My professional development as a counselor-in-training is grounded in academic learning, supervised clinical practice, and reflective self-assessment. I have taken courses in assessment, diagnosis, and counseling theories. My coursework also includes ethics, multicultural counseling, and treatment planning. These have helped me develop a strong foundation in evidence-based clinical mental health counseling practice.

My internship and employment at Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital have significantly contributed to my professional growth. I have worked with adult and adolescent clients through inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. This experience has enhanced my understanding of clinical assessment. It has improved my skills in crisis stabilization. I have gained knowledge in interdisciplinary collaboration. I have learned the application of treatment plans in real-world settings.

I am committed to ongoing skill development through supervision, feedback, and ethical self-reflection. My professional goals include continued growth in clinical competence. I am preparing for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Lifelong learning through continuing education and professional engagement within the counseling field is also a priority.

Philosophy of Counseling

My philosophy of counseling is grounded in the belief that all individuals have inherent worth. They have resilience and the capacity for growth when supported within a safe, ethical, and compassionate therapeutic relationship. I view counseling as a collaborative process that honors client autonomy while integrating evidence-based practices and professional standards. My approach is integrative, drawing primarily from person-centered and cognitive-behavioral theories, and informed by developmental, multicultural, and systems perspectives. I follow CACREP standards related to counseling theories. I adhere to ethical practices and human development. I strive to meet clients where they are. I aim to foster insight, emotional regulation, and meaningful change. Consistent with Grand Canyon University’s Christian worldview, I value compassion, service, and respect for human dignity. I stay sensitive and responsive to diverse belief systems and worldviews.

Clinical Skills and Theory Development

My clinical skill development has been shaped through coursework, supervision, and direct client contact. This occurred during my internship at Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. I also work there as a Mental Health Technician. I have served adults and adolescents across inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient levels of care. This experience has strengthened my competencies in clinical observation. It has also improved my therapeutic communication skills. It has also enhanced my crisis awareness. I have improved my ethical decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration skills. I have gained practical insight into assessment processes. I have developed skills in treatment planning. I have applied counseling theories in acute and structured settings. These experiences have enhanced my ability to translate theory into effective clinical practice.

Research and Scholarly Activity

My academic training emphasizes the integration of research and practice. Through engagement with peer-reviewed literature, I have developed an understanding of evidence-based interventions, diagnostic frameworks, and outcome-informed treatment planning. This scholarly foundation supports my commitment to ethical and competent practice that informs my clinical decision-making during internship.

Professional Service, Leadership, and Advocacy

My dual role as an intern and mental health technician reflects my commitment to professional service and advocacy. I actively support client dignity, safety, and access to appropriate care while collaborating with multidisciplinary treatment teams. I recognize advocacy as a core counseling responsibility. This is especially true when working with vulnerable populations. I strive to promote ethical care and client empowerment.

Mentorship

Supervision and mentorship are central to my professional development. Ongoing feedback from licensed supervisors and experienced clinicians has strengthened my clinical judgment, ethical awareness, and professional confidence. I view mentorship as an essential part of counselor competence, accountability, and identity formation.

Wellness Plan and Self-Care

I recognize counselor wellness as an ethical obligation and professional competency. My self-care plan includes reflective practice, supervision, boundary maintenance, spiritual grounding, and attention to physical and emotional health. I am committed to sustaining personal wellness to guarantee effective and ethical clinical practice.

CNL-624 Topic 5 Self-Care Assessment and Reflection

Part 1: Self-Care Assessment

Directions: As a counselor, self-care is extremely important as it helps prevent burnout, compassion fatigue, and job dissatisfaction. The assessment tool below provides an overview of effective strategies that can be used to maintain self-care. Complete the assessment tool below indicating any areas that have changed in frequency. Refer to the self-care assessment you completed during Week 2.

Using the scale below, rate the following areas in terms of frequency

5 = Frequently

4 = Occasionally

3 = Rarely

2 = Never

1 = It never occurred to me

Physical Self-Care points

5 -Eat regular healthy meals (e.g., breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

4 -Exercise

5 -Get regular medical care for prevention

5 -Get medical care when needed

4 -Take time off when needed

4 -Participate in a hobby you enjoy

5 -Get enough sleep

3 -Take vacations, day trips, or mini-vacations

3 -Make time away from technology

5 -Other: Listen to my favorite music while relaxing

Psychological Self-Care

5 -Make time for self-reflection

3 -Have your own personal psychotherapy

4 -Write in a journal

4 -Do something at which you are not an expert or in charge

4 -Decrease stress in your life

5 -Notice your inner experience—listen to your thoughts, judgments, beliefs, attitudes, and feelings

4 -Engage your intelligence in a new area (e.g., go to an art museum, history exhibit, sports event, auction, or theater performance)

3 -Practice receiving from others

5 -Say “no” to extra responsibilities sometimes

5 -Other: have time of jokes and laughter while at home and work

Emotional Self-Care

4 -Spend time with others whose company you enjoy

5 -Stay in contact with important people in your life

5 -Give yourself affirmations, praise yourself

5 -Identify comforting activities, objects, people, relationships, places, and seek them out

5 -Allow yourself to cry

5 -Find things that make you laugh

1 -Express your outrage in social action, letters and donations, marches, and protests

5 -Other: Express gratitude towards others

Spiritual Self-Care

5 -Make time for spiritual reflection

5 -Spend time with nature, see what God created

5 -Find a spiritual connection or community

5 -Be open to inspiration

5 -Cherish your optimism and hope

5 -Be aware of nonmaterial aspects of life

5 -Be open to not knowing

5 -Identify what is meaningful to you and notice its place in your life

5 -Meditate

5 -Pray

5 -Sing

5 -Have experiences of awe

5 -Contribute to causes in which you believe

5 -Read inspirational literature (talks, music, etc.)

5 -Other: Find joy and fulfillment in serving others

Workplace or Professional Self-Care

5 -Take a break during the workday (e.g., lunch)

5 -Take time to chat with co-workers

4 -Make quiet time to complete tasks

4 -Identify projects or tasks that are exciting and rewarding

5 -Set limits with your clients and colleagues

4 -Balance your caseload so that no one day or part of a day is “too much”

4 -Arrange your workspace so it is comfortable and comforting

5 -Get regular supervision or consultation

4 -Have a peer support group

5 -Other: Encourage self and others

Balance

4 -Strive for balance within your work-life and workday

5 -Strive for balance among work, family, relationships, play, and rest

Part 2: Self-Care Reflection

1. In what specific areas have you noticed strengths in your self-care ? Explain. I have grown stronger in how I take care of myself spiritually, emotionally, and professionally. I make time to pray and reflect, which keeps me grounded and hopeful. I stay connected with people who support and encourage me, and I choose activities that help me relax and laugh. At work, I attend supervision, set healthy boundaries, and take breaks when needed. Being more intentional about rest and reflection has helped me feel more balanced and less stressed during practicum.
2. What growth areas are you noticing? What healthy strategies will support your development? I still need to improve my physical self-care, especially exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and cutting back on screen time. Sometimes school and practicum responsibilities disrupt my routine. To improve, I plan to follow a weekly schedule that includes exercise, better meal planning, and protected rest time. I will also continue journaling and practicing stress management to support my overall well-being.

Adapted from Transforming the Pain: A Workbook on Vicarious Traumatization. Saakvitne, Pearlman & Staff of TSI/CAAP (Norton, 1996)