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My biggest professional takeaway is that self-care is an ethical requirement, not a luxury.
The ACA Code of Ethics instructs counselors to “engage in self-care activities to maintain and promote their own emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual well-being to best meet their professional responsibilities” (American Counseling Association, 2014, p. 8).

This reminded me that neglecting personal wellness could compromise the quality of care provided to students.

The Green Cross Standards of Self-Care Guidelines expand on this, noting that it is unethical not to attend to self-care, because “no situation nor person can justify neglecting it” (Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, n.d., Section II).

Understanding this link between ethics and wellness is my most significant takeaway.

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Reflection on the Importance of Self-Care

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Reflection on the Importance of Self-Care

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Self-care is essential for counselors because our work involves emotional labor and exposure to others’ trauma. Helping Others Help Themselves cautions that helpers who overextend “burn out emotionally and become disconnected,” reducing their effectiveness (Nachreiner , 1987, p. 27).

If we fail to care for ourselves, we risk compassion fatigue and ethical lapses.

Stamm (2002) stresses that continual self-assessment, rest, and supportive connections are core protections against secondary trauma

By practicing consistent self-care, I can sustain empathy, model boundaries for students, and serve ethically and effectively (American Counseling Association, 2014).

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Mindful Reflection & Journaling (Emotional Rest)

I will dedicate 10 minutes each evening to mindfulness journaling focused on gratitude and emotional awareness.
Stamm (2002) found that reflective practices help manage stress triggers and restore balance.

This follows the Green Cross standard, granting every helper the right to “emotional and spiritual renewal” (Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, n.d., Section III).

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Boundary Setting & Work-Life Balance (Professional Rest)

I will enforce work-hour limits and reserve one evening weekly for non-work activities like hiking or family time.

The Green Cross Standards encourage a “formal, tangible commitment” to self-care with measurable goals (Green Cross Academy of Traumatology, n.d., Section V-A)

According to the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL 5) assessment, maintaining boundaries raises compassion satisfaction and lowers burnout (Stamm, 2012)

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Green Cross Standards of Self-Care Guidelines(1) (1)

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Self Care Plan: Nurture Yourself to Help Others

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Self Care Plan: Nurture Yourself to Help Others

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This small graphic symbolizes harmony across four wellness domains supporting my two self-care strategies.

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American Counseling Association. (2014). 2014 ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/knowledge-center

Green Cross Academy of Traumatology. (n.d.). Standards of Self-Care Guidelines.

Nachreiner , J. A. (1987). Dealing with the Problem. Helping Others Helping Themselves - a Self Study Series, 26–32.

Small, S. (1987). The Helper and the Helping Process. Helping Others Helping Themselves - a Self-Study Series, 4–6.

Stamm, B. H. (2002). Prevention suggestions for caregivers.

Stamm, B. H. (2012). Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL 5).