Congratulations: To Thomas J. Dinsmore our 2012 Class Speaker.

May 3rd, 2012 in Student Spotlight

A good deal can happen in two years time… I remember Dr. Levy-Bell commenting in the Fall of 2010 that in her observation, graduating classes often leave the program different than how they came into the program. “I would hope so”, I thought. What I didn’t understand at the time was what that difference would look like, how much discomfort and joy would be involved, and what the process would say about me and my beliefs around being a helping professional. With graduation upon us and happening in a number of days, I can say that I am now more self-informed. I am quite grateful for that.

My time in the program has given me many memories – I am honored to have been a part of the collective learning process we have undertaken together.  The group of professional and personal ties I now have will undoubtedly last throughout my life. I became engaged to my lovely wife Kimberly and recently married her in April. The clinical placement experiences I have had working with patients in an ER and students through a college counseling center were wonderful. The support I have received from the faculty, both academically and in an advising sense, were integral to my success within the program.  These are just a couple pieces of the difference that Dr. Levy-Bell spoke about.

 As speaker for the graduating class of 2012 I want to extend my gratitude to all my peers who felt that I was a good fit for the job. It is an honor for me to represent us as a group during commencement.  I would also like to say thank you to Dr. Jori Berger-Greenstein, my academic advisor and tireless advocate for me through all the clinical things I got myself involved in while a student. She helped me stay on the most fruitful path. Ultimately, I would also like to thank all the patients and clients who allowed me into their lives in order to help them the best I could.  The learning I experienced from their willingness to stand with me in a curious space has made the most, and the biggest, difference.

 Sincerely,

 TJ Dinsmore

Class of 2012

In the near future I plan on taking the National Clinical Mental Health Counselors Exam soon after graduating, begin working, and accrue the needed clinical hours required to be licensed in Massachusetts.  While in the program I have also developed an interest in supervising other psychotherapists and look forward to developing my skills in this area. Perhaps these aspirations will come together in a few years time, perhaps it will look different, either way I’m open to it.  A good deal can happen in two years time.