My name is Danielle! I am currently pursuing my Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Houston Baptist University. I am expected to graduate in 2024. I am so grateful to be a recipient of the HLPCA scholarship award! As a graduate student pursuing higher education during a global pandemic, finances are becoming more scarce. This scholarship has catapulted my academic semester by removing financial constraints, making me one step closer to my degree. Thank you! 

My goal for pursuing this degree is to support individuals by counseling them to accomplish sustainable change for their emotional, mental, and behavioral wellness. As a survivor of domestic violence and sexual assault, counseling services supported and educated me to not only be a survivor but an overcomer. I chose to pursue a career in counseling because I wish to assist other young adults in navigating relationships, major preoccupations, individualism, and psychological concerns. Having experienced counseling, I aim to bring the same awareness to support other young adults in transitional stages. 

I chose HBU for my counseling degree because I desire to gain integrational knowledge for assisting individuals in addressing spiritual and religious issues. I believe it is crucial to learn accordingly to support clients to have a more unambiguous spiritual stance. In the Bible, Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” I interpret “destroyed” to mean physically (I.e., relational issues, inadequate coping mechanisms, depressive moods & disorders, etc.); Not just eternal damnation. I noticed that most people in social and cultural contexts need assistance in overcoming faith and spiritual hindrances. Religion and spirituality are rooted in mental health disconnects. I hope to help others walk freely in their overall identity with the inclusion of faith.