St. John’s Helps Graduate Student Carve a Path to a Career in Mental Health Counseling
“The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program combines solid academic foundations with hands-on experience, giving me the tools to truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Kirdon Jones is quick to respond when asked why she chose St. John’s University to pursue a Master of Science in Education degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
“St. John’s is the perfect place to help me grow into the counselor I aspire to be,” said Kirdon, who plans to graduate from The School of Education in December 2025. “The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program combines solid academic foundations with hands-on experience, giving me the tools to truly make a difference in people’s lives.”
Choosing St. John’s University for Clinical Mental Health Counseling
What drew me to St. John’s,” she added, “is its focus on social justice, inclusivity, and community service, which align with my passion for understanding and helping others from diverse backgrounds. I know that the University’s supportive environment and strong community will guide me as I work toward my goal of becoming a compassionate, ethical counselor.”
Inspired by Faculty and Fellow Students While Striving to Help Others
A resident of Montclair, NJ, Kirdon said she loves the counseling program and her professors. “The faculty are incredibly personable and supportive, offering their guidance and expertise that help elevate my understanding of not only counseling, but myself and my values. I enjoy working alongside and being challenged by like-minded peers who share the same passion for helping others.”
Her time at St. John’s helped her cultivate a more profound self-awareness. “That is crucial for effective counseling,” Kirdon said. “Through various coursework, personal reflection, and engaging in meaningful discussions with professors and peers, I’ve gained valuable insights into my strengths and areas for growth.”
“This self-awareness not only enhances my ability to empathize with clients but also ensures that I maintain a healthy balance in my well-being as I pursue a career in counseling,” added Kirdon, whose work focuses on children, adolescents, young adults, and athletes.
She also fully embraces St. John’s Vincentian mission. “The Vincentian mission profoundly resonates with me,” Kirdon said. “Its emphasis on service, social justice, and compassion is a guiding force in my work and studies. As someone dedicated to effective counseling, I see how this mission aligns with my passion for supporting patients, especially those in underserved communities.”
Gaining Hands-on Experience at Serenity Zone Therapy
Kirdon is further honing her counseling skills through an internship as an Advanced Clinical Intern at Serenity Zone Therapy, based in Oceanside, NY, which serves clients of all ages and offers individual, family, and couples counseling.
She is responsible for assisting with client intakes, observing and facilitating therapy sessions, and helping with case documentation under supervision. She also supports licensed therapists in delivering therapeutic interventions while gaining hands-on experience in different counseling settings. She participates in team meetings and case reviews to further develop her clinical skills and understanding of diverse therapeutic approaches.
Preparing for a Career in Mental Health
“This internship provides a solid foundation in mental health counseling, allowing me to grow professionally while making meaningful contributions to clients’ well-being,” Kirdon said. “This experience begins my journey toward becoming an integral mental health counselor, ready to support others on their path toward healing and personal growth.”
