Leadership

As I continue developing my identity as a counselor, I’ve come to understand leadership as a way of moving through the world with intention, humility, and a genuine desire to support others. My view of leadership has shifted to something deeply personal and essential to who I am becoming, especially as a future counselor. To me, leadership is rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and compassion, and it has shown up in both subtle and significant ways throughout my growth. Throughout this program, I’ve had meaningful opportunities to lead and collaborate on class projects that helped me recognize strengths I have that I often don’t give myself credit for. In group work, I often found myself naturally stepping into leading roles that required organizing tasks, clarifying our direction, or supporting my peers when they felt unsure. These moments taught me that leadership is not about having all the answers—it’s about creating safety, fostering connection, and helping everyone feel valued. In many ways, these group experiences have represented the kind of leadership I hope to bring into my clinical work which is steady, supportive, and grounded in empathy.

My involvement in professional organizations such as the American Counseling Association and the Texas Counseling Association has further shaped my identity as a future leader in the field. Being part of these communities has reminded me that leadership includes staying engaged, informed, and connected to the broader counseling profession. Attending the trauma symposium reinforced this even more. Being surrounded by clinicians, educators, and advocates who are deeply committed to trauma-informed care reminded me of how important it is to show up, learn, and participate. These experiences highlighted that leadership also means investing in my own growth so I can better serve my clients and community.

My personality and strengths strongly influence the type of leader I am becoming. As an ENFP-T, I bring energy, creativity, curiosity, and a relational approach to the spaces I enter. My Enneagram blend—Type 2 (the Helper), Type 9 (the Peacemaker), and Type 3 (the Achiever)—reflects a combination of my compassion, calmness, and drive. I care deeply about supporting others, I bring a grounded and steady presence to group dynamics, and I’m motivated to grow and accomplish meaningful goals. These qualities help me lead with both heart and intention. The StrengthsFinder assessment also illuminated the strengths I naturally rely on which include empathy, harmony, discipline, ideation, and strategic. Empathy and harmony help me connect deeply with others and create collaborative, peaceful environments. Discipline keeps me organized and dependable, especially in high-stress situations. Ideation fuels my creativity and ability to generate new approaches, while strategic helps me see patterns and pathways that others might miss. Together, these strengths shape a leadership style that is intuitive, supportive, and forward-thinking.

Looking ahead, I know leadership will continue to play a vital role in my work as a licensed counselor. I hope to lead through trauma-informed practice, through advocating for clients who face systemic barriers, and by modeling cultural humility and ethical integrity. I could potentially see myself supervising future interns one day, contributing to the development of my workplace, facilitating trainings, or engaging in community and policy initiatives. More than anything, I want my leadership to reflect compassion, justice, and a deep commitment to empowering those I serve. Ultimately, leadership to me is an ongoing practice that requires continual self-awareness, courage, and a willingness to grow. I am committed to showing up fully, using my strengths with intention, and contributing meaningfully to the counseling profession and the communities I am privileged to support.