Thanks for the info YellowSubmarine.
So now I have a new question for everybody. I applied to a handful of PhD program in Counseling Psychology. My outcome was not quite what I was hoping for upon applying, although there is still a slim possibility that I am accepted into one of the programs I applied to/interviewed at. However, I've been doing a lot of "soul searching" of late - trying to consider what ultimately defines success to me. I've always known that with my degree, I've wanted to practice psychology. My dedication to research has been the [?], and so I figured attending a doctoral program, I'd have my options open at the end. I've also always been super driven in the sense that I'd want to pursue what might be considered the "top degree".. However, as time has gone on throughout the application process I've been thinking more and more about the possibility of waking up three years from now, in a doctoral program and realizing how much it is not for me. I really like writing and synthesizing ideas - I know this - however, I just don't know how intrinsic my motivation to conduct research in any capacity actually is. The thought of getting a Masters versus a PhD is like insta-breath-of-fresh-air for me. I feel like it grinds better against my soul (forgive me, I'm not really actually a philosophical/religious person at all). I also think, that it is possible to do pretty well (relatively) financially, coming out of a top Mental Health Counseling Master's program having done well, been pro-active, driven, and properly self-marketed. I also realize this could all be my subconscious dealing with the fact that I will most likely not get into a PhD program this year - except for the fact that I started having these thoughts before this became apparent to me.
Along the application process I was accepted into the Mental Health Counseling MA program at one of the school's I applied to. It looks like the opportunities for assistantships/funding are not particularly uncommon there. Long story short (but not that short), I am highly considering going there, and getting excited about it too. I realize that most of the people on this particular thread are pursuing a masters and for good reason, and I was wondering if you had any input?
PS. If anyone's interested in a stranger's personal definition of success, I've decided that ultimately I want a life where I pushed myself, and I've often lost time and came out feeling fulfilled rather than drained from it. I also hope that my own definition continues to evolve.
