Reflection Paper For Mental Health Counseling

Growing up as a child, many children would watch cartoons and play video games, but I took an odd liking into watching videos about different mental illness. For the longest, I have been fascinated with the human mind; trying to figure out how it works. Entering into my adulthood, I became an individual who was an open vessel for people to dump their problems into. I get gratification out of being able to help people with their problems and see them with a smile on their face. Being a counselor's is not just making someone's day or listening to their problems, but it is also about spreading mental health awareness to other individuals. I selected the Mental Health Counseling program because one day I seek to become a Mental Health Counselor. Having a Mental Health Counseling degree, will

This reflective essay will try and develop an understanding of the experiences and theory that has been applied to a counselling roleplay and applied content over the duration of the module. Furthermore, identifying what has been covered and what has not been covered in the roleplay, its strengths, weaknesses, what needs developing and how it can help as counsellors within the field. The first topic will reflect on the skills and attributes that have been applied to the roleplay and how it has been beneficial. The second topic will be a critical analysis on the roleplay conducted during counselling focusing on what techniques have not been covered, what skills and attributes were not demonstrated in the roleplay. Then identifying how

In today’s society, many individuals lack knowledge of self- worth. An exceeding amount of today’s individuals struggles with mental health more than any other generation. As a graduate student I realize my knowledge and passion in mental health counseling could mean the difference between life and death. Therefore, when I become a counselor I need to set aside my own biases and insecurities. In this paper my goal is to discuss my personal insight on the mental health counseling profession. As well as why I would be an effective counselor and my reasoning for choosing mental health counseling as a career.

I like where you want to go in this field. I am interested to hear your idea of how to implement the skills of mental health counseling to entire populations. As professionals, we can engage the community leaders, teachers, social workers, religious leaders, starting programs and support systems, but how do we move the community as a whole to become engaged? There is power in numbers; it is unifying the people within these multicultural and marginalized groups giving them a voice, educating them that they do have a voice and it counts could be a beginning.

Many teenagers and even adults experience mental health related issues. However, that's where mental health counselors step in. Mental health counselors help their clients by providing a listening ear and maybe even some words of advice, if needed. Some responsibilities a mental health counselor might have are, interviewing clients, listening to clients speak freely, providing advice and encourage clients to deal with their emotions. I personally choose to research this career because, mental health is something people often ignore or joke about, and I believe that if I were a mental health counselor I could hopefully not let the people inflicted by mental health disorders feel as if what they're exploring is a joke or not real.

It does not matter who you are, what your gender is, or race you are at some point help is needed. It’s just a part of life. I am no different. I needed help and I got it. I am not sure where I would be without all of the support I received. With all of the support I have received, the help from an effective helper was a lot more useful than help from just anyone.

As for my personal learning experience within my first semester graduate course I believe I have not only gained a sustainable amount of information, but also a better understanding in the field of mental health counseling. In particular, from my first semester I believe my fundamentals course not only gave me a new insight within the field but also a hands on experience by encouraging and embarking me into the counseling process. In fact, before entering Kutztown University Fundamental’s graduate course with Dr. Arena I had very little experience and skills within the subject of counseling. Prior to the course I only had one undergraduate course, which looked at an introduction level to clinical psychology, and a summer job, which entitled me as a unit counselor for a Girl Scout day camp. During these two experiences I was able to gain a brief understanding of the certain

The counseling profession focuses a great deal on the whole person. Counselors take on a holistic approach and work to help people not just stop symptoms they are facing (as in many cases this is not the focus), but to help them to a healthy and productive life. Counseling is a cooperative approach and counselors are not in the profession to give the clients answers, but to help them find the answers that are best for their own situation. Counseling is similar and different from psychology and social work. Psychologists, in most states are required to receive a doctorate. Although many of the classes are similar for counselors, counselors are required to receive a master’s degree. Also, psychologists get a great deal of training in inpatient

If my friend or family member is having problems, I would suggest them to see a counseling psychologist. The reason I say this is because getting help from a professional is better equipped to helping them than anyone else. A counseling psychologist are psychologist’s that help people through challenges and crisis and could help them come up with a solution to help fix their problems.

Overall, this class affirmed what has been learned thus far in almost five years of Psychology. Granted, this was the foundation of the field of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, however, almost every section recapped a knowledge that might not have been as secure mentally as it is presently. It allowed for review, maintenance, and even a more in-depth take on all subjects related to our field, yet, did it in a concise and compact fashion. The knowledge gained was greatly appreciated as this class and the subjects gave me a confidence that I really might know what I am doing.

As counselors approach their careers, it is important to make observations of local schools with counseling opportunities. Observations help give a better understanding of the school culture and demographics associated within that school. School Data has long been a method used to obtain school specifics as well as the ability to compare and improve in areas needed. Schools all over represent different demographics therefore making the statistic sway one way to another. One school in particular that I was able to observe and get a feel for its culture was Columbia Elementary School. Columbia Elementary School has one counselor shared between Mountain View Middle School. The counselor at Columbia is in charge of kindergarten through fourth grade students. Throughout my observation, I was able to see a multiple amount of counseling techniques. These counseling techniques addressed multiple levels of behavioral issues among students. In my efforts to gain as much information as possible I was also able to observe the counselor’s efforts in collaborating with school faculty, parents, as well as students.

To begin with, I attended a counseling meeting that is held every Thursday at Los Angeles Pierce College. There was a total of 40 counselors which included adjunct and full-time counselors. The meeting was led by Transfer Center Director, Sunday Salter and two full-time counselors. The meeting was held to inform counselors of the news updates of Cal State Apply and People-soft errors. Everyone was told to freely ask questions if any of the topics were misunderstood, and if they had other information regarding these topics to please share it.

Angie was referred to me by her pastor as he sought competent Christian counseling for her. I met with Angie and gathered background and history information gathered by the Personal Questionnaire and administered the A.P.S. report. It seemed clear during this session that Angie was a perfectionist and set high standards for herself and for her family. She keeps an orderly home with everything in its place. She stated she came to counseling to help her better understand and to help her learn to control her anger which she said has gotten worse during the past year not better. Her husband Tim recently told her that she is stressing out over little things and he worries when big things come how she will handle them. Tim is out of the county on business and encouraged her to come to counseling. From the information I gathered from Angie, Tim temperament leans toward M-S-M which would help me better understand their relationship. I explained to Angie that we would review the A.P.S. report next week and I gave her a list Scripture verses to help her start dealing with her anger issues. I closed our meeting in prayer.

I administered the A.P.S. and did a data inventory. She was quite interested but skeptical of what information would come from the profile. Rebecca is in a local seminary studying Christian counseling. We have had many opportunities to compare the training we are receiving. I have been honored to proofread and advise her on papers. She is extremely proficient in the writing and research process, and she has helped me grow in that process.

Coming into this course, I never expected to have an hands on experience of actively practicing counseling skills in class. I thought this class was just about learning different mechanisms used in counseling to become a great counselor. However, the hands-on experience with a peer, helped me remember the skills learned in class. I liked the setup of how the class allowed us to learn the tools of counseling and then apply them right after.