Summer quarter is here, and I’m starting my final two courses before Practicum: Family Systems Theory and Sexual Issues in Counseling. Both promise to challenge and shape me in new ways.

I share more in my latest blog post: https://roqueneto.com/2025/07/01/summer-quarter-family-systems-and-sexuality-in-counseling/

#CounselorInTraining #FamilyTherapy #SexualHealth #MentalHealth #PaloAltoUniversity

Summer Quarter: Family Systems and Sexuality in Counseling

These two courses will strengthen my readiness for the next phase of training. But more than a bridge to practicum, this quarter represents an opportunity to broaden my perspective and honor my com…

Roque Neto

Service has played a meaningful role in my journey as a counselor-in-training. Through my involvement with the local chapter of Chi Sigma Iota at Palo Alto University and my work with SVC-CAMFT, I have found purpose in supporting peers and contributing to the growth of our profession.

In my latest blog post, I reflect on how service has shaped my experience and explore why staying engaged in our field is more important than ever:

https://roqueneto.com/2025/06/17/finding-purpose-through-service/

#CounselorInTraining #Leadership #ChiSigmaIota #CAMFT #ProfessionalDevelopment #MentalHealth #PaloAltoUniversity #Service

Finding Purpose Through Service

Service is not something to postpone until after graduation. It is something to live out now. Like education, counseling is a shared endeavor. We move forward by supporting one another, and I want …

Roque Neto

I’m sharing my latest blog post on wrapping up spring quarter in the counseling program at Palo Alto University. I explore key takeaways from Crisis & Trauma Counseling, play session with children, and my path toward practicum placement. Read more here: https://roqueneto.com/2025/06/10/insights-from-spring-quarter/

#CounselingTraining #TraumaInformed #ChildCounseling #PaloAltoUniversity #MentalHealth

Insights from Spring Quarter

In Child and Adolescent Counseling, I was introduced to play therapy and its potential for working with children. Although our exposure was introductory, it offered valuable insights. One assignmen…

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I am honored to feature my classmate Steffan Piper on the blog this week. A veteran, author, coach, and now counselor-in-training at Palo Alto University, Steffan shares his compelling journey of service, from the Marine Corps to the VA, and now to the field of mental health.

His story reminds us that the path to becoming a therapist often begins with a deep commitment to serving others.

Read Steffan’s guest post here: https://roqueneto.com/2025/05/27/guest-post-steffan-piper/

#CounselingEducation #VeteranVoices #MentalHealth #PaloAltoUniversity #SteffanPiper

Guest Post: Steffan Piper

I came to Palo Alto University to continue my path of service and strive to be there for others in the best capacity possible. In my own circles where I live in the Palm Springs region, it was appa…

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I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Regina Moro—counselor educator, licensed clinician, addiction specialist, and my academic advisor at Palo Alto University. Our conversation touched on the heart of advising, the challenges students face, and how her clinical background continues to shape her teaching.

Dr. Moro’s reflections offer guidance not only for counseling students but also for anyone invested in mentoring with compassion and intention.

Read the full interview on my blog: https://roqueneto.com/2025/05/20/interview-dr-regina-moro/

#CounselorEducation #MentalHealth #AddictionCounseling #ChiSigmaIota #PaloAltoUniversity #MentorshipMatters #TherapistInTraining

Interview: Dr. Regina Moro

Dr. Regina Moro wears many hats at Palo Alto University, and I have had the privilege of seeing several of them up close.

Roque Neto

Just wrapped up Residency II in my counseling program, and it was a week filled with learning, connection, and meaningful growth. From co-facilitating group sessions to strengthening relationships within my cohort, the experience made a lasting impact. I reflected on it all in my latest blog post.

Read it here: https://roqueneto.com/2025/05/06/what-residency-ii-taught-me-about-counseling-and-community/

#CounselorInTraining #MentalHealthEducation #GroupTherapy #ResidencyReflection #PaloAltoUniversity #ClinicalTraining

What Residency II Taught Me About Counseling and Community

This was not part of the official schedule, and it was clear she was doing it simply because she cared. What followed was one of the most memorable experiences of the week. As I watched her work, I…

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Spring quarter has begun, and I have passed the halfway point in my counseling program at Palo Alto University. This term, I’m focusing on Residency II, Child and Adolescent Counseling, and Crisis and Trauma Counseling while also applying for practicum and internship placement.

Read the full update here: https://roqueneto.com/2025/04/01/spring-quarter-begins-residency-ii-crisis-counseling-and-the-road-to-internship/

#CounselorInTraining #MentalHealth #Practicum #CounselingSkills #PaloAltoUniversity #ClinicalTraining

Spring Quarter Begins: Residency II, Crisis Counseling, and the Road to Internship

The highlight of this quarter is Residency II, an immersive in-person experience designed to sharpen our counseling skills through intensive practice and direct feedback from faculty and peers. I a…

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I have joined Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for counseling professionals and students! Even more, I am now serving as the CMHC Program Member-at-Large for the Phi Alpha Upsilon Chapter at Palo Alto University. Check out my new blog post: http://roqueneto.com/2024/10/01/joining-chi-sigma-iota-at-palo-alto-university/

#ChiSigmaIota #PaloAltoUniversity #Counseling #CMHC #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth

Joining Chi Sigma Iota at Palo Alto University

I have become a member of Chi Sigma Iota (CSI), the international honor society for counseling professionals and students. Not only have I joined this organization, but I am also serving on the lea…

Roque Neto

As I start my fourth quarter in the counseling program at Palo Alto University, I am taking courses that are shaping my future as a licensed therapist. From community mental health to multicultural counseling, these experiences are invaluable.
I have documented my thoughts, insights, and growth in my latest blog post. I hope my reflections inspire others on a similar path, as we strive to make a positive difference in the field of mental health.
Check out my blog post here: http://roqueneto.com/2024/07/02/1044/

#MentalHealth #Counseling #PaloAltoUniversity #TherapistInTraining #CommunityMentalHealth #MulticulturalCounseling

Gearing Up for My Fourth Quarter in the Counseling Program

The skills and values I will develop and/or reinforce through these courses will be invaluable to my future profession. By learning to design and implement effective outreach programs and intervent…

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I’m thrilled to introduce a guest post by my classmate Brandi Williams. Her journey to the Counseling program at Palo Alto University is inspiring and brings hope to those seeking to impact their communities.

From bartending to pursuing the role of a social justice-oriented counselor, Brandi’s story is a compelling read that I’m proud to share: http://roqueneto.com/2024/04/30/guest-post-my-path-from-hospitality-to-counseling-by-brandi-williams/

#Counseling #SocialJustice #MentalHealth #PaloAltoUniversity #CommunityService #CounselorInTraining

Guest Post: My Path from Hospitality to Counseling by Brandi Williams

I’m not choosing to become a counselor because I think it will help me heal my own wounds, though maybe it will, I’m here because I have a responsibility to my community to be of service.

Roque Neto