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Hello, my name is Ande Cowen, and I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Professional Counseling at Angelo State University. I am currently taking classes for Trauma Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy and my Practicum hours.

One of my professional goals currently is to complete graduate school, obtain my LPC licensure, and continue taking training to eventually become a Registered Play Therapist and specialize in trauma. My long-term vision is to become a well-rounded family therapist who can support individuals and families through complex challenges.

Alongside my professional path, I also have a personal goal of traveling more and getting back into the adventure activities I’ve loved in the past, such as hiking, rock climbing, and scuba diving. I really feel that having healthy, and fun, hobbies can help heal and give an outlet when dealing with harder events in our lives.

Through this course, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of trauma factors and improve my ability to assess trauma in clients. I want to strengthen my skills so I can confidently support clients in sharing their stories, rather than feeling like I’m taking guesses in the dark.

A little about me outside of my academics and professional goals is that I am a wife and a mother. I also have my own history with trauma and PTSD, which has given me a unique perspective and allows me to connect with individuals who are navigating similar experiences.

The ethical code most relevant to my professional role is the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics (2014 edition). This code provides the foundation for professional practice in counseling by addressing key areas such as client confidentiality, informed consent, professional boundaries, and cultural competence. As someone pursuing licensure as an LPC, and planning to specialize in trauma and family therapy, these ethical guidelines are critical. They ensure I can provide safe, responsible, and effective care to clients while maintaining professionalism and trust in the therapeutic relationship.

References

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. American Counseling Association. https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

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Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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This comprehensive guide provides concise, research-based overviews of common mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance use, and eating disorders. Each section outlines key definitions, causes, and the importance of early intervention, accompanied by reputable references and professional resources. Designed as a quick-reference tool for counseling and crisis response, the guide supports evidence-informed, trauma-sensitive practice in identifying symptoms, understanding client needs, and connecting individuals to appropriate supports.

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Exploring Collective Trauma – We Are Columbine

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Exploring Collective Trauma – We Are Columbine

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This section features pre- and post-viewing reflections on the documentary We Are Columbine, which follows survivors of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting as they navigate long-term healing and identity reconstruction. The discussions explore initial expectations versus post-viewing insights, highlighting the enduring psychological impact of collective trauma and the resilience of survivors. These reflections connect course concepts such as trauma recovery, post-traumatic growth, and the importance of community-based support in the aftermath of crisis.

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Final Reflection of Trauma Informed Care

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Final Reflection of Trauma Informed Care

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This reflection analyzes the long-term psychological and community impacts depicted in We Are Columbine, highlighting trauma responses such as PTSD, survivor’s guilt, and hypervigilance. It connects these lived experiences to trauma-informed principles, demonstrating how early intervention, therapy, and community support foster resilience and healing. From a professional counseling perspective, this reflection emphasizes the importance of collaborative, trauma-informed care that integrates emotional, social, and systemic understanding to support survivors in their recovery journeys

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This certificate represents completion of Psychological First Aid (PFA) training, demonstrating competency in providing immediate, trauma-informed support to individuals affected by crisis or disaster. The training equips professionals with practical strategies to reduce distress, promote safety, and connect survivors to appropriate resources.
Learn more or complete the certification here: NCTSN Psychological First Aid (PFA) Online

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Human & Sex Trafficking Crisis Plan & Threat Assessment 

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Human & Sex Trafficking Crisis Plan & Threat Assessment 

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This section examines human and sex trafficking as a critical public health and human rights issue, emphasizing trauma-informed prevention and threat assessment strategies. It explores the complex dynamics of exploitation, risk factors, and the psychological impact on survivors. The focus is on early identification, interagency collaboration, and evidence-based interventions that promote safety, stabilization, and long-term recovery for victims of trafficking.

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Human and Sex Trafficking Crisis Prevention Plan and Threat Assessment (2)

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This section applies the ABC Crisis Intervention Model to a real-world case scenario, demonstrating how structured crisis counseling techniques can foster safety, trust, and emotional regulation. Through the A (Achieving rapport) stage, the counselor builds connection and trust using attending behaviors, open-ended questioning, and reflection. In B (Boiling down the problem), key issues are identified across physical, emotional, relational, and cognitive domains to form a comprehensive understanding of the client’s crisis experience. Finally, in C (Coping), actionable strategies are developed collaboratively to promote stability, self-awareness, and empowerment. This case study highlights the model’s effectiveness in guiding trauma-informed, goal-oriented crisis interventions that balance empathy with structured support.

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1. Foundational Frameworks for Trauma Counseling

Purpose: To ground your work in evidence-based trauma and crisis models.
Resources:

SAMHSA – Concept of Trauma and Guidance for a Trauma-Informed Approach (2014): Defines trauma and outlines the six key principles of trauma-informed care.

APA Division 56: Trauma Psychology: Professional hub for trauma research, publications, and treatment resources.

NCTSN – Understanding Trauma: Clear overview of child trauma and system-level impacts.

2. Assessment Tools and Screening Resources

Purpose: To support trauma assessment and client evaluation.
Resources:

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Validated screening tool for post-traumatic stress.

ACE Questionnaire (Adverse Childhood Experiences): Identifies early life trauma and long-term health effects.

Crisis Triage Assessment Form (CTAF): Used for evaluating crisis severity and immediacy of intervention.

3. Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Purpose: To provide a reference for interventions used in trauma recovery.
Resources:

TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents exposed to trauma.

EMDR Institute: Official site for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Structured cognitive therapy for trauma-related thought patterns.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy Overview: A leading evidence-based exposure therapy for PTSD.

4. Cultural Competency and Diversity

Purpose: To ensure trauma-informed care is culturally responsive.
Resources:

NCTSN – Culture and Trauma Resource Guide: Guidance on culturally informed trauma care.

APA Multicultural Guidelines (2017): Framework for inclusive and context-aware practice.

Healing Justice Foundation: Focused on trauma and healing in BIPOC communities.

5. Crisis Response and Emergency Hotlines

Purpose: To provide immediate access to life-saving resources.
Resources:

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support.

SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance use or mental health crisis.

Disaster Distress Helpline — 1-800-985-5990 for disaster-related trauma.

National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE for safety planning and advocacy.

6. Professional Development and Self-Care

Purpose: To promote counselor wellness and lifelong learning.
Resources:

National Center for PTSD – Provider Resources: Tools for clinicians and crisis workers.

ISTSS (International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies): Professional organization with research, training, and conferences.

NCTSN Secondary Traumatic Stress Toolkit: Self-care strategies for trauma professionals.

7. Multimedia and Digital Supports

Purpose: To integrate accessible, educational, and coping resources.
Resources:

Podcasts: Trauma Therapist Podcast, Therapist Uncensored, On Being with Krista Tippett (episodes on resilience and healing).

Apps: PTSD Coach, Insight Timer, Headspace, Calm – tools for grounding and mindfulness.

TED Talks: Bessel van der Kolk – “The Body Keeps the Score”, Nadine Burke Harris – “How Childhood Trauma Affects Health”.