Let's see.... In 2003 I started moving towards advancing my career in psychology. It was a slow process I must admit. I was a full-time mother, worked full-time and went to school full-time (I'm talking about taking 18 hours a semester). I was basically starting all over. I truly enjoy the study of the mind and I also enjoy understanding how the brain works in terms of our behavior. I made a move that I was very uncertain about because 1. I thought it was drifting from what I really enjoy (psychology) and 2. I thought it would affect my marketability for a doctoral program. I did a lot of research and I mean a lot of research on this subject. There were some very specific changes taking place in the Counseling field that allowed me to continue what I was doing in research and would open up the door for me to do clinical work much quicker than if I had remained on the psychology track. So what did I do? I changed my focus to Counseling with the intention to return back to psychology (specifically Clinical Psychology of Clinical Neuro-psychology - preferring the latter more). I placed myself in positions to do research with leaders in the field of psychiatry, psychology and counseling. I took a leap of faith. I left my job doing marketing for a psychiatric hospital, realizing I really wasn't going anywhere in that position. I was locked into a "job" that would never yield the results I wanted. I worked a year and a half as a volunteer, with paid opportunities here and there. I was investing in myself - learning the field of research - as well as networking. Along the way I've met encouragers, as well as, detractors; nonetheless, I have been making my way. I really worried myself about switching back to the field of psychology, trying to find a way my Counseling education would transfer into a psychology-based doctoral program without me taking a loss and basically starting all over again. I chose to get the Master's first because I wanted my license, for one, and being in the CACREP Master's program would allow me to start doing clinical work even while in the program and much sooner than if I had taken the other route. Plus, I was considering the best way to raise my competitive edge as a doctoral candidate. I am so much more competitive now than I was then. Pretty much, all I had then were the grades. I didn't have the background, experience of other professionals who could speak to my ability to succeed in a program. I carefully thought through the process and took my time to do what works for me. Of course everyone had advice, but none knew better than I knew what was going to work for me and my family. The more I researched neuro-psychology and networked with neuro-psychologists, I kept hearing the words "limited". I do not like being limited and I saw myself being limited on this track. So my thoughts began drifting back to Clinical Psychology. One of the most frustrating parts of my journey has been identifying a program in Texas that will eliminate the possibility of having to relocate my family. Every psychologist I have talked to has told me they struggled with the same concern - where do you get into the program and will you have to move? Many have had to relocate. Well, I introduced my research ideas last semester (Summer 2016) in one of my courses. My professor took interest in it, gave me some very positive encouragement to pursue it further. I approached her again, advising her that the research topic I presented was actually one that I have been considering for my dissertation. I also asked if she would be willing to co-author a research study with me. She accepted and explained how happy she was that I wanted to include her on my project. Making a longer story short, I have learned a lot along the way. I am just getting started with my own life's work and in the process of doing that, I have learned, through research, I do not have to take a loss! Counseling has a need for therapists who are interested in brain behavior; therefore, more is being done to attract neuroscientists to the field! Now, what I am realizing is, I will get to stay on track without losing education credits and I will get to be a pioneer in advancing the field of neuroscience in Counseling! I will still get to do clinical work and research!!!!! Those are the two very things that I feel will help me make a difference!