My counselor identity is shaped by the integration of theory, practice, personal values, and supervised clinical experience. I view counseling as a collaborative, client-centered process that honors everyone’s strengths, cultural background, and lived experiences. My developing theoretical orientation is integrative, with a strong foundation in person-centered and cognitive-behavioral approaches.
My professional journey reflects an intentional progression toward clinical mental health counseling. As a Mental Health Technician at Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, I provided direct care to individuals experiencing acute psychiatric and emotional distress in an inpatient setting. This role strengthened my ability to observe client behavior, apply therapeutic communication, and support treatment goals within a multidisciplinary team.
Working closely with nurses and clinical staff, I learned the importance of maintaining a safe therapeutic milieu, responding appropriately to crises, and documenting client needs with accuracy and professionalism. I also developed increased self-awareness, patience, and empathy while supporting clients with diverse diagnoses and lived experiences.
My background as a Medication Supervisor further reinforced ethical responsibility, attention to detail, and advocacy for client safety. Combined with my graduate studies in Clinical Mental Health, these experiences continue to shape my counselor identity, deepen my commitment to client-centered care, and prepare me for practicum and internship training.
Finally, in alignment with Grand Canyon University’s Christian mission, I value compassion, service, and respect for the inherent worth of every person, while honoring diverse belief systems and worldviews. As a counselor-in-training, I continue to refine my professional identity through supervision, reflection, and practice, with the goal of serving individuals and communities with integrity, competence, and empathy.
Counselor Identity Development Page
Psychological Fitness
Maintaining psychological fitness is essential to my effectiveness as a counselor. Through self-reflection, supervision, and healthy coping strategies, I actively monitor my emotional well-being and professional functioning to remain present and objective in clinical work and other responsibilities.
Cultural Diversity
Being of African heritage, I am privileged appreciate various cultures of the world hence cultural humility is foundational to my counselor identity. Working with diverse adult and adolescent populations has strengthened my awareness of cultural, socioeconomic, and systemic factors that influence mental health. I remain committed to ongoing self-examination and culturally responsive practice, consistent with CACREP multicultural counseling competencies.
Genuineness
The importance of genuineness in the field of counseling cannot be overemphasized. I value authenticity within the therapeutic relationship. Genuineness fosters trust and allows clients to engage more fully in the counseling process while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Flexibility
My clinical observation of clinical professionals and hands-on practical experience as a mental health technician has helped to reinforce the importance of flexibility in responding to diverse client needs, treatment settings, and evolving clinical presentations. Adaptability to this principle allows me to remain client-centered while adhering to ethical and professional standards.
Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is central to my development as a counselor. Through reflective practice and supervision, I examine my values, assumptions, and emotional responses to ensure ethical, unbiased, and effective client care.
Patience
I recognize that growth and change occur at individual paces. Patience enables me to support clients respectfully through challenges while honoring their readiness and autonomy.
Empathy
Empathy is a core strength that guides my clinical work. I strive to understand clients’ experiences from their perspectives while maintaining professional objectivity and boundaries.
Amiability
I approach clients with warmth, approachability, and professionalism, creating an environment that supports trust and therapeutic engagement.
Acceptance
I am committed to unconditional positive regard, honoring each client’s inherent worth regardless of diagnosis, background, or life circumstances.
Professional Identity
My professional identity is shaped by the integration of academic preparation, supervised clinical experience, personal values, and faith-informed principles. In alignment with CACREP standards and Grand Canyon University’s mission, I am committed to ethical practice, cultural humility, and lifelong learning as I pursue licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor and continue developing as a competent and compassionate clinical mental health counselor.
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Austin Akalonu
Houston, TX
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Graduate Student
Professional Summary
Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student with direct inpatient behavioral health experience and a strong foundation in medication management and patient safety. Skilled in therapeutic communication, crisis de-escalation, behavioral observation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Seeking a CMHC practicum/internship to further develop assessment, documentation, and client-centered counseling skills under clinical supervision.
Core Competencies
Therapeutic Communication • Crisis De-escalation • Behavioral Observation • Mental Status Monitoring • Patient Safety • Clinical Documentation • Treatment Plan Support • Vital Signs Monitoring • HIPAA Compliance • Interdisciplinary Collaboration • Trauma-Informed Care
Relevant Clinical Experience
Mental Health Technician (MHT)
Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital — Houston, TX
2023–2025
- Provided direct, patient-centered care to adults experiencing acute psychiatric and emotional disorders in a 24-hour inpatient setting.
- Assisted with patient admissions, orientation, and vital signs monitoring.
- Observed, documented, and reported changes in mood, affect, and behavior to nursing and clinical staff.
- Supported activities of daily living, therapeutic groups, meals, and visitation while maintaining safety protocols.
- Applied therapeutic communication and crisis de-escalation techniques to promote emotional regulation and patient safety.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary treatment teams to support individualized care plans.
- Assisted with onboarding and training of new Mental Health Technicians.
Additional Healthcare Experience
Medication Supervisor / Certified Medication Aide
Colonia Oaks at West Chase — Houston, TX
2019–2021
- Administered and documented medications in compliance with physician orders and facility protocols.
- Supervised CNA staff, monitored vital signs, and communicated patient care concerns to clinical leadership.
- Ensured medication safety, regulatory compliance, and continuity of care.
Certified Medication Tech
The Abbey at Westminster Plaza — Houston, TX
2014–2019
- Provided medication administration, documentation, and patient monitoring in an assisted living setting.
Additional Professional Experience
Computer/ IT Admin (Remote)
Samsung – Asurion (Galleria) — Houston, TX
2020–2024
- Diagnosed issues, documented findings, and communicated solutions—skills transferable to clinical assessment, documentation, and professional communication.
IT Administrator / Computer Technician
Apple / CSAT Solutions — Houston, TX
2019–2021
Education
M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling (In Progress)
Grand Canyon University | 2022–Present
B.S. Business Management
Imo State University, Nigeria
Information Technology Systems Administrator MyComputerCareer Houston, Tx
Certifications
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Certified Medication Aide (CMA)
- CompTIA A+
- MTA Security Fundamentals
- MTA Networking Fundamentals
- MTA Mobility and Devices Fundamentals
- MTA Server Fundamentals
Letter of Recommendation
For: Austin Akalonu
Date: 12/23/2025
It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation in support of Mr. Austin Akalonu, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling intern whose academic preparation, professional background, and personal character strongly position him for success in clinical training and future counseling practice.
To Whom It May Concern
I have had the opportunity to know Austin both personally and professionally over several years and to observe his work within healthcare and behavioral health environments. Throughout this time, he has consistently demonstrated integrity, emotional maturity, and a strong commitment to service. His background includes direct patient care roles in behavioral health and medical settings, where he worked collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and provided compassionate, client-centered support to individuals with diverse mental health needs.
Austin brings excellent interpersonal and communication skills to his work. He interacts with clients and colleagues in a calm, respectful, and professional manner, even in high-stress situations. His ability to remain composed, observant, and empathetic reflects the foundational qualities of an effective counselor. He demonstrates strong ethical awareness, respects confidentiality, and consistently prioritizes client safety and well-being.
What distinguishes Austin is his genuine dedication to growth as a developing counselor. As a graduate student in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, he actively integrates theory with practice, reflects thoughtfully on his experiences, and seeks feedback to strengthen his clinical skills. His prior experience as a Mental Health Technician has further enhanced his competence in crisis awareness, therapeutic communication, and behavioral observation,
skills that translate seamlessly into the counseling role.
Austin is dependable, reflective, and deeply motivated to serve others through the counseling profession. I am confident that he will be an asset to any practicum or internship site and will continue to develop into a skilled, ethical, and compassionate clinical mental health counselor.
I recommend Mr. Austin Akalonu without reservation and fully support his continued professional development within the counseling field. Please feel free to contact me should additional information be required.
Sincerely,
Boma Hutchful
Houston, Texas.
Phone: (281) 617-9239
Email: hutchfulmina@yahoo.com
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