309.28

As part of my master's program I am required to attend 10 hours of individual counseling ... As part of the intro class I took I had to attend four sessions so I just kept going in anticipation of getting in. I did my last session a week or so ago and I don't think my experience was exactly typical in that I was required to be there, and that I have had relatively little trauma in my life compared to what my therapist was used to seeing. Overall it was a very helpful and positive experience, I just got tired of talking about myself after a while. The discussions would also slip back and forth from actual counseling to academic discussions of different theories and books, which was fine with me, and I found it helpful, but I think my therapist felt kind of uncomfortable with her inability to stay in role. She specializes in working with people who experienced abuse or trauma as a child, so my discussions of interview anxiety and transitional issues related to moving made for easy money. I'll be doing 20 more hours in group therapy next year as part of the program with people from my classes... we'll see how that goes when the time comes.

Gflo, M.S. (in 2008)

When we got back from our trip south I had a letter waiting welcoming me to the Portland State Community Counseling Master's program. I had my interview a week before we left, and I had to take a class and the GRE last term. All the hoops have been jumped and now I'll be a full time grad student in the Fall. I have an orientation in a couple of weeks, and I need to start hunting down a graduate assistantship for next year so I can stop my long commute and focus my energies at PSU. There are a lot of classes I am excited about, and I am plan on it being an exciting and fulfilling experience. I know where I want to head professionally and all that is really holding me back is two letters behind my name and the associated knowledge.

My Mom

Kathryn Flores

Kathryn "Kathy" Lee Flores died after a valiant battle with breast cancer on Monday morning, April 17, at Tri-City Hospital. Kathy was 56 years old and a resident of the North County for 50 years. Born March 12, 1950, in Oakland, she attended Oceanside schools kindergarten through twelfth-grade and completed her associate degree at Mira Costa College. She worked as a 411 operator for Pacific Bell for 31 years.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 34 years, Edward A. Flores. Her son Greg and his wife Christine live in Portland with Kathy's grandson, Colin Gregory and her daughter Amy lives in San Marcos. Kathy is also survived by her younger sister, Martha who lives in Bonsall and she leaves behind many loving friends as well.

Arrangements are being handled by the family and any donations can be directed to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, or the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Kathy was a woman of great strength and character and will be remembered by her family and friends for her generosity and charmingly dry wit.