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Hello, my name is Maricela Gutierrez, and my program of study is Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. My personal goal is to complete each course with passing grades until I graduate. Being a graduate student, I believe I should strive for good grades. My professional goal is to have my own practice, and I want to have my own practice in counseling adolescents.

What I would like to gain from this course is to have more knowledge and understanding of how trauma affects my clients and to use it effectively in my practice.

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The purpose of the ACA Code of Ethics is to protect the client's well-being and dignity by providing a professional framework. It guides counselors in their practice and outlines their responsibilities to clients, colleagues, and the public. It establishes standards for ethical behavior and helps counselors navigate complex situations.

https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

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Reflection & Artifact for Introduction and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Reflection & Artifact for Introduction and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Reflection:

This assignment gave me an opportunity to introduce myself and reflect on what I already knew about mental health disorders, as well as what areas I needed to expand on. I became aware of how broad the spectrum of mental health disorders truly is and how they can affect individuals differently depending on factors like age, environment, and access to support. Overall, this assignment showed me that while I had some knowledge of mental health disorders, there is still so much more to learn.

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Introduction and Assessing Prior Knowledge Assignment

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Reflection & Artifact for Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reflection & Artifact for Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reflection:

I really enjoyed creating this reference guide. It was an educational and meaningful process for me. While working on this assignment, I realized how important it is to have clear information about mental health disorders. Many people may struggle to understand the complexity of mental health disorders, and having this guide can serve as a valuable tool for learning and awareness. Creating this guide helped me strengthen my knowledge while also practicing empathy and sensitivity. It highlights how crucial it is to spread awareness and provide resources that can reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help when needed.

Artifact:

Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders TEMPLATE1.xlsx

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Reflection & Artifact for Developmental Discussion on Trauma

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Reflection & Artifact for Developmental Discussion on Trauma

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Reflection:

I enjoyed this assignment; it was an intense and emotional experience. The testimonies of the survivors and those personally affected by tragedy left a lasting impact on me, reminding me of the deep and complex consequences of such an event. The documentary also highlighted the remarkable resilience of the community. Despite the overwhelming pain and grief, many individuals came together to support one another. It reminded me of the power of community support in the face of tragedy. We Are Columbine wasn't just about the tragedy that occurred in the past, but a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, healing, and change. I am left with a greater sense of urgency to support meaningful conversations and actions around gun violence, mental health, and collective healing.

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Reflection & Artifact for Psychological First Aid online certificate

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Reflection & Artifact for Psychological First Aid online certificate

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Reflection:

This assignment focused on offering practical support to people experiencing acute distress due to a crisis. It aims to reduce the immediate emotional impact and promote adaptive coping skills. I learned the importance of active listening and being fully present for those who are affected. A key skill I learned from this assignment is the ability to use grounding techniques. I learned how focusing on the present moment through simple sensory exercises can help individuals manage overwhelming emotions. Overall, completing the PFA certificate has deepened my understanding of mental health and crisis intervention. It has shown me the importance of approaching individuals in distress with empathy, patience, and practical support. I feel better equipped to help in a variety of situations and understand the critical role that PFA can play in helping individuals recover from traumatic events.

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Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online_Certificate

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Reflection & Artifact for Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment

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Reflection & Artifact for Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment

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Reflection:

The assignment on Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment was very beneficial. I recognized the importance of these practices and how they go beyond emergency response. It's proactive tools that can save lives, protect communities, and empower vulnerable individuals. By educating communities, strengthening protective factors, and building trust between professionals and the populations they serve. Reflecting on these reminds me that prevention is not only about stopping traffickers but also building resilience in at-risk populations. Empowering youth with knowledge, creating safe reporting systems, and ensuring survivors have access to trauma-informed care. This reflection reinforces my belief that addressing human and sex trafficking is not about law enforcement; it is about collective awareness, education, and compassion-driven intervention.

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Reflection & Artifact for ABC Crisis Model

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Reflection & Artifact for ABC Crisis Model

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Reflection:

I really enjoyed doing this assignment. I learned how crucial the relationship building is. Establishing trust and demonstrating empathy sets the tone for effective communication. The problem identification required careful questioning and reflection to uncover the root of the crisis rather than just the surface issue. The coping strategies were empowering to help clients identify strengths, supports, and realistic action steps. Encouraging clients to use healthy coping mechanisms rather than acting impulsively reinforced the value of collaboration. Overall, this assignment strengthened my ability to think critically and respond empathetically in crises.