Just as physical fitness requires regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and rest, psychological fitness demands ongoing self-reflection, emotional regulation, and self-care.  Therefore, I remain vigilant when it comes to my personal needs, ensuring they do not interfere with my therapeutic work.  Just as this image reflects the community, support, and teamwork needed to be successful on the field, so does the self-care, self-awareness, and well-being in the field of mental health produce a great therapist.

As a counselors in training I honor and embrace cultural diversity, responsiveness, and sensitivity by engaging in 

• Education and Awareness: Actively learning about different cultures, traditions, and worldviews to understand clients' backgrounds better.
• Self-Reflection: Examine my own biases and assumptions to minimize the impact on the counseling process.

As a counselors-in-training I acknowledge how my cultural identity impacts my relationships with others through several approaches:

• Self-Assessment: Engaging in self-assessment to understand how the client's cultural background influences their perceptions and interactions.
• Open Dialogue: Participate in open discussions with peers and supervisors to explore cultural influences and biases.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

—Henry David Thoreau, 2012.

As a counselor in training I demonstrate genuineness in the following ways:

• Authentic Communication:  Express myself honestly and transparently, ensuring my words align with my true feelings and thoughts.
• Consistent Behavior: My actions consistently reflect my values and beliefs, building trust with clients and colleagues.
• Empathy and Understanding: I show genuine concern for clients' well-being by actively empathizing with their experiences and emotions.
• Admitting Mistakes: I openly acknowledge my errors and take responsibility, demonstrating humility and integrity.

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are." - Brené Brown

As a counselor in training I model open-mindedness through various words and actions, such as:

• Non-Judgmental Language:  I use inclusive and neutral language, avoiding assumptions or stereotypes.
• Asking Open-Ended Questions: I encourage clients to express themselves fully by asking questions that invite detailed responses.
• Reflective Responses: I reflect back what clients say to demonstrate understanding and validate their experiences.

"The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know." - Albert Einstein

Self- Awareness means taking the time to look closely and honestly at myself and determine the things I want to change and improve on.  Being authentic is asking myself am I doing what I'm asking others to do.  Without a high -level of self awareness I can hinder the client's process by neglecting my responsibility to deal with my unresolved and intra personal issues.  

Keep Watering Yourself

As a counselor in training I demonstrate respect for autonomy for myself and others by:

• Active Listening: I attentively listen to clients, ensuring I understand their perspectives and preferences without imposing my own views.
• Empowerment: I encourage clients to make their own decisions and support them in exploring options, fostering a sense of control over their lives.
• Informed Consent: I ensure clients are fully informed about the counseling process, including potential risks and benefits, allowing them to make educated choices about their participation.

"Have patience with all things, but first of all, with yourself".

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another is demonstrated  in multiple contexts through various approaches:

• Active Listening: They focus on understanding the speaker's perspective by listening attentively, which involves nodding, maintaining eye contact, and providing verbal affirmations.
• Reflective Responses: They paraphrase or summarize what the client has said to show understanding and validate the client's feelings.
• Nonverbal Communication: They use body language, such as open posture and facial expressions, to convey empathy and understanding.
• Cultural Sensitivity: They respect and acknowledge cultural differences, adapting their approach to be inclusive and considerate of diverse backgrounds.

"Empathy fuels connection. Sympathy drives disconnection": —Brené Brown 

As a counselor in training, I demonstrate amiability in multiple contexts by consistently practicing:

• Active Listening and showing genuine interest in others' perspectives.
• Maintain a warm and approachable demeanor, which helps build trust and rapport with clients and colleagues
• Remaining Patient and composed, even in challenging or frustrating situations.

“Amiability is the redeeming quality of fools.”

— Mary Elizabeth Braddon

As a counselors in training I practice acceptance in multiple contexts through various strategies:

• Non-Judgmental Attitude: Cultivate a non-judgmental attitude, ensuring clients feel safe and respected regardless of their backgrounds or experiences.
• Empathy: Demonstrate empathy by putting myself in the clients' shoes and acknowledging their emotions and challenges

As a counselor in training, I demonstrate professional identity by:

• Regular Meetings: Scheduling consistent sessions with my supervisor to discuss progress, challenges, and areas for improvement.
• Feedback Seeking: Actively requesting feedback on counseling techniques and client interactions to identify strengths and areas for growth.
• Reflective Practice: Maintaining a reflective journal to document experiences, insights, and questions to discuss during supervision.