Brian R. Gallas

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT BRIAN R. GALLAS

When I reflect on my experiences, both past and present, I am drawn to this quote by William James:\"A human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind\". Working as a counselor has given me the opportunity to convey William James\' postulate to those whom I am working with now. Working as a counselor has not only allowed me the opportunity to pass on the wisdom of those before me, but it has given me a forum to demonstrate my perseverance and conscientiousness, two of my most forthcoming traits.Although fortunate, I consider the fact that I attained my most recent position in such close proximity to graduation as a tribute to my work ethic and ability to build trust and rapport with my clients and co-workers, a skillset that had evolved throughout my academic career. As a counselor I find it is most important to treat every individual so they may feel relatable. I believe that when clients feel comfortable with a counselor they will be more equipped with the skills to be honest and collaborative with treatment providers, therefore making them more successful in their long-term recovery.My position as a mental health and substance abuse counselor has not only provided me with the opportunity to work with diverse populations, but also with the practical experience necessary to gain admission into a doctoral clinical psychology program. In addition to the practical experiences I\'m harnessing, I am also being proactive by seeking out potential research opportunities along with taking recommended coursework for these doctoral programs. It is my hope that this wide array of experiences will give me an advantage in securing a spot within a clinical psychology program. When imagining myself as a clinical psychologist I foresee myself conducting empirical psychological tests as a mainstay for my professional career which is why I am looking for new opportunities to assist in research or psychological testing within an applied setting.