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 am committed to being honest in my interactions with others and have a sincere desire to better myself when I experience incongruence between my beliefs, actions, and professional standards.
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
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 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