Self-Care for Professionals by Julie Howard

About Me

jhoward272 — 2023-10-23 16:02:03 UTC

My name is Julie Howard, and I am a passionate and dedicated individual pursuing a degree in Mental Health and Wellness. My focus is on LPC, and my ultimate goal is to establish my practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Through my studies and experiences, I have gained a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and the importance of providing proper support to those who need it the most.

My natural empathy, combined with my academic training, positions me to deliver the highest quality of care to my clients and help them overcome their challenges. My ambition is to become a trusted and effective counselor who can positively impact the lives of those I work with, specializing in CBT, DBT, LGBTQIA, addiction, and PTSD.

This class on Individual Counseling (EDG-6320-DS4) is a crucial step toward achieving my future goals. It will provide me with practical tools and techniques to offer personalized and compassionate care to my clients. I am excited to learn from experienced professionals and apply my knowledge to my future practice.

Take Aways

jhoward272 — 2023-10-23 16:30:11 UTC

After reading the comprehensive self-study series article "Helping Others Help Themselves," I gained valuable insights and practical knowledge on the subject matter. The report was well-written and clearly explained the concepts, making it easy for beginners like me to understand. Overall, I highly recommend this article to anyone wanting to learn how to help others effectively while avoiding burnout. It shows you how to help yourself first before helping someone else. My therapist always said when the plane is going down, you must put your oxygen mask on before putting someone else's on. One must know how to help themselves before helping the client when dealing with stressors.

"Helping others can have beneficial consequences for the helper as well. Studies of peer helping, where equals assist one another, have shown that sometimes helpers benefit more than those they help (Smalls, 2023)." I never knew till this article that the helper could benefit more than they helped. I did not realize that improving more than the client could cause someone to feel guilt and shame.

My second source is The ACA Code of Ethics. It is a detailed and comprehensive set of guidelines that outlines the professional standards for counselors. It covers a wide range of topics, including confidentiality, informed consent, dual relationships, and cultural competence. By adhering to these ethical standards, counselors can ensure they provide high-quality and effective services to their clients. The code also helps counselors establish realistic client goals and provides a framework for monitoring progress and measuring success. Overall, the ACA Code of Ethics is invaluable for counselors seeking to maintain professionalism and ethical conduct. When looking for counseling goals, I check out this website.

References:

jhoward272 — 2023-10-23 16:32:44 UTC

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

Stephen Small, Helping Others Help Themselves, 2023

Self-Care for Me

jhoward272 — 2023-10-23 16:37:46 UTC

When I think about self-care, I envision taking a few moments to nurture and appreciate myself truly. It's about being attuned to my needs and desires and ensuring I'm taking steps to honor them. Whether that means finding peace and solitude in nature or simply stepping away from a chaotic and busy schedule, I need to prioritize my well-being to feel truly fulfilled. By disconnecting from the stress and pressures of daily life, I can reconnect with my innermost self, find my center, and move forward with a more precise and focused mindset. I enjoy the quiet, and I stay present. I do not let my mind wander and genuinely absorb the sights and sounds of nature.

I am in therapy, too. I believe that a great therapist has to practice what they preach. I journal, therefore knowing the benefits of journaling. I prioritize my mental health before others.