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Artifact for Unit 1 Lesson 1.

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Unit 1 Assignment 4: Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Unit 1 Assignment 4: Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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My name is Alexis Sanchez. My program of study is Master of Arts in Professional Counseling LPC.

One personal goal that I have is to understand how ASU is structured within their classes. A professional goal that I have is to be able to understand terms that I am learning in class and relate them to a real life situation that I have seen that would apply to my career. One thing I would like to get out of this course is a better understanding of other student's thought processes and how I could be able to understand their thinking, even if I don't agree.

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This consolidated rulebook for Professional Counseling speaks about general provisions, rules of practice, powers and duties, license requirements, etc. This consolidated book breaks down each point and gives detailed explanations for some questions that I was curious about.

This is important for my role because it will allow me to not overstep any boundaries that may have happened in the past and can give me guidance.

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In unit 1 section 1 we assessed our prior knowledge of mental health. In doing this, we were asked to introduce ourselves to our classmates and read articles provided to us.

Reflection:

I learned that this course will help me be able to pinpoint where certain anxieties, depressions, etc., stem from. Attached are references that I found to help me learn the material throughout this course.

https://paintedbrain.org/blog/mental-health/how-to-improve-your-counselling-skills-and-psychology-knowledge-2

https://positivepsychology.com/counseling-skills/

https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-counselors#counselor-vs-psychologist

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How to Improve Your Counseling Skills and Psychology Knowledge

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Enhance your counselling skills and psychology knowledge with practical tips and resources. Learn how to become a better counselor and deepen your understanding of psychological principles.

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In Unit 1 Section 2, we created a Reference Guide for Mental Health. We were tasked with attaching a research based definition for anxiety, depression, psychosis, substance abuse, and eating disorders. We then spoke about the causes of the disorders, importance of early intervention for disorder, and attached a helpful resource for said disorder. This unit helped me learn that there are many mental health disorders and not just one broad subject. This unit broke down several subjects for me, and allowed me to discover interesting facts on my own.

Reflection:

I enjoyed this unit because we were given the ability to look for articles, videos, graphics, etc., that would allow us to learn better. We were given the opportunity to find what worked best for us. Attached are 3 resources I liked the most during this section.

"Baby Blues" -- or Postpartum Depression? (youtube.com)

https://www.khanacademy.org/science/health-and-medicine/executive-systems-of-the-brain/anxiety/v/obsessive-compulsive-disorder

https://www.sheppardpratt.org/knowledge-center/condition/substance-induced-psychotic-disorder/

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In Unit 2, we had 4 parts to complete. In section 1 we assessed our opinion on ACE studies, why children are susceptible to trauma and why we thought mental health should be required for all health professionals.

Our 2nd section of this unit allowed us to express our prior thoughts of the documentary we chose. We were also questioned on our expectations of the documentary.

Part 3 of this section asked us to give a brief summary of the film, what we learned from the film in relation to trauma, what was most interesting to us, and if the film met out expectations.

Part 4 of this section required us to apply real life (the film) to our readings.

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Reflection:

This was my favorite section by far. We were given a chance to see real life trauma and not a play or reenactment. In this unit I got to read what other classmates thoughts were based on the film that they chose. I also saw other points that they found in the other films that I did not. I was also able to dig deeper in researching about my film, We Are Columbine. I found one article that was published in 1999, after the shooting.

Editors, History. com. (2009). Columbine High School Shooting: Victims & Killers. https://www.history.com/topics/1990s/columbine-high-school-shootings

Farber, L. (Director). (2018). We Are Columbine.

The role of a school counselor after a school shooting | Wake Forest University. The Role of a School Counselor After a School Shooting. (n.d.). https://counseling.online.wfu.edu/blog/role-of-school-counselor/

Tran, M. (1999, August 16). Back to school for Columbine’s students. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/aug/16/usgunviolence.usa

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Unit 1 Section 4 Artifact: Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Unit 1 Section 4 Artifact: Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders check on with cristien.xlsx - Microsoft Excel Online

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Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online_Certificate

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We are columbine discussion posts for padlet

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In Unit 3, we were given the chance to receive our Psychological Aid Online Certificate. The PFA helps children, adolescents, adults, and families in the immediate aftermath of disaster and terrorism.

Reflection:

I really enjoyed reading about real life problems that allowed us to process on what we should do. This certificate gave us an extra "tool" for us to use as a school counselor or even in life. This allowed us to see different perspectives or disaters/traumas

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In this assignment, we worked in a group. We researched one of the topics that is a piece of a crisis plan and put the information together in a presentation.

Reflection

This group project allowed me to see how other individuals internalized the information from class. From there, I was also able to learn from them. It allowed me to be responsible for one section of the required parts, and focus on that part at a deeper level. I enjoyed collaborating with my classmates on this, especially with a crisis prevention and threat plan.

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In Unit 3 Assignment 3, we were given 5 case studies to analyze. After we studied our case, we highlighted our four areas. (Physical, emotional, social/relational, and cognitive/mental). Then we spoke about what the individuals issues/needs were and what they could do as a client. We were also responsible to list what we could do as a counselor.

Reflection:

This assignment was a hands on one that I liked but also challenged me. We were given real life scenarios and had to apply the knowledge we learned from class to these. I was also challenged by thinking like a counselor rather than retaliating like a friend/family member would.

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Eating Disorders

What we should know about eating disorders and why it is important.

The System of Care

How the NEDC is building the system of care - towards effective, equitable and accessible treatment for all.

Resources

Where to find information on eating disorders for everyone, including professional resources.

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Find evidence-based information on eating disorders for all, including professional resources and support for family and people with lived experience.

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Oops. Something went wrong. Please try again. | Khan Academy

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Uh oh, it looks like we ran into an error. You need to refresh. If this problem persists, tell us.

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Bear in mind that being referred may lead to the client experiencing difficult emotions: be ready to explain your decision and reasons clearly and calmly, pointing out what you feel the client will gain from the referral. You can also help the client work through their reaction.

Before raising the topic with the client, consider whether this may key into any other issues they have - for example, attachment difficulties, or struggles with loss or rejection - and be ready to link these themes to how they experience being referred.

If there is a waiting list for the service to which you are referring the client, you may wish to offer the client some ' holding sessions ' during this time, so that they are not left unsupported during this gap.

Even though you are not able to help them fully with their issue (hence the need to refer), your ability and willingness to accompany them as they wait, offering them the core conditions to support them during this time, could be invaluable to them.

It is also important to allow yourself time to reflect on and process your experience of referring the client, ensuring that your professional decision to do so does not lead to feelings of incompetence (sometimes known as 'imposter syndrome').

You may also feel emotions in yourself relating to loss, or to how the client reacted when you raised the topic of referral. This is a good opportunity for reflection and personal development, so enhancing your own self-awareness and growth.

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Referrals in Counselling * Counselling Tutor

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Referrals in Counselling Definition Feltham and Dryden (1993: 157) define 'referral' as 'directing someone to a counsellor or alternative source of treatment'. Clients may be referred inwards to a counsellor (by, for example, a GP or another counsellor) or be referred onwards by a counsellor (to another professional helper better suited to helping the client).

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"Cultural competence is a critical skill set that is needed to effectively help clientele from diverse backgrounds improve their mental health and live happier, more fulfilling lives. Through cultural competence, mental health counselors use cultural awareness and knowledge to better understand and support their clients." (University, 2024)

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Cultural Competence in Counseling: A Pillar for Mental Health Counseling Education As we enter into Black History Month, it’s important to think about the importance of diversity in the clinical […]

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Catrall, A. (2024, July 30). How to Improve Your Counselling Skills and Psychology Knowledge. Painted Brain. https://paintedbrain.org/blog/mental-health/how-to-improve-your-counselling-skills-and-psychology-knowledge-2

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Counselling Tutor. (2023). Referrals in Counselling • Counselling Tutor. Counselling Tutor. https://counsellingtutor.com/referrals-in-counselling/

Editors, History. com. (2009). Columbine High School Shooting: Victims & Killers. https://www.history.com/topics/1990s/columbine-high-school-shootings

Farber, L. (Director). (2018). We Are Columbine.

Khan Academy. (2023). Khanacademy.org. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/health-and-medicine/executive-systems-of-the-brain/psychotic-disorders/v/schizoaffective-disorder

National Eating Disorders Collaboration. (n.d.). Home. Nedc.com.au. https://nedc.com.au/

The role of a school counselor after a school shooting | Wake Forest University. The Role of a School Counselor After a School Shooting. (n.d.).

Tran, M. (1999, August 16). Back to school for Columbine’s students. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/1999/aug/16/usgunviolence.usa

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‌University, W. C. (2024, January 31). Cultural Competence in Counseling. West Coast University. https://westcoastuniversity.edu/blog/cultural-competence-in-counseling

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