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odette

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  • Location
    California
  • Application Season
    Not Applicable
  • Program
    MFT

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  1. Hi! I'm a first generation college student so I'm not sure if what I'm asking is readily apparent to everyone! I'm applying to the MFT program at San Francisco State University this winter and I'm not really sure of what to include in my personal statement. My goal is to become a Linehan DBT certified LMFT who specializes in the treatment of borderline personality disorder. I did my UG degree in gender studies and my capstone project was on the oral histories of individuals who meet criteria for BPD. My interest in the subject is shaped by my own recovery from the disorder, and knowing many people with the disorder. I am reticent to mention the desire to specialize in this condition because it is among the most stigmatized mental health conditions and I've heard numerous people say that it either was not covered in their MFT/MSW/PsyD programs or they were advised by their professors to never treat somebody with the condition. I am also unsure of whether to include my own experience with the diagnosis as there are many people who believe it is something that cannot be recovered from. I'm also unsure of how to spin my limited experience working in mental health related fields-- I briefly (3 months) worked at a residential treatment facility for women with BPD and was (ironically) subjected to an abusive and disorganized work environment and I had to leave the job for my own well being. The experience was valuable in that it affirmed my desire to work with this population as the clients were not the problem at all, the workplace culture that normalized illegal and noncompliant practices was why I had to leave. Outside of that, I don't have experience working in the field and I'm back to the service industry for the time being. Anyways, I'm not sure what's expected as far as disclosing your own history in general or whether it is advisable in my case and I'm unsure of how to address my limited experience. Any insight is welcome.
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