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I was interested to learn that ASCA addresses self-care as an ethical mandate. The article stated that if counselors are not participating in self-care, they are a liability (Williams, 2011).

Williams, R. (2011, January 1). The importance of self-care. The Importance of Self-Care - American School Counselor Association (ASCA). https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Magazines/January-February-2011/The-Importance-of-Self-Care

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Self-care is important because stress can affect us emotionally as well as physically. We have to help ourselves before we can help others.

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One strategy I can use is to set boundaries to ensure I am maintaining a good work/life balance. This would include protecting my schedule both professionally and personally. Another strategy would be to make time to exercise.

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I graduated with a Master of Science in Professional School Counseling in May of 2022 from Angelo State. I am currently enrolled in the LPC bridge program. I have 2 classes to complete before I am finished with the required coursework. I am currently teaching high school business courses, but am looking for a school counseling position for next school year. I have been married for 28 years and we have one son who is 21 and graduating from college in May.

One goal I have for this course is to learn more about what is required from us as counselors. I would like to dig deeper into the moral and ethical concerns. In addition, when we struggle with making a decision, I would like to know where to turn for additional assistance and information.

To me, professional identity defines our responsibilities and roles within our job. This would include ethical issues as well. In the long term, my desired professional role would be to work as an LPC in the school setting. I may consider private practice eventually, but for now, I would like to continue working in schools. In order for me to obtain the required hours for licensure, I will be pursuing a school counselor position in the meantime.

I feel somewhat confident in my professional counseling identity development. Since this is my second to last course, I have already taken courses to help guide me along the way. I struggle with some of the ethical concerns, but I think that will be an ongoing struggle because sometimes there are grey areas, making it difficult to make a decision.

The aspect of professional counselor identity I feel strongest in is understanding the roles and responsibilities. I would like to gain a better understanding of record-keeping especially when it comes to private practice. One course I took focused on record keeping which I found interesting. It seems it can be an asset, but also a liability.