Intern Spotlight: Simone
This summer we’re highlighting our Counseling Interns. Masters-level interns are an important part of our work to train the next generation of Christian clinicians as they offer affordable counseling to clients. Get to know Simone Castro!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a community-loving introvert. I say that I enjoy road trips, but they actually seem pointless to me if I am not traveling to or with someone. For ten years Black Beauty, my car, has been faithful in taking me on day trips to Lancaster, weekends in Maryland, and vacations to Maine to see long-time friends. When I’m not spending time with others I enjoy recharging by running, reading, and occasionally catnapping.
In addition to exploring the roads of the Northeast, I have explored many different career fields including cosmetology, education, and food services, but I think I’ve found my deepest joy in counseling. It has felt the most natural for me to connect my faith and purpose with what I do. I am grateful to be in a field with the purpose to help people grow and mature. And I get to grow along the way as well.
What was your journey to becoming a counselor?
I actually entered Cairn’s MS in Counseling program uncertain of whether or not I would formally counsel. I have many friends who went through the program who are not professional counselors and they attested to how impactful it was to them. It changed how they saw and engaged with themselves, others, and the Lord. As each semester passed I became more interested in and excited about the possibility of consistently walking with others through obstacles in life.
What’s your favorite movie?
It is difficult to pick one, so I’ll cheat and say Madagascar and Madagascar 2. I appreciate the emphasis it places on the community and loyalty between the characters. On their adventures, they learn about themselves and how to navigate and develop their relationships through this awareness. There are also many hilarious one-liners and moments where they make fun of other popular movies.
Favorite food?
I LOVE ice cream. If it weren’t bad for me I’d probably have it every day. Whenever I’m traveling I look for places that serve homemade ice cream. This typically guarantees that the quality is better and that there are unique flavors!
Cake or pie?
It depends if ice cream is involved… 🙃
What do you do for fun?
Many of my hobbies have seasons, but I consistently enjoy running outside, reading mysteries and memoirs, baking, and spending time with my people. Running allows me to be more aware of nature and my physical, mental, and emotional state. Reading presents me with the perspectives of others. Baking gives me the opportunity to create something delicious to share with others. And regardless of what we’re doing—watching a hilarious movie, enjoying the great outdoors, discussing life, etc—spending time with my people just brings me joy and comfort.
Describe your approach to counseling.
I have always enjoyed hearing peoples’ life stories. It allows me to get to know them and gain an understanding of how they became the person they are. I tell clients that they will initially do much of the talking in sessions as I get to know them by hearing their history. From there I typically think of the issue that they are facing in the context of who they are and where they’ve come from and work with them to create goals that will help them through their struggles.
Any advice for someone considering counseling?
Be open and patient. Open to the purpose of counseling and the possibilities of what you can get out of it, and open to putting in work to see an outcome. Once you have decided to receive counseling, be patient with yourself in gaining an understanding of what it looks like to put in the work and in seeing an outcome.