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Name: Jade Wiebe

Course: Individual Counseling

Course Number- EDG 6320

Instructor: Dr. Kristi Cook

Due Date: March 3, 2025

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After reading the course material, the big takeaway I concluded is that while counseling is a rewarding profession for empathetic and compassionate people, carrying the stories of trauma, abuse, crises, and a myriad of other sensitive topics causes compassion burnout. The course reading highly emphasizes that counselors must practice self-care, so that I can protect myself from chronic stress, vicarious trauma, diminished empathy, and overall ineffectiveness as a practitioner. I learned that without taking care of myself while I work in the counseling field, I will run the risk of compromising my own health and the effectiveness I have to serve my clients.

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Reflection of the Importance of Self-Care

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Reflection of the Importance of Self-Care

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One of the most poignant things that stuck out to me was that I must be self-aware and implement strategies to maintain my mental well-being while working with clients. Burnout does not happen all at once, but it tends to build until the point of mental depletion. Compassion fatigue sneaks up on people, so I plan to be proactive in my self-care journey by checking in with myself and getting in tune with my feelings, and take the necessary steps to maintain my emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health.

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As an advocate for good mental health, I must be a model for that lifestyle. The number one responsibility I have as a counselor is to promote the well-being and respect the identity of my clients and failing in this area would compromise my ability to do this important task.

I will practice mindfulness and meditation in my daily routine because these practices enhance brain function by helping with emotional regulation and stress management. Through this activity, I can promote self-awareness of my thoughts and feelings and allow me to stay present with clients with compassion instead of reactivity. This activity will ultimately provide me with a clear mind and allow me to give my patients effective support in my counseling practice.

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Moving My Body and Improving My Mind

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Walking and running are significant components of my self-care routine. These activities release endorphins, which improve my mood and will allow me to approach sessions with a clear and positive mindset. I know the exercise is closely connected to brain health, keeping the brain functioning at optimal levels, improving focus, and emotional regulation. This type of self-care will help me give my clients the energy and intelligibility they deserve.