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Reflection and Artifact for Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge.

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Reflection: This discussion highlighted the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and different types of trauma—acute, chronic, and complex—on an individual's development and long-term well-being. One key takeaway is how early trauma disrupts a child's sense of safety, affecting their emotional regulation, cognitive development, and overall resilience. The discussion also reinforced the importance of culturally inclusive research in understanding how trauma affects diverse populations, as traditional ACE studies may not fully capture the experiences of marginalized groups.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, this knowledge is essential in recognizing trauma responses and implementing trauma-informed care strategies. Creating a safe and empowering environment, where clients have agency over their healing, is key to fostering trust and facilitating recovery. Understanding how trauma affects brain development and behavior helps me tailor interventions to meet my clients' unique needs. Ultimately, this reinforces my role in helping clients process their trauma, build resilience, and regain a sense of control over their lives.

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Developmental Trauma Discussion Post 1 We Are Columbine

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Reflection: Watching We Are Columbine deepened my understanding of the long-term psychological effects of trauma, particularly for survivors of violent events. The documentary illustrated how PTSD symptoms persist years after a traumatic experience, manifesting as anxiety, avoidance behaviors, and emotional distress in triggering situations. It also reinforced the importance of individualized coping strategies, as survivors found healing through community support, creative outlets, and therapy.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, this insight is crucial in recognizing that trauma recovery is not linear and requires ongoing, personalized mental health support. The film highlights the need for trauma-informed care, where clients are given a safe space to process their emotions and explore coping mechanisms that work best for them. This learning strengthens my commitment to helping clients navigate their trauma with empathy, patience, and evidence-based interventions, ensuring they feel supported throughout their healing journey.

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Developmental Trauma Discussion Post 2 We Are Columbine

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Reflection: This discussion reinforced the individualized nature of trauma recovery and the long-term emotional impact of traumatic events. The documentary We Are Columbine highlighted how each survivor found unique coping mechanisms, emphasizing that healing is not a linear process. Some turned to creative outlets like music, while others found purpose in community engagement and career development. This aligns with trauma research, which supports personalized recovery approaches rather than a one-size-fits-all model. The film also took a survivor-centered approach, shifting the focus from the perpetrators to the resilience and healing of those affected, aligning with modern trauma-informed care principles.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, this perspective is invaluable in guiding my work with clients who have experienced trauma. Understanding that post-traumatic growth and struggle can coexist helps me provide compassionate, client-centered support, meeting individuals where they are in their healing journey. The documentary reinforced the importance of honoring survivor agency, providing a safe space for healing, and recognizing that recovery looks different for everyone. This insight strengthens my ability to foster resilience and empowerment in those I work with.

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Developmental Trauma Discussion Post 3 We Are Columbine

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Reflection: This discussion reinforced the varied and long-lasting effects of trauma, particularly in survivors of violent events. The documentary highlighted acute, chronic, and collective trauma, demonstrating how different individuals process their experiences uniquely. The survivors exhibited symptoms like avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and social withdrawal, aligning with PTSD and trauma-related disorders. The discussion also emphasized the importance of early interventions, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and school-based trauma support systems to help individuals process and heal from their trauma.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, this learning reinforces my responsibility to identify trauma responses early and provide trauma-informed care. It highlights the importance of tailoring interventions to each client’s unique experience and utilizing evidence-based therapies to address both immediate and long-term trauma effects. Additionally, it underscores the need for collaboration with educators, social workers, and healthcare professionals to create a supportive environment for individuals navigating trauma recovery. This insight strengthens my ability to help clients regain a sense of safety, process their emotions, and develop resilience throughout their healing journey.

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Developmental Trauma Discussion Post 4 We Are Columbine

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reflection: This guide provides a comprehensive overview of common mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Each section offers research-based definitions, causes, early intervention importance, and helpful resources, which are essential in my role as a Licensed Professional Counselor.

One key takeaway is the importance of early intervention—across all disorders, early recognition and treatment significantly improve client outcomes. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors contributing to these disorders helps me develop a holistic treatment plan. Additionally, the inclusion of specific subtypes of disorders (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bulimia nervosa) reinforces the need for personalized interventions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The guide’s reference to APA and NIMH sources ensures that the information is credible and up-to-date, which is crucial for maintaining evidence-based practice. The inclusion of resources such as videos, websites, and apps also reminds me of the value of supplementary tools in helping clients beyond therapy sessions. This guide reinforces my responsibility to stay informed and provide clients with accurate information, empowering them in their mental health journey.

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders 

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Reflection: The ACA Code of Ethics is essential to my role as a Licensed Professional Counselor because it provides the foundation for how I work with clients, make ethical decisions, and uphold professional integrity. At its core, it is about respecting clients' rights, maintaining trust, and ensuring I am practicing in a way that truly supports their well-being. Key principles like confidentiality, informed consent, cultural awareness, and setting healthy boundaries guide me in creating a safe and supportive space for my clients.

Beyond just rules, the ACA Code of Ethics helps me navigate the real-life challenges that come with counseling—like handling tricky ethical dilemmas, avoiding conflicts of interest, and making sure I am always acting in my clients' best interests. It also pushes me to keep learning and growing as a professional so I can provide the best care possible. Ultimately, following these ethical guidelines is not just about compliance—it is about being the kind of counselor my clients can trust and rely on.

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Crisis Prevention and Intervention Presentation

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Crisis Prevention and Intervention Presentation

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Reflection: This presentation deepened my understanding of the psychological and systemic challenges faced by survivors of human and sex trafficking. I learned how trauma-informed care, crisis counseling, and long-term mental health interventions are essential in supporting survivors. The presentation emphasized the importance of early identification, using tools like the Trafficking Victim Identification Tool (TVIT) and PTSD assessments, to assess risk and provide appropriate interventions. Recognizing at-risk behaviors—such as social isolation, frequent absences, sudden behavioral changes, or signs of physical abuse—is crucial for timely intervention and support.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, this knowledge is highly relevant to my role. Understanding the complex trauma survivors face allows me to provide appropriate therapeutic interventions, such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Additionally, the presentation reinforced the importance of collaboration with law enforcement, social services, victim advocacy groups, and healthcare providers to ensure survivors receive holistic care. Lastly, the emphasis on cultural competence—including language support and culturally appropriate services—reminds me of the need to tailor interventions to meet survivors’ diverse backgrounds and unique needs, ultimately fostering a safer and more inclusive healing process.

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Trauma Group Power Pointe FINAL DRAFT CAO 2_28_2025

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ABC Model of Crisis Intervention (Case Study Roger)

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ABC Model of Crisis Intervention (Case Study Roger)

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Reflection: This case study reinforced the importance of structured crisis intervention using the ABC Model (Achieving a relationship, Breaking down the problem, and Commitment to action). I learned that establishing rapport and trust is essential when working with clients who may be in denial about their struggles, like Roger and his drinking. The use of active listening, open-ended questions, and reflection helps create a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and emotions without feeling judged.

For my role as a Licensed Professional Counselor, this case study highlights the importance of addressing both immediate and underlying issues when working with clients in crisis. Roger’s case illustrates how work stress, unresolved grief, and family conflict can contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol use. The model provides a roadmap for helping clients identify their physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs while guiding them toward practical action steps, such as seeking therapy, improving communication with loved ones, and exploring healthier coping strategies. This approach aligns with my responsibility to help clients navigate crises effectively while empowering them to make meaningful, long-term changes.

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Case Study Roger ABC Model of Crisis Intervention 

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Reflection: Completing the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online course reinforced the importance of immediate, compassionate support in crisis situations. PFA equips me with practical skills to help individuals experiencing acute distress, whether due to natural disasters, trauma, or other overwhelming events. I learned how to apply the “Listen, Protect, Connect, Model, and Teach” framework, which emphasizes active listening, ensuring safety, providing stability, and fostering resilience in those affected.

This certification is highly relevant to my role as a Licensed Professional Counselor because crisis intervention is often the first step in helping clients process traumatic events. Understanding how to provide emotional stabilization while respecting cultural sensitivities and ethical considerations ensures that I can offer immediate, ethical, and effective support. PFA also aligns with my responsibility to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered to seek further care when needed.

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Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online_Certificate  Jason Smith

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Reflection: Developing a Crisis and Trauma Response Referral Plan reinforced the importance of structured intervention and immediate access to resources for individuals experiencing trauma. A key takeaway was the necessity of screening assessments, such as the PCL-5 for PTSD, C-SSRS for suicide risk, and ACE Questionnaire for early-life trauma, to ensure that referrals are tailored to each client’s needs. This process highlighted the value of early intervention, as timely assessments can help prevent long-term psychological distress.

For my role as a Licensed Professional Counselor, this plan provides a systematic approach to identifying high-risk clients, connecting them with appropriate trauma-informed care, and ensuring follow-up support. Understanding the needs of special populations, such as children, veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, and survivors of human trafficking, helped me recognize the importance of culturally sensitive and population-specific resources. This referral plan ensures that I can provide holistic, immediate, and effective support, ultimately enhancing my ability to help clients navigate crises and move toward recovery.

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Local Emergency and NonEmergency Services and Referral Process