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Completing the Psychological First Aid course provided me with a clearer understanding of how to step in and support someone in crisis. It broke things down in a way that was both simple and practical, such as how to listen effectively and ensure people feel safe and connected. I know this will help me as a counselor because it reminded me that sometimes the small things, like being present and calm, can make the most significant difference.

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Hello! I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in counseling at Angelo State University. Personally, I would like to earn strong grades this semester. Coming out of summer can make it challenging to get back into the academic routine, so I want to stay focused and give my best effort. My professional goal is to one day open my own counseling practice.

A little personal information about me, I recently accepted a position as an ABA therapist and will be moving soon. I am very excited about this opportunity and the growth it will bring.

The ACA Code of Ethics (2014) is essential to my professional role because it helps me remain accountable to the rules and standards that protect the well-being of both clients and counselors. It serves as a guide for ethical decision-making, ensuring that I provide care with integrity, confidentiality, and respect.

Link to ACA Code of Ethics:

American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. American Counseling Association. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-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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This was a great assignment and a strong start to the semester. I enjoyed getting to know my peers and hearing their hearts and passions, which helped me see the range of interests and strengths in our group. Sharing what I love and what I am working on clarified my own goals for the course and kept me motivated. The beginning research on this semester’s topics gave me a quick map of where we are headed and highlighted a few areas I want to study more deeply. I also picked up practical ideas I can carry into my counseling training, like setting clear goals and checking in regularly on progress. Overall, the experience built connection, focus, and momentum. Ten out of ten assignment.

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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 assignment was a significant amount of work, but I thoroughly enjoyed it and gained the most knowledge from it so far. It covered so many topics and required such detailed information that I almost felt like I could have graduated right after completing it. Although it was a lot for the second week, it pushed me to delve deeper into the material and connect more strongly with the course content. Overall, it was a great assignment, and I am thankful for the opportunity to learn so much in such a short time.

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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders TEMPLATE (1) Ky

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This assignment helped me move from theory to real examples of trauma. Watching the film and reading my peers’ posts showed how survivors respond in different ways and why safety and support are the most important priorities. I learned that brief regulation skills, followed by reconnection, set the stage for problem-solving. I will build predictable routines like short check-ins and calm returns after escalations to create consistency and trust. I also see the importance of clear boundaries for staff so care remains steady over time.

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Working through Steven’s case with the ABC Model demonstrated to me the value of structure in a crisis. The steps of building trust, addressing the issues, and taking action made the situation feel less overwhelming. It stood out to me how important it is to create a safe space while also validating his anger and pain. This assignment reminded me that even in difficult situations, small steps toward better communication and coping can make a real difference.

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Working on this presentation showed me how complex substance use disorder really is and why straightforward prevention steps matter. Examining at-risk behaviors, assessments, and collaboration provided me with a better understanding of how to respond in a crisis. It also reminded me that cultural context and ethical guidelines are just as important as the clinical tools when supporting clients.