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My name is Brooke Mendoza. I am in my third semester of the school counseling master’s program. I am currently serving as an elementary school’s guidance apprentice. I am also working at the same elementary I went to school at when I was growing up. I plan to continue working and serving my local campus and community after reciving my certifaction. If there are two things you should know about me, I love buying shoes and I love Christmas. A fun fact my birthday is on December 23rd. One goal I have for this course is to gain more knowledge on being more intentional when it comes to handling mental health specifically in children.

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American Counseling Association Code of Ethics 

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American Counseling Association Code of Ethics 

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Reflection:

As a school counselor, my professional role is guided by a legal and ethical code that emphasizes confidentiality, informed consent, professional competence, non-discrimination, and the best interests of students. These principles ensure that I provide a safe and supportive environment for students to express themselves and receive guidance. Confidentiality protects students' privacy, while informed consent ensures transparency in the counseling process. I am committed to maintaining high professional standards, continually enhancing my skills, and treating all students fairly. Above all, I must prioritize the well-being of students, advocating for their mental health and safety, and making ethical decisions that foster trust and support their growth.

The school counselor code of ethics emphasizes the importance of ensuring that students receive appropriate referrals when necessary, guiding them to local emergency and non-emergency support services. This includes connecting students with mental health professionals, social workers, or community-based organizations that can offer specialized assistance, such as crisis intervention or long-term counseling. Local emergency services may involve contacting law enforcement or medical professionals for immediate safety, while non-emergency services focus on ongoing support, such as therapy or academic assistance. Cultural competence is a vital component when delivering responsive services, as it ensures that counselors recognize and respect students' diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these cultural nuances allows counselors to tailor their approaches and interventions in ways that are both respectful and effective, promoting equity and fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

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Ethics - Tools to Ensure Ethical Standards Compliance

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The American Counseling Association Center for Practice, Policy, and Research is responsible for providing access to, and interpretation of, the American Counseling Association Code of Ethics.

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Unit 1 Section 1 Reflection and Artifact for Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge.

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Unit 1 Section 1 Reflection and Artifact for Introductions and Assessing Prior Knowledge.

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Hello everyone,

My name is Brooke Mendoza. I am in my third semester of the school counseling master’s program. I am currently serving as an elementary school’s guidance apprentice. I am also working at the same elementary I went to school at when I was growing up. I plan to continue working and serving my local campus and community after reciving my certifaction. If there are two things you should know about me, I love buying shoes and I love Christmas. A fun fact my birthday is on December 23rd. One goal I have for this course is to gain more knowledge on being more intentional when it comes to handling mental health specifically in children.

Assess Prior Knowledge and Experiences:

When reviewing the resources provided within our module, a key takeaway from the mental health statistics in America is the alarming prevalence of mental health issues across the population. The data shows that nearly 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, with anxiety and depression being the most common conditions. Despite the high rates of mental health challenges, many individuals still face barriers to accessing care, including stigma, cost, and a shortage of mental health professionals. This underscores the importance of raising awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to mental health services to support those in need. Additionally, mental health concerns are not limited to adults there’s also a significant impact on youth, with rising rates of depression and suicide among teenagers.

A key takeaway from the "Channeling Kindness Mental Health Awareness Quiz" is the importance of fostering a culture of kindness and empathy when it comes to mental health. The quiz emphasizes how small acts of kindness can have a significant positive impact on both individuals' mental well-being and the broader community. It also highlights the role of understanding mental health issues, reducing stigma, and being supportive in creating an environment where people feel safe to discuss and seek help for their mental health struggles. Ultimately, promoting kindness not only improves individual lives but contributes to a healthier, more compassionate society.

In my future role as a school counselor, knowledge of crisis, trauma, and mental health is shown to be highly important. As a school counselor, knowledge about crisis, trauma, and mental illnesses is essential as it equips me with the tools to recognize signs of distress in students who may be struggling in silence. Understanding how trauma and mental health challenges manifest whether through behavioral changes, withdrawal, or academic struggles helps me intervene early, offering the necessary support or referrals to professionals who can assist.

The article School Counsellors in England: Tackling a Children’s Mental Health Crisis by Gillian L. S. Hilton explores the growing role of school counselors in addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents in the UK. It highlights the increasing mental health crisis among young people, driven by factors such as academic pressure, social media, and family stress. The article emphasizes the importance of school counselors in providing early intervention, support, and guidance to students, while also discussing the challenges school counselors face, such as high caseloads and limited resources. It advocates for greater recognition and investment in mental health services within schools to ensure that children receive the care they need to thrive academically and emotionally. This article helps to show the vital role school counselors play regarding children’s mental health.

https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED656185.pdf

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Unit 1 Section 2 Reflection and Artifact for Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders.

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Unit 1 Section 2 Reflection and Artifact for Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders.

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Reflection: Creating a reference guide for mental health disorders has been an insightful and enriching experience, as it allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of the complexities of various conditions. It reinforced the importance of clear, accessible information for both professionals and the general public, as understanding mental health is vital to breaking the stigma and promoting better care. Through this process, I learned the value of presenting information in an empathetic and factual manner, balancing clinical accuracy with compassionate language. Ultimately, this guide serves as a useful tool for raising awareness, improving understanding, and encouraging more supportive conversations surrounding mental health.

Additional Resources:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): A U.S.-based nonprofit organization that provides advocacy, education, support, and public awareness for individuals and families affected by mental illness. NAMI offers programs like the Family-to-Family Education Program, which is a free eight-week course for family members of individuals with mental illness. More information can be found at nami.org.

Emotions Anonymous: A twelve-step program for recovery from mental and emotional illness, modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous. Founded in 1971, it offers peer support to individuals experiencing a range of emotional and mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, anger, and relationship issues. Find out more at emotionsanonymous.org.

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders

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Unit 2 Reflection and Artifact for Developmental Discussion on Trauma.

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Unit 2 Reflection and Artifact for Developmental Discussion on Trauma.

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Reflection: Reflecting on the assignment, I gained a deeper understanding of how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) can impact children's development, particularly through my experiences working in public education. I agree with the perspective that while the ACE study offers valuable insights into the long-term effects of childhood trauma, it might not fully encompass the diversity of different populations. The limitations of self-reported data and the study's focus on specific demographics highlight the need for more inclusive research. Additionally, learning about chronic trauma, complex trauma, and burnout helped me better understand the varying forms of trauma children can experience and how they affect emotional, psychological, and developmental growth. The importance of creating a safe and predictable environment for trauma recovery resonated with me, especially in educational settings. I also strongly believe that educating school counselors and other health professionals on the effects of trauma is essential. This would equip them with the tools needed to assess and support students more effectively, ensuring that children who have experienced trauma can receive the care and attention necessary for their healing and academic success.

Additional Resources:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): An evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals, particularly children and adolescents, overcome the negative effects of traumatic experiences. TF-CBT integrates cognitive-behavioral, attachment, and humanistic principles to address trauma-related symptoms. More information is available at Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Somatic Exercises: Gentle movement practices that enhance the mind-body connection and help release stress, anxiety, and trauma. These exercises focus on internal experiences and sensations, promoting emotional and physical well-being. Learn more about somatic training at The Latest Movement Trend Is Suspiciously Chill.

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 Unit 3 Assignment 1 Reflection and artifact  for Psychological First Aid Online Certificate.

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 Unit 3 Assignment 1 Reflection and artifact  for Psychological First Aid Online Certificate.

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Reflection: Gaining a Psychological First Aid (PFA) certificate has been an incredibly rewarding and enlightening experience. It provided me with practical tools and a deeper understanding of how to respond to individuals in distress, particularly in the aftermath of traumatic events. The training emphasized the importance of listening, offering support, and creating a sense of safety for those experiencing emotional or psychological challenges. It also highlighted the significance of self-care and knowing when to refer individuals to professional help. This certification has not only enhanced my ability to provide immediate support in crisis situations but has also broadened my awareness of the profound impact that trauma and mental health struggles can have on individuals. Overall, it has equipped me with the skills and confidence to approach such situations with empathy, sensitivity, and effectiveness.

Additional Resources:

Johns Hopkins University Psychological First Aid Online Course: Developed by Dr. George S. Everly Jr., a pioneer in psychological crisis intervention, this course provides evidence-based models for PFA, emphasizing the importance of early intervention following traumatic events.

en.wikipedia.org

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training: MHFA offers courses that teach individuals to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training includes modules on depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders, equipping participants with the skills to provide initial support and guide individuals toward appropriate care.

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Unit 3 Assignment 2 Reflection and artifact for Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment.

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Unit 3 Assignment 2 Reflection and artifact for Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment.

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Reflection: Working on the Crisis Prevention and Threat Assessment group project focused on domestic violence was both enlightening and impactful. It provided me with a deeper understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence, including the signs of abuse, the psychological and physical impacts on victims, and the complexities involved in assessing threats in these situations. Collaborating with my group allowed me to see the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach, involving law enforcement, healthcare professionals, and support services, to effectively intervene and prevent further harm. The project reinforced the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for victims to seek help and the necessity of training individuals to recognize the subtle signs of abuse. It was a sobering reminder of the importance of early intervention and the critical role we all play in addressing and preventing domestic violence in our communities.

Additional Resources:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Offers confidential support 24/7, providing safety planning, resources, and local assistance. You can call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788, or chat online at thehotline.org.

thehotline.org

Crisis Center of West Texas: Provides services to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence in West Texas, including free shelter, counseling, and a 24-hour hotline. Located in Odessa, Texas, they can be reached at 1-866-627-4747 or through their website at ccwtx.org.

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Unit 3 Assignment 3 Reflection and artifact for ABC Crisis Model

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Unit 3 Assignment 3 Reflection and artifact for ABC Crisis Model

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Reflection:

Reflecting on the ABC Model for Melynda’s case, I believe this structured approach provides a comprehensive framework for addressing her multifaceted struggles. The ABC Model's emphasis on building a solid relationship through active listening, paraphrasing, and reflection is crucial in establishing trust, especially when Melynda feels overwhelmed by emotional and academic pressure. The breakdown of her physical, emotional, social, and cognitive needs allows for a holistic view of her challenges, offering a clear path for both Melynda and the counselor to follow. I particularly appreciate how the model highlights the importance of addressing her physical symptoms like weight loss and sleep disturbances, which are often linked to underlying mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Additionally, the focus on her emotional well-being, such as combating feelings of guilt and low self-worth, aligns well with creating a safe, supportive space for Melynda to explore her fears and self-doubt. The commitment to action, with specific steps for both Melynda and the counselor, is a powerful tool in guiding Melynda toward healing and helping her navigate the internal conflict she faces regarding her future and her relationship with her father. This approach demonstrates the necessity of a comprehensive, empathetic response to mental health challenges, ensuring that all aspects of Melynda’s well-being are addressed in her journey toward recovery.

Additional Resources:

1. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline):
This resource is vital for any client, like Melynda, who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. It provides immediate support and helps individuals connect with trained counselors who can offer help in a crisis. The lifeline is available 24/7, ensuring that Melynda and others in need can reach out when feeling overwhelmed or in danger.
Link: https://988lifeline.org/

2. American Psychological Association (APA) - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Resources:
Given that Melynda is struggling with negative thought patterns and self-worth issues, CBT could be a powerful intervention. The APA provides numerous resources, guides, and research on CBT techniques that could assist both counselors and individuals in understanding and applying CBT strategies for cognitive restructuring.
Link: https://www.apa.org/