Capstone in Mental Health & Wellness Counseling - Comprehensive Program Review & Reflection by

Capstone in Mental Health & Wellness Counseling: Professional Ethics & Dispositions

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:33:47 UTC

To fulfill a requirement of the Mental Health & Wellness Capstone, I designed a professional presentation to discuss four key dispositions outlined in the Orientation guidelines, demonstrating their relevance to my program’s student learning outcomes. The objective was to define each disposition, connect them to ethical standards, and analyze their role in shaping professionalism within my field.

Human Growth & Development: Cultural Interviews Assignment

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:39:31 UTC

For the Cross-Cultural Interview Assignment, I interviewed two of my past college roommates, Sarah Chung and Aniya Jackson, who come from distinct cultural backgrounds. Sarah is Korean-American, and Aniya is Black, while I am White. The assignment's objective was to explore the differences and similarities in cultural experiences and how they shape identity, perception, and interactions with others. By comparing their unique perspectives with mine, I aimed to deepen my understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and examine how cultural identity influences one's worldview.

Social & Cultural Influences: Cultural Immersion Experience

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:44:17 UTC

For the Cultural Immersion Experience, I had the opportunity to participate in the preparation of a traditional Czech dessert called "Kotrice," a family recipe passed down through my partner’s generations. The assignment’s objective was to engage directly with another culture by experiencing and learning about a cultural tradition, allowing me to immerse myself in the practices that shape a specific cultural identity.

Professional Orientation: The Mirror, Microscope, and Binoculars

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:48:20 UTC

This artifact involves an introspective assignment in which I assess my personal and professional growth since the beginning of the Professional Orientation course. The assignment required me to reflect on my initial understanding of my professional identity and compare it with the knowledge and skills I have developed throughout the course. The application of the knowledge gained from this course helped me understand the importance of practicing with integrity, adhering to ethical guidelines, and being self-aware in a professional setting.

Research: Research Evaluation

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:49:20 UTC

This artifact involved analyzing three case studies that examine the effectiveness of school counseling practices through different research methods: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. I reviewed each study to evaluate how the research design influenced the outcomes and insights regarding best practices in school counseling. The assignment required me to compare the strengths and limitations of each research method in assessing the effectiveness of counseling interventions and their impact on student well-being.

Introduction to School and Community Counseling: Gaps, Critical Issues, and Partnerships Report

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:53:02 UTC

In this assignment, I was tasked with creating a "Gaps, Critical Issues, and Partnerships Report" for the city of Fort Worth. The primary objectives were to identify and analyze significant gaps in services, highlight critical issues impacting the community, and recommend potential partnerships to address these challenges. Specifically, the issues I focused on included the lack of mental health resources, the city's carbon footprint, and the need for greater inclusivity of the LGBTQ +community.

Theories of Counseling: Three Approaches to Psychotherapy Assignment

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:57:13 UTC

In trying to analyze different psychotherapy techniques, I was tasked with analyzing three videos featuring a patient named Gloria, each demonstrating a different psychotherapy approach. The primary objectives were to explore and compare three distinct methods of psychotherapy: Client-centered Therapy, Gestalt Approach, and Rational Emotive Therapy. I was required to observe how Gloria responded to each approach and determine which method she found most effective in a therapeutic context. This assignment helped me gain a deeper understanding of different therapeutic modalities and how they can be applied to meet the unique needs of patients.

Individual Counseling: Video Appraisal and Reflection

rcolman — 2024-12-08 15:58:24 UTC

This artifact involves a video appraisal and reflection assignment focused on analyzing the person-centered therapy approach. The assignment required me to watch a recorded counseling session utilizing PCT techniques and critically assess the application of key principles such as empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence in the therapeutic process. After viewing the session, I reflected on how these elements were used to foster a therapeutic alliance and promote client growth. I found the technique to be one that I would utilize in the future.

Group Counseling: Self Reflection

rcolman — 2024-12-08 16:10:07 UTC

This artifact involved a self-reflection assignment in which I analyzed my own past traumas and identified areas where my personal experiences would strengthen or challenge my effectiveness as a counselor. The assignment required deep introspection as I explored how my own emotional history could influence my approach to different client issues. I evaluated which topics I could approach with empathy and understanding due to my own experiences and where I might struggle to provide objective and effective support.

Introduction to Crisis, Trauma, and Mental Health Concerns: Psychological First Aid

rcolman — 2024-12-08 16:13:13 UTC

To complete a Psychological First Aid certification (PFA), I was tasked with exploring the concepts of crisis, trauma, and mental health concerns. The primary objectives of this activity were to understand the key principles of PFA, learn how to identify mental health needs in individuals experiencing a crisis, and understand the foundational steps involved in offering initial support during traumatic events.

Capstone in Mental Health and Wellness Counseling: Program Reflection

rcolman — 2024-12-08 23:04:00 UTC

This reflection essay explores my experiences and learning throughout the Mental Health and Wellness Counseling graduate program at Angelo State University, focusing on how the knowledge, skills, and abilities I have acquired will be applied to my professional role in the mental health field. Throughout the program, I gained a deep understanding of various counseling theories, techniques, and ethical practices essential to providing effective mental health services. I also learned to assess client needs, develop treatment plans, and implement evidence-based interventions that promote wellness.