Before you decided to become a counselor, what were your views of addiction and your perceptions of persons with addictions? What contributed to these views and perceptions? These might have included...

Before you decided to become a counselor, what were your views of addiction and your perceptions of persons with addictions? What contributed to these views and perceptions? These might have included your direct experience with problematic substance use—your own, or that of a family member or close friend. Since enrolling in a graduate counseling program, how have those views and perceptions changed? What has contributed to these changes? How do the views and perceptions you hold today help you provide genuine and helpful counseling to clients who struggle with problematic substance use?