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Take Away

I noticed; all the provided resources share a common message; Counselor have the responsibility to practice Self-Care as a way to adhere to the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics (ACA). Although I knew this information, my biggest take away was reflecting on the reasoning; As a professional counselor, it’s my ethical responsibility to ensure my practice is not impaired. It’s about being well to “best meet {the} professional responsibilities” Section C of the ACA Code of Ethics

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The importance of Self-Care

The practice of self-care part of the Ethical standards are in place to protect clients but also to protect those in the helping professions of negative consequences associated with the profession such as suffering from vicarious trauma experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout which might lead to long term stress-related illnesses. I reviewed the literature related to the importance of self-care, reflecting on my own experience, how in fact, when I don’t practice self-care (taking my lunch break, sleeping enough hours etc.) it impacts my ability as a professional school counselor. I struggle to give students my undivided attention. Typically, I become less effective which in turn leads to feelings of dissatisfaction with myself and my abilities as a counselor.

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Self Care Strategy

The article A Path of Counselor Self-Awareness was a reminder of the importance of self-awareness when practicing self-care. Self-care is very personal. Scheduling a manicure and pedicure is an enormous stressor for me, but it might be pleasurable and soothing for another person. The section on creativity and counselor self-care from one of the articles reminded me of how journaling helped me stay afloat my first year as a school counselor. Something that I’ve given up with the excuse of not having enough time. I would like to use journaling as a form of self-care, from now on. Regarding the excuse of not having time, I would like to set up a system to leave my campus at the end of my contract hours as another way to take care of myself. This second practice will have ripple effects. For example, avoiding traffic, getting home on time to eat a decent meal, I’ll be with my family longer, who knows even have time to turn my classwork on time.