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My name is Mayra Ruiz, I am enrolled in the Mental Health and Wellness program here at Angelo State completing my last semester and on course to graduate this December 2022. I am currently a case manager working with adults with mental diagnoses, and criminal and substance use histories. Upon graduation, my role will change to a senior care manager which entails working with clients who are considered a higher risk due to the level of care they have been assigned after completing an adult assessment. I appreciate all I have learned throughout my graduate studies and have applied some of the concepts I have learned thus far and my goal is to continue to do so in the future.

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Introduction to Trauma Concerns: EDG - 6332

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Introduction to Trauma Concerns: EDG - 6332

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Throughout this course, I gained more in-depth knowledge of topics on trauma such as the ABC model (Psychology Wiki, 2020). The ACA  Code of Ethics, local resources, and assessments to create comprehensive treatment plans with clients. The objective of this assignment was much like the objective of this assignment; to create a portfolio demonstrating mastery of the learning objective and a toolbox to reference. While going over the ACA Code of Ethics (2014) I learned how it applies to my current position and how it will apply in my future role. For example, I am legally obligated to maintain confidentiality with the exception of when a client is at risk of harming themselves or others. I approached the assignment by creating a list of local resources to share with clients e.g., NAMI, AA chapters, and local battered women's shelters. I learned about the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences and the importance of early interventions. I realized not intervening could result in future repercussions such as criminal activity, addiction, eating disorders, and mental health disorders. I enjoyed learning about psychological first aid and the importance of risk assessments to provide intervention, compassion, and non-judgment. I applied the ABC model to Rosa's case study and the importance of SMART goals. Practicing cultural competence was also eye-opening to consider diverse cultural norms. One example that stuck out in the training was considering looking your supervisor in the eye as respectful, but in some cultures, it is considered disrespectful. Lastly, I shared assessments I currently use when working with clients and will continue to use in my future role such as Brief Suicide Risk Assessments, and Adult Uniform Assessments.

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Social and Cultural Influences: EDG - 6301

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Social and Cultural Influences: EDG - 6301

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My family consists of generations of migrant workers due to growing up in a border town. The barriers facing this marginalized population are a topic that is very important to me. My conference proposal focused on the influx of unaccompanied migrant youth and the barriers they face. The conference outlines social, cultural, and legal obstacles when migrant youth immigrate to the U.S. The objective and goal of the assignment were to identify the methods to be utilized to create inclusion and equality in schools and allow migrant youth to embrace their culture not simply assimilate to fit in. My approach was purpose assigning a peer to migrant youth to assist the youth with navigating their new life in the United States.

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Carl Rogers- Person-Centered Therapy  (Creative Caption & Video, 2014 a.)
I enjoyed this assignment and felt I learned from each approach presented throughout the videos. I noted the benefits and deficits of each method. Dr. Carl Rogers utilized Client-Centered Therapy. Dr. Rogers navigated the session by asking questions, yet not imposing his views and leading Gloria to her own determinations.
Albert Ellis - Rational Emotive Therapy  (Creative Caption & Video, 2014 b.)
Dr. Ellis was more invested in the dialogue. Dr. Ellis shared his observations and related them back to Gloria. Dr. Ellis challenged Gloria's negative self-talk.  Dr. Ellis also encouraged Gloria to share her authentic self with the men she dates to build a sustainable connection and not have to maintain a facade in the future. Dr. Ellis assigned homework so as to reinforce what was discussed.
Dr. Fitz Perls Gestalt Therapy Humanistic Phenomenological Therapy (Creative Caption & Video, 2014 c.)
Dr. Perls was the most unorthodox of the therapist and was the most direct. Dr. Perls did not mince words throughout the session. Dr. Perls focused on the here and now and sensory experiences enhancing self-awareness. Dr. Perls referred to Gloria as a "phony" when she smiled while expressing the feelings of a vulnerable girl. Dr. Perls explained he was not trying to offend Gloria, but rather have Gloria take note of her true feelings at the moment.
The method I currently use and will most likely continue to use in the future:
I currently use and will most likely continue to use Dr. Ellis' method since I currently discuss client concerns with them and we develop recovery plans collaboratively according to the client's needs and goals. The clients I currently work with are assigned homework at the conclusion of each session.
Objective:
The objective of this assignment was to learn and evaluate various methods and techniques of Psychotherapy.  I approached the assignment by evaluating each technique, and its benefits and deficits in my current and future roles when serving clients' needs.

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Gloria- Three Approaches to Psychotherapy

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Intro to Schools  and Communities: EDG - 6332

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Intro to Schools  and Communities: EDG - 6332

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This was a fun assignment. I enjoy finding and sharing resources with clients. On a daily basis, I refer clients to various organizations throughout San Antonio. I am also the designated job developer on my team at work. I share resources with my coworker and the organization I am employed with. I attend job fairs and resource fairs to impart information. I share shelter locations for youth, men, women, and even pets. Youth shelters include The Club House, Teen Challenge, Oxford House,  and Boysville. If a client is experiencing Housing vulnerability they can apply for housing vouchers with the San Antonio Housing Authority, and men's and Women's shelters such as Victory Outreach, Deborah's house, and Haven for Hope which houses homeless individuals' pets. Food and clothing assistance is available through CAM ministries, Salvation Army, and Goodwill. Legal assistance includes easy expunction.com and Second Chance job fairs. Transportation is accessible through VIA transit, and Dental Assistance is available via Haven for Hope, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries. I keep a list of these and other resources on hand at every session with clients and plan to continue doing so. I approached this assignment by simply applying the resources I currently use to the requirements of the assignment.

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The Mirror
This assignment caused me to be introspective. I approached this assignment by considering the various facades of a helping professional. The Mirror helped me to take stock of self-care practices and how important it is for me to care for myself so I can best serve clients. I considered physical and mental fatigue as well as compassion burnout and transferring unresolved trauma to clients. It is imperative that I nurture my personal and professional identity by taking part in trainings and self-care.
The Microscope
This caused me to be aware of telehealth options I was not aware of such as options during COVID like gaming used to reduce anxiety and develop motor skills.
The Binoculars
The binoculars portion of the assignment again caused me to further explore resources in the City of San Antonio, I can share with clients and clients can speak to helping professionals who are well-versed with clients' specific needs. Military Veteran Peer Network provides a safe supportive alliance with Veterans on my caseload. One of my goals as a helping professional which will continue to be my goal in my future role as a senior care manager is to lead clients toward resources and interventions which will lead clients closer to autonomy.

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The Mirror Microscope, and Binoculars Assingment

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Developing a group counseling plan was an interesting process. I enjoyed learning what it entails to develop and carry out objectives and serve as a facilitator. The group name I chose for my group means Hope in Spanish. The group is a Brief Group meeting for 8 weeks for an hour. The group is also a closed group. The group is comprised of individuals ages 18-24 diagnosed with a mental illness with criminal and substance use histories. The group's focus is to develop employment skills and collaborate with individuals with similar backgrounds and diagnoses. Consent forms are signed so participants understand confidentiality expectations. As the facilitator, I cannot guarantee confidentiality since I cannot control what individuals do outside our meetings, but I do inform participants of this. As the Group facilitator, I will also provide resources, present topics, and serve as the mediator to guide meetings and require participants are respectful of one another. Participants will develop communication skills with peers and will engage in group activities to encourage and assist one another. I considered risks and the possibility of triggers. I included an exit interview to hear from participants as to what worked well within the group dynamic and what did not. The objective of this assignment was to learn what it entails to develop and carry out the functions of group counseling.

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The objective of this assignment was to help me to consider what I would like to research and topics important to me. Although I was born in the United States, I was raised in a border town in the Rio Grande Valley in a household where we only spoke Spanish this proved to be very challenging for me when I initially began attending school. I noticed how much more my cousins and peers struggled since they were migrant workers. My proposition for research was the benefits of Latinx youth newly arrived in the United States is assigned, peers to assist with acclimating to a new country. Due to the recent influx of migrant youth, there is a need for interventions as this population is at risk to develop anxiety, depression, bullying, and high dropout rates. The purpose of this study and the way in which I approached it was to evaluate the mental health, socialization, education, and acclimation of Latinx youth. Assessments would be conducted at the beginning of the study which would take place over the span of a year in various settings such as schools, homes, and social settings such as playgrounds. Exit assessments would also be conducted to measure outcomes. The study would be a Qualitative study, ethnography, including semi-structured interviews chosen by collaborating with government, community agencies, and schools.

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Proposed Research Template Latinx Youth & Peers

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I enjoyed this assignment because it helped me take stock of the areas I need to improve upon. The objective of the Wellness Wheel assignment was for The Wellness Wheel to serve as an accountability tool and a method to measure areas that need my attention and where I am doing well which is how I approached the assignment by evaluating how I am doing in each aspect outlined in the wellness wheel. I feel I am doing well spiritually. I take time to spend time to self-reflect, journal and search for self-help resources. Financially, items that need my attention keep coming up which does not allow me to catch up or establish a savings account with a significant amount to feel comfortable. Several factors contribute to my mental stress, such as the work I do when clients go into Crisis, and the areas where I meet clients around San Antonio are dangerous. I keep my environment neat and orderly so as to keep organized and not add additional stress to my life. I have fallen short when it comes to my physical health. I have gained weight and the stress and lack of physical activity have not helped my cause. I realize through this assignment I need to set a SMART goal to include; specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. I decided to give myself a timeline and lose 5 lbs monthly from December- July which I feel is achievable, time specific, measurable, time-bound, and relevant to my health. I have also decided to apply the time I have dedicated toward grad school to working out.

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The video appraisal helped to break down the crucial elements of Solution Focused Brief Counseling and provided me with clarity and awareness as to how I approach one-hour sessions I have with clients. I approached this assignment by evaluating the video I chose which was the Role Play Focused Therapy session. The video appraisal focused on methods used such as how the helping professional began the session which was by allowing the client to voice his concerns. The helping professional's demeanor was taken into account such as body language, maintaining eye contact, tone of voice, gestures, and facial expressions. The helping professional's body language was minimal other than some hand gestures, smiling, and nodding, her tone was soft and soothing, and the helping professional maintained eye contact. The helping professional utilized encouragers/questions by building rapport and asking open-ended questions. The helping professional also utilized effective communication techniques such as building rapport, paraphrasing, summarization of the session and using the miracle question of how things would be different if the client woke up tomorrow and all the client's problems were resolved. Lastly, the helping professional scheduled a follow-up appointment to note progress. As outlined by Erford et al, (2010) I currently utilize role-playing and modeling methods during client sessions when meeting with my clients. The clients I work with and I go over a career profile that asks questions pertaining to dream jobs and future aspirations. The clients and I role-play employment interview scenarios, and I model proper interview etiquette. I cannot get very far if I do not build rapport with the clients I work with first. I use open-ended questions so clients will elaborate beyond questions I do not think to ask sometimes.  I attempt to keep my tone calm, and gestures to a minimum so as not to distract the client. I smile to be more inviting. I paraphrase so the client knows I am listening and to clarify so I know we are on the same page.

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Video Appraisal and Reflection Template(1) (1)

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Capstone in Mental Health Counseling: 6396

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Capstone in Mental Health Counseling: 6396

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This assignment helped me get out of my comfort zone when it comes to employment. I tend to stay with my employers for long periods of time. I am a person who gets comfortable and also feels like I am letting my clients and peers down when it is time to move on. The approach I took was to go over job posts within my field and assess their requirements. This assignment prompted me to review positions within my field although the position would entail working with a younger age group, unlike the clients I currently work with in my current position with some duties I do not currently focus on. I have worked with clients of all ages so the age range would not be a great adjustment. The position and job description I targeted was as a K-12 & Youth Development Data Manager. This assignment's objective was to create a cover letter to gain an understanding of how to properly create one and the elements to touch on within the body of the cover letter. In my current role, I assist clients with editing and creating cover letters and resumes for consideration with employers. As a Senior Care Manager, I would also assist clients with these skills in my future role. I feel this is a crucial and very useful skill to learn and implement and is the first impression we present to potential employers.