JAY GOMEZ: MERGING COUNSELING WITH KOREAN SHAMANISTIC TRADITION
SYNOPSIS:
Counseling student Jay Gomez discusses how they are approaching their education and future career by melding modern mental health practices with Korean shamanistic traditions.
Published February 7, 2025
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“I originally wanted to be an animator,” Jay Gomez said. “But after getting my undergraduate degree in animation, I realized most of those jobs were in big cities, and I didn’t want to live in a big city. But I really loved doing work in care homes and that’s what attracted me to counseling.”
Jay is now in their second year in the Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health (M.C.-CMH) program. This part-time hybrid program is offered through OSU’s award-winning Ecampus and the Corvallis campus. OSU-Cascades in Bend has a similar program which is a 100% on-ground program.
As part of their training through the M.C.-CMH program, Jay hopes to infuse their background in Korean Shamanic traditions with clinical mental health care while also addressing the unique needs of disabled clients.
“Korean shamanism is largely an ancestral practice,” Jay said. “People don’t choose to be a shaman, but rather the path is selected by the gods. Of course, not everyone in Oregon is looking for a shaman, so the counseling component will help those who are spiritual or have rituals as part of their mental health journey.”
In addition to addressing the spiritual needs of future clients, Jay is also interested in assisting Oregonians with disabilities.
“When I was working in the care homes, it was often difficult for me to help a client from a bed to a wheelchair when I was dealing with my disabilities and having problems moving,” said Jay. “But mental health counseling was one way I could help them, and that really energized me.”
Jay sees their own disabilities as part of their identity. “It’s of or how I move through the world, it’s part of who I am,” they said. “It allows me to bring some personal insight to my counseling work for those with similar challenges.”
Jay’s unique work in the College of Education is supported by Dr. April LaGue, Clinical Associate Professor in Counseling.
"Jay serves as a vital advocate for disability awareness in counselor education, blending their dedication to social justice with a deep understanding of diversity and inclusion,” Dr. LaGue said. “Their pivotal role in fostering equity reflects a commitment to empowering marginalized communities and advancing accessible practices in mental health support."
As a result of their work with Dr. LaGue, Jay is now considering a doctorate in counselor education. They are especially interested in helping counselors work better with disabled clients.
“Whether it was my background in shamanism or as a disabled person, understanding my motivations for becoming a counselor was really important,” said Jay. “I would certainly encourage anyone considering a career in counseling to reflect on their motivations, to ask themselves what are you bringing to the table that is unique for both your personal and professional growth?”
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