility is a non-profit or for-profit organization (Cage-Jones). It seems that the highest paid counselors among substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation counselors are those employed by the government. Hospitals and social service agencies follow. The least paid are usually employees of residential care facilities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6).
Job Outlook
During my recent Alcohol and Drug studies class last Monday, April 27, Professor Cage-Jones mentioned that she had attended a convention last week end where she found that this industry would have a much greater demand as compared to now, as well as more stringent qualifications. The industry wants to standardize counselors, in almost the same way that the nursing profession does. Mental health professionals and medical doctors are not as trained in the studies of addiction as the addiction counselors are (and some do not want to be). This will put a greater demand in the field of substance abuse and dependence counselors (Jones-Cage). There is also a more explicitly accepted train of thought in this field, as we see in society today, especially with the flood of media attention as soon as a celebrity announces s/he has a substance abuse problem.
Working with others, mentoring and guiding both young children and adults have always come easy for me. I see I have a long road ahead of me, but my clear view of what I want to accomplish after my education has not changed. I feel confident that my current studies along with my personal experiences with substance abuse will help solidify a strong career path for me in this growing industry.
Works Cited (Doesn't paste correctly)r
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition Apr. 2008. Counselors. 25 Apr. 2009 < http://data.bls.gov/egi- bin/print.pl/oco/ocos067.htm>
“Human Services.” College of the Desert. 23 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris. Personal Interview. 27 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris “A few short questions from Debbie Suer (HSAD 001-Mon nt class).”
E-mail to Debbie Suer. 29 Apr. 2009
Kennedy, Eugene and Sara C. Charles, M.D. On Becoming a Counselor. New York: The
Crossroad Publishing Company. 2001
English 51
Joel Murphy
Career Research
2 May 2009
Substance Abuse Counselor
It seems odd to me that at one time in my life, I had a substance abuse problem, and now I am investigating the profession of counseling to others in order to help them achieve sobriety, as I have over the last 21 years. It is fitting, however, that once you have gone through an experience, it is easier to identify with someone else. My goal is to assist, as many people as I can that are still suffering with addiction in their lives. I will explore all the pertinent components required to make an educated decision based on the information I collect regarding the training required, duties I would perform, salary, and in job outlook for my future as well as the big question – Is this what I really want to do?
Training
In order to achieve the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (CAADAC) certification, 36 credits are required, which are broken down into an average of two to three credits each of 13 courses. (College of the Desert 1,2). Some of these courses can be taken simultaneously depending on the pre-requisite classes. Supervised positions can be obtained also if I choose to continue and complete a non-transferable Associates of Arts (AA) degree, whereby 61 credits would be required (College of the Desert 1). A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is required if I want to conduct more therapeutic activities in my work. A Masters (MA) degree is preferable, especially for clinical counseling psychology, social service work, marriage and family therapy and education with addiction psychology. California recognizes certifications as being sufficient (Jones-Cage). It is important for all types of counselors to be adequately knowledgeable and have a clear understanding of the nature of all various drugs and the vast differences between them in order to counsel alcohol/substance abusers with credibility (Kennedy and Charles 181). I will go as far as I need to go to enter the division of whatever field that I pursue.
Duties
The duties will depend on whether or not the certificate is completed. Some drug rehabilitation facilities will hire if the candidate is emerged in his/her studies. Some places will offer internship while still completing degrees/certificates. Charting a patient’s progress, as well as facilitating a twelve-step program may be just a few of the duties on the entry-level job. According to Professor Jones-Cage, other duties may include intake interviews, assessments, and individual therapy sessions. Many treatment and rehabilitation facilities have different approaches, and will take into consideration the degree of education the counselor has (Jones-Cage).
Counselors usually first survey the symptoms of drug abuse, but are not generally the primary agents of treatment. They work as a team with medical professionals and are helpful by assisting in the appropriate treatment decision for each individual. General symptoms that are evident are changes in schoolwork and attendance, changes in physical appearance, unusual emotional outbreaks and changes in social patterns and behaviors. These are just a few of the signs that counselors look for in determining if a patient has a substance abuse problem (Kennedy and Charles 189).
The counselor should be active in the following four functions: prevention, therapy, open lines of communication and by keeping current on the drug scene. These functions will help the counselor in assessing certain conditions and help determine which type of treatment a patient should be referred to. Sometimes long-term treatment involves group therapy, family therapy and self-help groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous (Kennedy and Charles 191). A strong desire to help people, inspire, respect, trust and exhibit confidence should be the main qualifications for anyone interested in becoming a counselor.
Salary
I am finding out that the starting salary can be between $31,340 and $53,750 dollars a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics1). These variations will depend on which category of employment is pursued: elementary and secondary schools, junior colleges, colleges, Universities professional colleges as well as individual and family services and vocational rehabilitation services, are just some of the options. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6). Professor Jones-Cage suggested in her email to me that here in the Coachella Valley, entry level salaries can be as low as $25,000 dollars and can go up to as much as $60,000 dollars annually. These broad ranges also take into account whether or not the facility is a non-profit or for-profit organization (Cage-Jones). It seems that the highest paid counselors among substance abuse, mental health and rehabilitation counselors are those employed by the government. Hospitals and social service agencies follow. The least paid are usually employees of residential care facilities (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 6).
Job Outlook
During my recent Alcohol and Drug studies class last Monday, April 27, Professor Cage-Jones mentioned that she had attended a convention last week end where she found that this industry would have a much greater demand as compared to now, as well as more stringent qualifications. The industry wants to standardize counselors, in almost the same way that the nursing profession does. Mental health professionals and medical doctors are not as trained in the studies of addiction as the addiction counselors are (and some do not want to be). This will put a greater demand in the field of substance abuse and dependence counselors (Jones-Cage). There is also a more explicitly accepted train of thought in this field, as we see in society today, especially with the flood of media attention as soon as a celebrity announces s/he has a substance abuse problem.
Working with others, mentoring and guiding both young children and adults have always come easy for me. I see I have a long road ahead of me, but my clear view of what I want to accomplish after my education has not changed. I feel confident that my current studies along with my personal experiences with substance abuse will help solidify a strong career path for me in this growing industry.
Works Cited (Doesn't paste correctly)r
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition Apr. 2008. Counselors. 25 Apr. 2009 < http://data.bls.gov/egi- bin/print.pl/oco/ocos067.htm>
“Human Services.” College of the Desert. 23 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris. Personal Interview. 27 Apr. 2009
Jones-Cage, Chris “A few short questions from Debbie Suer (HSAD 001-Mon nt class).”
E-mail to Debbie Suer. 29 Apr. 2009
Kennedy, Eugene and Sara C. Charles, M.D. On Becoming a Counselor. New York: The
Crossroad Publishing Company. 2001
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A little distracted this week......
I am still working on the career research essay--should bring into lab for tutor review today or tomorrow..BUT- whoever reads this, please say a prayer for my Father, who is in St. Francis Hospital on Long Island...he had a heart valve replaced Tuesday, and as of now--is still not all the way out of the anesthesia....it's hard to keep my thoughts on my work until I know he is safe and "out of the woods". He is still in ICU.
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