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My name is Kali Hamilton, and I am in the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program here at ASU. A personal goal of mine is to use the information I learn throughout this class to help make me a more diverse teacher and to provide proper help to my students with problems that may occur in their life. I hope to keep making my classroom a safe and engaging environment. A profession goal is once I complete my masters, I hope to become a school counselor and to transition into the LPC Bridge program and when all completed to end up as a Trauma therapist for adolescents. I am excited to gain more information on trauma and what triggers trauma, related to background.

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This document outlines the principles and standards that counselors are expected to uphold in their professional roles, emphasizing the importance of ethical decision-making, client welfare, and respect for diversity. While the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics is designed for counselors, its principles and standards hold relevance for teachers as well. Just as counselors are expected to embody professionalism and integrity in their careers, teachers are also held to similar standards of honesty, fairness, and accountability in their roles. Teachers must obtain informed consent for various activities involving students, respecting others and decision-making capacity. Moreover, holding respect for diversity and creating inclusive environments aligns with both counselors' cultural competence and teachers' efforts to honor students' diverse backgrounds and identities. (ACA, 2014) At my school the majority of the students who attend, have the cultural background of Indian. Following ethical standards, guides teachers in maintaining appropriate professional boundaries, prioritizing students' well-being and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in education.

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Assignment Reflection:

As I completed this assignment, I gained more information on what this course would cover, and the topics discussed. I was interested right off the bat. I have always wanted to learn more about trauma, the background of trauma, and the reasoning behind it all. As I read a variety of discussion posts, I learned more about my classmates and realized we have some things in common. I loved looking at their perspectives over the course and some opened my eyes, due to their backgrounds they were willing to share.

Assignment Post:

Introduction

Hi everyone! My name is Kali Hamilton, and I am in the mental health and wellness counseling program here at Angelo State University. I graduated from undergrad in 2022 and moved to Austin right away for a job as a tennis coach. I started a new position this school year as a 4th and 5th grade science teacher and PE teacher at Basis Charter School, and I am loving it! I also coach tennis on the side, when it is not freezing cold outside. I am in the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling program here at Angelo State and once I finish, I hope to transition into school counseling or the LPC bridge program. When I finish my schooling, I hope to be a school counselor or work in a private practice counseling children and adolescents.  A goal of mine for this course is to have a better understanding of trauma and learn how to recognize the signs and behaviors of a student dealing with trauma and be able to respond to them in a helpful way.

I don't know why it won't let me attach the photo straight to here, but I have attached a file. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Assessing Prior Knowledge

After reviewing the resources on mental health, it opened my eyes to the statistics on mental health in America. It was always a thought in the back of my head on what the actual statistics were with mental health and reading the articles opened my eyes to many other topics dealing with it. Working in the education system as a teacher, I have had many of my students come up to me asking for advice on experiences at home and coming to me crying due to their anxiety. Reading the statistics that in 2008 8.4% of children were diagnosed with anxiety or depression was saddening to me. It really showed me that we are almost blind to how many individuals slide under the table and how I need to find more ways to reach out to my students and be their advocate.

I decided to take the Deconstructing Stigma Quiz to see what the back of my brain knew, and I learned quite a bit more information about mental health conditions. A fact that I found interesting was that there are 21% of mothers who are diagnosed with postpartum depression, and within that percentage of women, they did not seek treatment or help. (Deconstructing Stigma, 2022) This is a statistic that I find hard to read, it is saddening to find so many people go untreated with their mental health and could possibly be alone. I hope to learn more about mental health in this course and where I can input my health by changing the stigma behind mental health conditions and seeking treatment.

In my current job path right now as an elementary school teacher, having the knowledge of mental health can be credential in being able to provide the help needed when my students come up to me wanting my help with dealing with their home life, anxiety, and relationships at school. Digging deeper into anxiety within children and education, I found that anxiety can greatly impact their schoolwork as well as their relationships. It is fundamental that we help our anxiety ridden students feel safe and comfortable in our classrooms, as well as being a teacher they feel safe coming to with information that is hard to talk about. Being able to notice behavioral changes can be a huge factor when dealing with children with anxiety. In an article I found, children who act out or have tantrums in class, could be dealing with a deeper related issue, rather than just wanting to act out in class. They could be dealing with anxiety, which can lead to a child portraying aggression in their feelings. (Teacher's guide to anxiety 2023) I am optimistic that this course will expand my knowledge and lead me in the path of becoming better in the classroom, as well as in all aspects of my life when it comes to dealing with trauma and mental health.

References

Deconstructing Stigma. (2022, December 6). Mental health quiz. https://deconstructingstigma.org/mental-health-quiz

Mental Health America. (2024). Quick Facts and Statistics About Mental Health.

Teacher’s guide to anxiety. Child Mind Institute. (2023, February 23). https://childmind.org/guide/teachers-guide-to-anxiety-in-the-classroom/

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Assignment Reflection:

As I was completing this assignment, I found myself gaining more perspective on each topic and disorder. I enjoyed learning the true research definition and they causes of each. I found myself relating them to people I know and seeing if the causes matched up. When I did research on why it is important to catch the signs early, I related it to my teaching career and how this could benefit my students. I can recognize the behaviors and emotions quicker and provide the help my students may need. Without this knowledge, they may have never had an advocate and gained the help they would need.

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Unit 2 Developmental Discussion on Trauma 

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Unit 2 Developmental Discussion on Trauma 

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Discussion Posts Reflection:

After completing this assignment, I found myself gaining more insight on trauma in real world scenarios. I was able to enhance my knowledge on trauma related to sexual abuse and grooming. I found it eye opening to read my classmates perspectives on their series or documentaries they chose. While completing this assignment, I am now able to notice behaviors related to trauma and can hopefully see them in my students and provide support. This assignment will impact my life greatly, by opening my eyes on trauma correlated to real life scenarios. As well as what counselors may face in their jobs.

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Assignment Reflection: Completing the psychological first aid course was an enlightening experience that deepened my understanding of the importance of mental health support. Learning the principles and techniques of psychological first aid equipped me with valuable skills to provide immediate assistance to individuals in crisis. I could see myself using the information I learned in my classroom as a teacher. Through interactive modules and case studies, I gained insight into assessing and addressing psychological needs in diverse contexts. The course emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and fostering a safe environment for those in distress. Overall, this training has empowered me to contribute positively to mental health support efforts in my community, my peers, and my classroom.

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Assignment Reflection: Undertaking an assignment on crisis prevention and threat assessment in human sex trafficking was a deeply eye-opening experience. Researching the dynamics of this heinous crime shed light on the vulnerabilities and exploitation faced by victims through our country. Understanding the psychological and social factors contributing to the perpetuation of trafficking underscored the importance of systemic interventions and survivor-centered approaches. The importance of specialized training in this area became increasingly evident as I navigated through the layers of prevention strategies and risk mitigation. Understanding the underlying factors contributing to sex trafficking, such as socioeconomic disparities and systemic vulnerabilities, underscored the significance of comprehensive education and intervention.
Working in a group on a project provided valuable insights into collaboration and communication dynamics, gaining new perspectives and collective problem-solving. Through mutual support and shared responsibility, we were able to leverage our strengths and overcome challenges of different work schedules, and ultimately achieving a complete wonderfully put assignment in the end.

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Assignment Reflection:
Engaging in the ABC model over a case study involving a child navigating a parental divorce and struggling with anger management conflicts offered profound insights into understanding and addressing a variety of emotional responses. Through the time spent diving into the assignment, I learned behaviors and emotions on such topic, and I gained an understanding of the triggers and patterns underlying the child's reactions. Learning about how ABC models work provided a framework for understanding the interplay between antecedents, behaviors, and consequences, which helped me have valuable insights into the dynamics of human behavior and reactions. It showed the importance of identifying triggers and understanding the impact of experiences in shaping individual responses, enhancing my ability to analyze and address behavioral patterns effectively.

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Possible referral process for a teacher...

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Possible referral process for a teacher...

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From my personal experiences, the referral process for a teacher typically begins when they observe concerning behavior or academic challenges in a student that may require additional support beyond what they can provide in the classroom. This could include persistent disruptive behavior, academic struggles, or signs of emotional distress. The teacher may then document their observations and efforts to address the issue through interventions within their capacity. If the concerns persist or escalate, the teacher may initiate a referral by notifying the appropriate school personnel, such as the school counselor, special education coordinator, or principal. The referral often includes detailed information about the student's behavior or academic performance, along with any interventions attempted and their outcomes. This information helps guide the referral team in determining the most appropriate course of action, which may involve further assessments, collaboration with other professionals, or the development of a personalized intervention plan to support the student's needs.

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Mental Health Hotline

512-472-HELP (4357)

Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 (Text or Call)

National Human Trafficking Hotline

888-373-7888

Links to look over:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-mental-health-crisis-among-children-and-teens-how-parents-can-help-202203082700

https://www.acf.hhs.gov/toolkit/mental-health-and-wellness-resources

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Mental health crisis services. Texas Health and Human Services. (n.d.). https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/mental-health-substance-use/mental-health-crisis-services

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Cultural competence is paramount when delivering responsive services in the education setting as it acknowledges and respects the diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences of students and their families. I deal with a variety of cultures within my classes, and it has been incredible learning about their backgrounds and knowing the little things about each culture. Understanding and valuing cultural differences fosters an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel respected and understood. It allows educators or counselors to effectively engage with students from various cultural backgrounds, bridging potential communication and understanding gaps. By embracing cultural diversity, educators can incorporate diverse perspectives into their teaching practices, influencing the positives of the learning experience for all students. Prioritizing cultural competence in my field as teacher right now, cultivates a more inclusive and empowering learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.