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Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders Amber Herrera.xlsx

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Hi! My name is Amber Herrera. My program of study is Mental Health and Wellness Counseling. My personal goal is to complete all coursework and pass the NCE by December 2025. My professional goal is to gain counseling experience in a clinical setting because I currently only have experience in the educational setting as a School Counselor.

I hope to learn research-based strategies for treating mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. I also want to learn more about the statistics for treating mental health conditions versus managing symptoms with medication/therapy. How do you really know if someone has overcome a mental health condition?

A little bit about myself... I have an *almost two year old daughter who I love very much, I have been with my now husband for 13 years, and I have found exercise eases most of my problems (or an occasional sweet treat of cookies topped with ice cream). Both really help to ease stress!

As a professional counselor, it is essential to adhere to both legal requirements and ethical standards to ensure competent and ethical practice. Legally, counselors must comply with state and federal regulations, including mandated reporting laws, confidentiality requirements under HIPAA, and licensing board standards (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, 2022). Ethically, the ACA Code of Ethics provides guidance on professional conduct, client confidentiality, boundaries, and advocacy for clients’ well-being (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014).

References:

American Counseling Association (ACA). (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2022). Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html

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For the Reference Guide for Mental Health Disorders assignment, I researched conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. I learned that biological, psychological, and environmental factors play a crucial role in the development of these disorders, and that early intervention is key to improving outcomes. Studies indicate that mental health disorders often arise from a combination of these factors rather than a single cause.

Mental health conditions can be managed through therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Some disorders may require different approaches and not every approach will work for every individual.

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Through this assignment, I have gained a deeper understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) and the different types of trauma that individuals may experience. I learned that while the ACE study provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of childhood trauma, it has limitations in measuring resilience and protective factors. Additionally, learning about trauma-informed strategies, such as creating safe environments and teaching emotional regulation, has reinforced the importance of applying these approaches in professional settings to support individuals more effectively.

From reading others' reflections, I have gained insight into how trauma-informed care is essential across various fields, not just in counseling. I recognize the importance of ensuring all health professionals receive trauma training to prevent misdiagnosis and retraumatization, a point I hadn’t considered as deeply before. The discussions also helped me see how trauma can lead to advocacy and resilience, as demonstrated in After Parkland, where survivors channeled their grief into action. This reinforces that while trauma has devastating effects, healing and empowerment are possible with the right support systems.

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The ACA Code of Ethics is a key part of my practice as an LPC. It sets the standard for ethical decision-making and helps me stay accountable to my clients. Following these guidelines ensures that I provide the best possible care while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to client welfare.

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From the Psychological First Aid for Schools training, I learned how to provide immediate emotional support to students and staff after a crisis, helping them feel safe and connected. I also gained practical strategies for recognizing stress reactions and guiding individuals toward appropriate resources for further support.

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Psychological First Aid Training Certificate

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From this assignment, I learned just how complex and widespread domestic violence is—it doesn’t discriminate based on gender, background, or income. I also gained a better understanding of how risk assessments, like the Danger Assessment, help identify when someone is in serious danger and what steps can be taken to protect them. One of the biggest takeaways for me was the importance of cultural competence in crisis planning—making sure that support services are not only available but also respectful and accessible to people from all walks of life.

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From this assignment, I learned how the ABC Model can help break down and address relationship conflicts by focusing on physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects. It reinforced the importance of active listening, open-ended questioning, and reflection in building trust and guiding clients through challenges. I also gained insight into how stress, miscommunication, and unmet expectations can impact a relationship and how structured counseling techniques can help couples find clarity and connection.