In regard to the course, I hope to understand the effects of trauma more deeply. Also, I would like to learn techniques and strategies to help people work through and heal from past trauma.

Lastly, I feel very blessed to be in this course and to have this opportunity to grow and learn in this area.

https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=22&pt=30&ch=681&sch=C&rl=Y

This link has the necessary requirements in order to get an LPC Associate license in the state of Texas, rule §681.91 specifically. The following rule §681.92 has the necessary supervision hours needed to get your LPC license (3,000), and the other requirements needed. This is all important information since my long-term professional goal is to become a licensed professional counselor (LPC).

In regards to the Code of Ethics attachment from the American Counseling Association there is so much valuable information in here. Some of this information is on how to counsel minors and their inability to give consent. This is important to me because I would like to work with teenagers if possible. There is also great information on remaining culturally sensitive. I was also not aware that as a counselor I have to document the client's progress and the services I provided. I am glad that I am aware of this now so that I do everything according to the code and policy of an LPC.

References:

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

Office of Secretary of State. (2025). Texas Administrative Code. State.tx.us. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac%24ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=5&ti=22&pt=30&ch=681&sch=C&rl=Y

Analyzing the resources provided in this unit really opened my eyes to how many of us in this country and world struggle with some kind of mental health disorder. It brought awareness to me on how many people need help and aid mentally and emotionally. I am glad that I am aware of this now, especially because I plan on becoming a professional in counseling others through their mental health struggles.

This unit also taught me how important it is to speak out and ask real questions to individuals. For instance, sometimes I feel like I might be seen as a "Debbie Downer" when I ask people how they are doing in hard situations. Therefore, sometimes I avoid asking certain questions in fear that I am going to trigger them. However, in learning how many people are struggling (and this is just people who openly admitted it, that are counted) then it encourages me to ask the deep questions, to check in with others, to not be hesitant on getting vulnerable and open, and to most importantly, offer a listening, kind ear.

Reflection:

This assignment was a great opportunity for me to grow in my knowledge and understanding of multiple mental health disorders. As a future licensed professional counselor (LPC) it is important that I am aware of these disorders and knowledgeable about their symptoms so that I can recognize certain disorders in future clients. Additionally, it is necessary that I know the causes for disorders so that I can do my best to prevent them in clients.

With that being said the research on the importance of early intervention was very enlightening to me. This helped me understand how important it is that we address mental health and prevent issues from growing worse. Overall, I learned that the earlier the intervention, the easier it will be to transition back into healthy functioning and improved well-being.

Lastly, the input of helpful resources was such a great tool for extra growth and knowledge. Researching different articles allowed me to take a deep dive into specific types of disorders and helped me to understand them more clearly. This assignment made me so knowledgeable on specific types of mental health disorders. This artifact is definitely one that I will be using throughout the rest of my career as an LPC.

Our trauma assignment taught me so much about the effects of trauma on a person, and the people involved. Through reading and learning from the resources provided (and a couple found through independent research), I got a clear sense of the types of trauma and their effects and possible outcomes. I also learned a few techniques and strategies in helping children through adverse childhood experiences (ACES) like grief or traumatic events.

Though, where I feel like I got a deep dive and understanding of trauma was in the viewing and analyzing of the documentary, Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Story. In the watching of this film I got to witness the effects of trauma. I was able to see the symptoms of a girl who had experienced multiple traumatic events. The resources provided allowed me to be able to recognize complex trauma and secondary trauma in the film. This allowed me to not have simply a definition for certain types of trauma but real examples and evidence of it. The analysis of this film provided great insight in issues I might see in working with people who have experienced something traumatic.

Reference: 

Birman, D. H. (2020) Murder to Mercy: The Cyntoia Brown story [Film]. Birman Productions, Inc

This online course was a great learning tool in my understanding of how to respond in crises. First, there was training and lessons on how to respond to people who had just experienced a crisis (like a tornado or major flooding). Then, the online course had an animated scene of people affected from a crisis. In this module, we were able to click on characters to see their needs and got to choose how we should respond to them. It was very engaging and helped me get practice for helping people who had just experienced a crisis. This assignment really gave me language and steps on addressing people who may need help during difficult times (times of crisis).

For this assignment I gained insight on how to work collaboratively in a group. At schools and other organizations there is usually a team of people who work together to form a crisis prevention and intervention plan. Therefore, this assignment really gave me insight on how working in a group and creating a plan may be like.

Additionally, I did learn about a lot of resources that are in place for victims of human trafficking and I also gained knowledge on aspects that put a person more at risk of being trafficked. It is so valuable to know this kind of information. With this new knowledge, I feel that I am now responsible for sharing with others certain circumstances that might put one more at risk for being trafficked and to look out for others who might already be in these dangerous circumstances.

This assignment was such a great resource on exemplifying what is like to hear a client's circumstance and experiences and then look for resources and language to help that client. I feel like I got practice on talking to a client and understanding what type/form of crisis they are in, and how I can help. It was very great for my learning and understanding of responding to others struggles and situations. I felt like I was really talking to my client, "Rosa", and preparing ways and plans to help her.

It was also very helpful to organize the case on the different types of resources she was in need of. For instance, I didn't just try to help her emotionally but I also got clear insight on the client's physical, mental, and social needs. This a valuable skill to have that will definitely help clients in the future.

Healthery. (2018, October 12). Mental Health Statistics in America (US) (Statistics, Facts, and Data). YouTube. https://youtu.be/aCyd_3zqkhY

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 29). Suicide data and statistics. Suicide Prevention; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html

Reference

Mental Health America. (2020). Take a Mental Health Test. Mental Health America Screening 2 Supports. https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

In this resource, there are strategies on how to prevent suicide and some at-risk signs/behaviors.

Reference

Boston Children's Hospital. (2024). Suicide and Teens | Boston Children’s Hospital. Www.childrenshospital.org. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/suicide-and-teens

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Categories of Trauma.

Reference

Cohen, J. A., & Mannarino, A. P. (2011). Supporting children with traumatic grief: What educators need to know. School Psychology International, 32(2), 117–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034311400827

Reference

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). CDC: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

1. Attending Behavior

2. Questioning

3. Confronting

4. Focusing

5. Reflecting

Reference

Australian Institute of Professional Counselors. (2009). Five Counselling Microskills. AIPC Article Library. https://www.aipc.net.au/articles/five-counselling-microskills/

Right Choice Recovery. (2024, November 13). Trauma Therapy: Types, Techniques, Processes and Challenges. Right Choice Recovery. https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/addiction/therapy/trauma/

Vasiljević, F., Ryan, J., Pietri, M., & Lin, A. (2021). Crisis Intervention: Video, Causes, & Meaning | Osmosis. Osmosis. https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Crisis_Intervention

Skuse, T., & Matthew, J. (2018). Trauma recovery model. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/04/Trauma-recovery-model.pdf

CarePatron. (2025, January 16). Counseling Referral Form & Template | Free PDF Download. Www.carepatron.com. https://www.carepatron.com/templates/counseling-referral-form

Texas Secretary of State. (2024). Texas Administrative Code. State.tx.us. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac

Hughes, R. L. (2025). Cultural Competence in Counseling. Youtube; Innova Recovery. https://youtu.be/WvngSjvmFko?si=wlojcwtatxJALN8K

Sue, S., Zane, N., Nagayama Hall, G. C., & Berger, L. K. (2009). The case for cultural competency in psychotherapeutic interventions. Annual Review of Psychology, 60(1), 525–548. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163651

As a counselor, it is also important to be aware of what generational trauma your client could have possibly endured. Additionally, it is good to be aware of what cultural practices your client might practice. This will make you more aware of some behavior patterns and thought patterns. Ultimately, cultural competency is so important, especially in a future role of counseling others.

As a future counselor, I should make it my priority to make sure that I have an understanding and awareness of all cultures. I must be prepared to work with all people and be able to relate or at least understand them at certain levels. This will help me make them feel seen, comfortable, and ready to share.

800-866-2465

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at, 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Reference

NTBHA. (n.d.). Home. North Texas Behavioral Health Authority. https://ntbha.org/

Can also text "CONNECT" to 741741 anytime to reach trained, caring volunteers at the National Crisis Text Line.

Agency, T. E. (2020, December 14). Grief Informed & Trauma Informed Practices. Tea.texas.gov. https://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/other-services/mental-health/grief-informed-trauma-informed-practices

Australian Institute of Professional Counselors. (2009). Five Counselling Microskills. AIPC Article Library. https://www.aipc.net.au/articles/five-counselling-microskills/

Boston Children's Hospital. (2024). Suicide and Teens | Boston Children’s Hospital. Www.childrenshospital.org. https://www.childrenshospital.org/conditions/suicide-and-teens

CarePatron. (2025, January 16). Counseling Referral Form & Template | Free PDF Download. Www.carepatron.com. https://www.carepatron.com/templates/counseling-referral-form

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, October 29). Suicide data and statistics. Suicide Prevention; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html

Cohen, J. A., & Mannarino, A. P. (2011). Supporting children with traumatic grief: What educators need to know. School Psychology International, 32(2), 117–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143034311400827

Healthery. (2018, October 12). Mental Health Statistics in America (US) (Statistics, Facts, and Data). YouTube. https://youtu.be/aCyd_3zqkhY

Hughes, R. L. (2025). Cultural Competence in Counseling. Youtube; Innova Recovery. https://youtu.be/WvngSjvmFko?si=wlojcwtatxJALN8K

Mental Health America. (2020). Take a Mental Health Test. Mental Health America Screening 2 Supports. https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/

MHMR Tarrant. (2024). About Us – My Health My Resources of Tarrant County. Mhmrtarrant.org. https://mhmrtarrant.org/about-us/

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (n.d.). Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). CDC: Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

NTBHA. (n.d.). Home. North Texas Behavioral Health Authority. https://ntbha.org/

Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. (n.d.). Categories of Trauma .

Right Choice Recovery. (2024, November 13). Trauma Therapy: Types, Techniques, Processes and Challenges. Right Choice Recovery. https://rightchoicerecoverynj.com/addiction/therapy/trauma/

SafeHaven. (n.d.). SafeHaven of Tarrant County | Freedom From Domestic Violence. SafeHaven. https://www.safehaventc.org/

Skuse, T., & Matthew, J. (2018). Trauma recovery model. https://www.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmiprobation/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2022/04/Trauma-recovery-model.pdf

Sue, S., Zane, N., Nagayama Hall, G. C., & Berger, L. K. (2009). The case for cultural competency in psychotherapeutic interventions. Annual Review of Psychology, 60(1), 525–548. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.psych.60.110707.163651

Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas. (2014). Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas. Suicide & Crisis Center of North Texas. https://www.sccenter.org/

Tarrant County Texas. (2021). Emergency/Crisis Issues. Tarrant County TX. https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/domestic-relations-office/child-support/additional-resources/emergency-crisis-issues.html

Texas Secretary of State. (2024). Texas Administrative Code. State.tx.us. https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac

Trauma Support Services. About Us | Trauma Support Services of North Texas | United States. Mysite. https://www.traumasupportservices.org/

Vasiljević, F., Ryan, J., Pietri, M., & Lin, A. (2021). Crisis Intervention: Video, Causes, & Meaning | Osmosis. Osmosis. https://www.osmosis.org/learn/Crisis_Intervention