Counseling Stars

Stellar Pathways #4: Applying, Interviewing, and Choosing a Practicum Site

In this Stellar Pathways episode, master’s students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program open up about their journey to securing a practicum site. They discuss the ups and downs of the application process, interviewing with potential sites, and making the final choice, while sharing lessons learned along the way. Full of practical advice and encouragement, this conversation is a must-listen for counseling students preparing to take this important next step.
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Constellation Feature #8: Global Perspectives on Counseling with Dr. Shannon Hodges

In this Constellation Feature of Counseling Stars, master’s students sit down with Dr. Shannon Hodges, counselor educator, international practitioner, and author of one of the most widely used graduate counseling textbooks, The Counseling Practicum and Internship Manual. Together, they explore what students should look for in a practicum and internship site, the importance of counselor self-care, and Dr. Hodges’ experiences in international and global counseling work.
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#MentalHealth #CounselingStars #GradSchool #GradStudents
 

Constellation Feature #7: The Business of Therapy - A Raw Conversation with LPCs

In this Constellation Feature of Counseling Stars, a panel of licensed professional counselors—Dr. Maurice Murunga, Dr. Alexia Florentin, and Dr. Rebekah Hodge—pull back the curtain on the business side of mental health practice. This candid, unfiltered conversation dives into the real-world decisions that shape a therapist’s career, from billing and insurance navigation to choosing between private practice and community mental health agencies, and everything in between. It’s a rare look at the practical realities of building a career in counseling, told by those who’ve walked the path.
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#MentalHealth #CounselingStars #GradSchool #GradStudents
 

Stellar Pathways #3: Reflections on the First Year of Graduate School

In this Constellation Feature of Counseling Stars, master’s students in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Oklahoma City University reflect on their first year of graduate school. The students share candid insights on balancing coursework, practicum preparation, jobs, and personal life, while also navigating the growth, vulnerability, and surprises that come with entering the profession. This episode offers a relatable, honest look at graduate school life—perfect for those considering the program or just beginning their own counseling journey.
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#MentalHealth #CounselingStars #GradSchool #GradStudents
 

Constellation Feature #6: Christiana Kyles on Becoming an LPC and Supporting Student Athletes

In this Constellation Feature of Counseling Stars, hosts Ash Savage, Amanda Sakurai, and Brittany Ward shine a light on Christiana Kyles, an LPC Candidate whose journey offers valuable insight for students and emerging professionals in the counseling field. Christiana opens up about the real costs of candidacy and what to expect when working under supervision. She also shares about her current role working with student athletes, exploring the intersection of mental health, performance, and identity.
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#MentalHealth #CounselingStars #GradSchool #GradStudents

Constellation Feature #5: Insights from Amanda Gautier of the Homeless Alliance

In this Constellation Feature of Counseling Stars, hosts Ash Savage, Amanda Sakurai, and Brittany Ward sit down with Amanda Gautier, Director of Employee Engagement at the Homeless Alliance in Oklahoma City. With nearly a decade of experience serving individuals experiencing homelessness, Amanda sheds light on the realities of housing insecurity, the systemic barriers people face, and the misconceptions that fuel stigma.
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Stellar Pathways #2: The Grad School Application Journey

In this episode of Stellar Pathways, Amanda Sakurai, Brittany Ward, and Ash Savage get real about the graduate school application process. From personal statements and transcripts to the nerves, doubts, and unexpected surprises along the way, they share their candid experiences applying to the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Oklahoma City University.
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#MentalHealth #CounselingStars #GradSchool #GradStudents

Constellation Feature #4: Exploring Addiction, Recovery, and Resilience with Dr. Rebekah Hodge

In this episode, the Counseling Stars team sits down with Dr. Rebekah Hodge to explore the complex realities of addiction and recovery. From the personal challenges faced by those in treatment to the critical role of supportive relationships and community resources, Dr. Hodge offers both professional expertise and heartfelt insights. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how stigma, trauma, and resilience intersect in the journey toward healing, and why compassion and connection matter now more than ever.
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#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #CounselingStars #SubstanceUse #HealingJourney

Constellation Feature #3: Bridging Crisis Response & Mental Health in OKC with Lori Brown-Loftis

What happens when emergency services and mental health care truly work hand in hand? In this episode, Ash, Brittany, and Amanda sit down with Lori Brown-Loftis, LCSW, Program Manager for Oklahoma City’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Unit (MIH). Together, they explore how MIH diverts mental-health-related 911 calls from traditional law enforcement, provides on-scene crisis intervention, connects people to ongoing care, and partners with community resources like NAMI and Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers. From overdose education to alternative response models, Lori shares how this new program is reshaping crisis response and inspiring the next generation of mental health professionals.
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#MentalHealthAwareness #CrisisResponse #CommunityCare #OKC #MobileIntegratedHealthcare #FirstResponderSupport #NAMI #BehavioralHealth #CounselingStudents #PublicHealthInnovation

Stellar Pathways #1: Is Grad School Right for You? Real Talk from Counseling Students

In the very first episode of Stellar Pathways, OCU Clinical Mental Health Counseling students Brittany Ward, Ash Savage, and Amanda Sakurai open up about their journeys into graduate school and the field of counseling. From navigating doubts and misconceptions to discovering meaningful moments of growth, this honest and reflective conversation is for anyone considering — or currently pursuing — a path in mental health. Whether you’re thinking about becoming an LPC, choosing a program, or just looking for some encouragement, you’ll find connection and insight here.
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