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Introduction and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Introduction and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Introduction

My name is Luz Ordaz;

I am enrolled in this trauma class to complete the LPC Bridge Program and take the certification exam sometime this year. On a more personal side, I am from Colombia, South America, and have lived in this beautiful country for quite some time. I have two children, a husband, and two spoiled dogs.

What I would like to get out of this class is to keep learning how to help my clients overcome the negative effects of traumatic experiences. Trauma is a deeply life-changing experience that shakes one’s foundation and leaves unseen wounds that keep affecting our lives in many ways. Overcoming these devastating experiences requires finding caring, compassionate, and emphatic counselors to teach clients that trauma doesn’t dictate their destiny and their hope for them.

One of my professional goals is to continue developing more skill sets to support my clients in navigating their challenging experiences. I want to become a mental health counselor that helps clients to regain their strength to continue their life journey, experiencing joy and inner peace. One of my personal goals is to keep enjoying learning new things that can benefit my clients in the near future.

Knowledge About Trauma

During my first LPC practicum, I have the opportunity to work with individuals recovering from opioid addiction. The human stories beyond their addictions extended far beyond the realm of opioids alone. Some of them recognize their addictions as a coping mechanism that helps them handle their traumas and struggles in life. “Traumatic events shape individuals’ lives, whether it’s a childhood experience or something you faced as an adult. It’s not uncommon to hear that someone who has suffered a traumatic experience now struggles with addiction. Too often, trauma leads to alcoholism or drug abuse” (Foundation, n.d., Para.1).

The purpose of following the ACA code of ethics

Professional mental health counselors must be aware that developing a relationship of trust and respect with their clients is critical. Keeping ethics at hand helps mental health counselors safeguard themselves and best serve their clients. The Code of Ethics can support mental health counselors facing ethical dilemmas by presenting a detailed set of guidelines to help guide their course of action.

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders. 

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders. 

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https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WGWLIB-k8GervrbGWJ_RBJtCklFU5ULP/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100420268896286342665&rtpof=true&sd=true

This reference guide has been designed to help mental health counselors recognize different mental health conditions and the associated symptoms. It is a powerful tool that serves as a roadmap for counselors to support clients suffering from various mental health issues. Identifying these conditions and related symptoms can help determine the therapeutic approach and treatments to follow. The guide also contains a list of resources available for professionals to consult and for individuals experiencing different mental health problems to seek support.

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This article contains valuable information about developmental trauma, symptoms, and treatments.

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/trauma/developmental-trauma-disorder-is-not-as-complex-as-it-sounds/

This week's developmental discussion on trauma emphasizes on the effects and progression of trauma in a person's life. Developmental trauma might be connected to early childhood distressing experiences. In case of children who experience trauma might eventually develop conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, the consequences of a traumatic experience might last beyond childhood. "Growing up in environments with instability, abuse, neglect, and impoverishment can create stress and trauma that look like PTSD and affect development. Trauma is so prevalent among children that clinicians have proposed a new term to attempt to explain it: Developmental Trauma Disorder" (Shore, 2019, Para.1). Addressing trauma requires that patients affected by any form of trauma receive suitable professional services to ensure the most favorable outcome for them.

Shore, J. (2019, April 12). Focus for Health . Retrieved from The Kids Are Not All Right: How Trauma Affects Development: https://www.focusforhealth.org/kids-are-not-alright-how-trauma-affects-development/

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Psychological First Aid Online Certificate.

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Psychological First Aid Online Certificate.

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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TgnuJXMzHeUEdkDDA1sQaDRv-4-y7sUF/view?usp=sharing

The purpose and objectives of Psychological First Aid are to cover the basic needs and help reduce psychological distress for people who have experienced a traumatic event. The class educates professionals on providing caring comfort, company, and education about managing stress reactions and accessing basic needs during a catastrophic event. The class prepares counselors to empower clients and guide them in using their coping skills during stressful situations.

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Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment.

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Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment.

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https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1o_tUfYOrX9o93QoHWVgb1Uhqpf5dH1orjpGbDUaW5BU/edit?usp=sharing

Threat assessment and crisis prevention’s main objective is to evaluate threats and measure who might be impacted and affected to create prevention programs that address the problem. Issues like drug addictions and school violence might affect communities, and it is critical to look for ways to prevent them. These threats must be taken seriously, and cooperating with different organizations and the community can profoundly impact the prevention of this situation. Assessing threats, proper documentation, and identifying the population at risk might serve to address the situation and decrease the potential issues to escalate.

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The ABC Model of Crisis Intervention aims to help clients during the crisis, emotionally taking them to a better place. Also, by establishing a solid client/counselor relationship and identifying the problem, the counselor can provide therapeutic help that fits the client’s needs.

“The crisis is a key factor used to assist the client to come through the other side of the situation so that the person in crisis stabilizes in a more adaptive level of functioning. According to leading cognitive behavioral regimens, the perception of the precipitating event is a crucial factor in the crisis” (Lyons et al. 1).

Lyons, T. J. (n.d.). Psychology Info . Retrieved from ABC Model of Crisis Intervention: https://psychology-info.com/abc-model-of-crisis-intervention