MA Mental Health Counseling Personal Statement

MA Mental Health Counseling Personal Purpose Statement for Graduate School

This application arises from my deep interest in health service delivery and my goal to work at a senior level within the Ministry of Health in my homeland. Contrary to the assumption that a wealthy nation like Kuwait, which invests heavily in health services, would not encounter significant challenges in health service delivery, this is not the case. There are issues, some quite severe, and I intend to help resolve them by acquiring the skills, knowledge, and research opportunities offered by pursuing an MA Degree in Mental Health Counselling at XXXX University.

A significant shortcoming in health service delivery in my society pertains to mental health, a nearly taboo subject in Kuwait. Being labeled as mentally ill results in severe social, educational, and professional consequences. The problem begins early, as parents strongly resist diagnoses like ADD, ADHD, or Autism due to fears of lifelong impacts on their child. Consequently, these conditions often go untreated in regular school settings without specialized educators, hindering the child's potential. This issue extends beyond childhood to encompass a wide range of adult psychiatric and psychological conditions, from severe disorders to mild depression.

In Kuwait, mental health treatment is freely available, and neither provision nor financing is the issue. The challenges lie in societal disincentives to seeking treatment and the attitudes of those, including mental health service providers, towards individuals receiving treatment. I am not under the illusion that I can single-handedly reduce or eliminate prejudice but hope to contribute to the solution. After gaining experience within the Ministry of Health, I aspire to develop and lead an NGO focused on addressing this situation.

Academically, I excelled in school, earning a full government scholarship for undergraduate and graduate studies abroad, and I am currently studying Politics at Edinburgh University. My interest in Politics stems from a desire to understand how governments set priorities, formulate policies, and implement them, and how these processes can be improved for the greater good, particularly in Kuwait. I have concentrated on the sociological aspects of politics, social and public policy, and social work. Additionally, I aim to understand how organizational language affects users and how minorities are excluded from policy benefits. I have also studied Research Analysis, which is highly relevant to this application.

I live in a country capable of providing for its citizens' basic needs. However, this generous paternalism comes at a cost, as the government can control and manipulate the population while ignoring issues that, in other countries, would attract government concern and action. One such issue is the rigid class and tribal hierarchy that limits opportunities for some and fails to provide equal educational and professional opportunities. I hope to positively impact this matter in the future. I am a member of the university's Feminist Society and the Black and Minority Ethnic Society. Living as part of a minority in the UK has given me insights into the challenges faced by minority religious and tribal groups in my own society, which I intend to apply in the future.

At twenty-one, my professional experience is understandably limited. However, I have gained work and volunteer experience. I was a caregiver for my mother from the age of sixteen, providing me with early exposure to healthcare services in Kuwait. I worked as a Consultant Intern, analyzing information for the UN High Commission for Refugees. I have also interned at specialist marketing companies due to my study of Research Analysis, which has provided useful insights into how attitudes and perceptions can be shaped and changed, aligning with my long-term goals. I volunteered for ChildReach International, working to increase donations by presenting to potential donors.

I am a member of the University’s Debating Society, where I enjoy researching new topics and presenting clear and persuasive arguments. Debates are an excellent way to hone communication skills and explore diverse approaches to presenting a case effectively. The skills acquired will be directly applicable to participating in meetings and making presentations throughout my career.

I recognize that influencing policy requires not only technical knowledge but also the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, policymakers, and others. I have happily studied, worked, and socialized with people from diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. I enjoy sharing information about my own culture and learning about others. In addition to studying in the UK, I participated in an educational exchange in the United States during high school. I am regarded as an excellent team member, working well with others, and am prepared to listen as much as to speak, always ready to defend my position strongly yet diplomatically.

I am academically capable, with a strong intellectual curiosity and analytical skillset; I have a relevant academic and work background (albeit limited); and I possess personal qualities such as empathy, amiability, a readiness to cooperate for common goals, and diligence, which I believe will enable me to excel in the program and beyond. I look forward to sharing my experiences and benefiting from those of a prestigious faculty and my fellow students.

Thank you for considering my application.

MA Mental Health Counseling Personal Purpose Statement for Graduate School