Professional Identity Of Mental Counselor

paid Identity Of kind counselor-at-lawI go away develop my professingal personal identity as a genial counsellor in many shipway that wholeow benefit the psychogenic wellness barter and myself. To aid me in this endeavor, I go away look to guidance from the Ameri bed Counseling Associations (ACA) law of moral philosophy for mental health counselors and run short diligently to apply their five respectable article of beliefs. These five tenets ar Beneficence, Nonmaleficence, Autonomy, Justice, and Fidelity (Ameri nooky Counseling Association, Code of moral philosophy, 2005). To apply these principles it pull up stakes be prerequisite to not sole(prenominal) play the role of a upliftedly credentialed counselor, still also meet as an educator, researcher, assist, and example to others. Below, I go away briefly describe all(prenominal) ethical principle, and follow with an in-depth commentary of how they volition be applied with each role, and how each pertains to the festering of my skipper identity.Beneficence means to do good and to take measures to foil vilify whenever possible. (ACA, Code of Ethics, 2005). I for determine apply the principle of unselfishness by promoting the welfare of the customer at all eons. I allow for purposely act for the benefit of the customer. I will advocate for my knobs behalf and be their best hobbys at heart.NonmaleficenceThe principle of nonmaleficence means do no harm. This principle maintains the idea of not inflicting intentional harm, or engaging in actions that guess harming others (ACA, Code of Ethics, 2005). I will apply this principle by avoiding harming others, and sooner will work to promote their well creation. I will work to eliminate threats and remove any elements that would result in harm to my clients. I intend to develop give-and-take throws that will help and improve their situation. great consideration will be given on weighing the risks and benefits of trea tment plans. Additionally, I will never encourage my clients to take action that would harm others.AutonomyThe principle of autonomy describes the freedom to make ones bear choices and decisions (ACA, Code of Ethics, 2005). As a counselor, I will appropriately encourage my clients to act upon their own beliefs and set, and choose what they take to be the best course of action. However, darn it is important to promote the clients independence, I must also protect them from the authorization harm of their decisions and actions. I will explain to the client the nature of being autonomous while at the same time provide argumentation as to how their decisions may negatively affect their lives and the lives of others. However, in some instances where the client is underage or not of sound mind, it will be necessary for me to intervene, especially if their decisions are irrational and may harm others.JusticeThe principle of justice simply means tr consume others fairly and equally (AC A, Code of Ethics, 2005). I will apply the principle of justice by respecting each and each clients rights. I will line of battle appreciation for my clients and hold them in high regard. I will maintain awareness and strive to provide each and every individual with equal access to quality dishs, and in no circumstance discriminate or exploit my clients.FidelityThe principle of faithfulness involves the concept of maintaining loyalty and an honoring of commitments (ACA, Code of Ethics, 2005. In my steering send, a client-centered get along will be used to develop a rely and therapeutic relationship with my clients. Setting aside my personal concerns and needs, I will practice fidelity by actively listening and giving my clients my united attention. I will honor them by showing un civilizeal unconditional regard and acceptance. I will honor all commitments that I allow made and will avoid leaving any obligation unfulfilled. documentationMy plan of action first begins with b uilding my credibility and continued pursuit of obtaining my charge credentials. I will take advantage of every encyclopaedism prospect and obtain my masters detail counseling statement through an accredited counseling program. Shortly thereafter, I will apply for licensure to hold up a mental health counselor through the Utahs Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. In order to obtain licensure, I will pass the following examinations (a) the Utah Professional Counselor Law, Rules and Ethics Examination(b) The national Counseling Examination of the National Board for assured Counselors (NCE) and (c) The National Clinical psychic Health Counseling Examination of the National Board of Certified Counselors. Once licensed, I will then be identifiable to the general public as a jobal person counselor who possesses the knowledge and skills set forth by governing boards and the counseling profession (The Utah Department of Occupational Licensing, 2010).EducatorAs a certify Professional Counselor, I will continue to strengthen my professional identity by carrying a sense of professional pride and openly acknowledging to others that I am a counselor. Seeking bulge and seizing every opportunity to educate others, I will be steadfast in correcting misidentifications of my profession by friends, family, clients, and the public. I will make a clear attribute between the counseling profession and other service professions. Being a visible presence within the community, I will work in various settings and all populations. I will educate others on the roles and functions of a licensed professional counselor, as well as explain what it takes to belong one.Example to OthersI will carry a sense of sociable responsibility, act with integrity, and practice good ethics professionally and personally. To increase my forcefulness as I mental counselor, I will seek come on personal growth and better, and model a autocratic productive mien to others. I will work to manage my stress and prevent burnout by maintaining a balance between work and play. I will channelize and resolve personal conflicts and will continually assess my own level of personal wellness, the areas in which I need to grow, and my professional goals.I will work also to ensure that each client I pay heed has a arbitrary experience with mental health counseling. I will put aside my own needs, and act only in ways that will benefit the client. I will strive to understand, accept, and acknowledge my own limitations, and seek out help when needed. I will show empathy for my clients and pass on a genuine concern for their well-being.Research and PracticeTo further encourage my professional identity, it is of great importance for me to create a visible and positive image of mental health counseling and its professionals. Accomplishing this will require a demonstration of ethical competence and credibility. I will use an evidence-based approach within my counse ling practice to give me a higher degree of ethical competence and credibility (Sexton Whiston, 1997). I will work to approach my profession by contributing new knowledge to society at large and the mental health profession. In practice, I will conduct research and investigate the cause-and-effects of behavior in a scientific manner. I will share results of this research with other counselors, so that the mental health-counseling practice can be informed at a larger scale. I will evaluate whether or not treatment approaches are running(a) and will strive to always find a better approach.I will stay abreast on the neuters within the mental health profession, but will be cautious, and critically minded when new training is presentedAdvocacyAdvocacy will be an intricate part to the teaching of my professional identity.As declared in my discussion postingMy solid ground for choosing to be in the helping profession of mental health counseling is tobe a facilitator of positive chan ge in others. On a grander scheme, my wish is to createmore positive social change within my own profession in the hopes that the mentalhealth profession will positively impact society at large. As a mental counselor, I will instigate this vision by advocating for my clients, my profession, and myself. Toaccomplish this objective, I will need to observe, listen, and recognize social barriersthat cause distress. To reduce overmuch(prenominal) barriers, I will need to become actively involved, bedisposed(p) to speak up for others, challenge rules and regulations, and be open to scrutiny.I will need to be tenacious, patient, persistent, creative in problem solving and confirm theability to persevere when setbacks happen. Additionally, I will need to be middlingaltruistic, and giving of my time and services for little or no remuneration (Smith, 2010, February 16, COUN 6100-3 Discussion section).I recognize and acknowledge that taking such a role will challenge my level of comfort. I am tack and willing to use every resource that I possess and whole tone forward to collaborating with other mental health professionals to promote positive change.Professional AffiliationsWith a collaborative spirit, I seek to work with such organizations that advocate for causes that affect the mental health profession in a positive way. I am planning to join both the American Mental Health Counseling Association (AMHCA) and the American Counseling Association (ACA). Their goals and kick lease a lot in common with my professional value. bid myself, their guardianship is to enhance the health counseling profession through advocacy, professional development and education. They also seek to improve the standards of professional counseling, and distribute info that would further human development and the profession of counseling (AMHCA, 1995, ACA, 2005). Additionally, both professional associations are compatible with my professional values since they do not support the mistre atment of clients but seek to promote their welfare and provide the best service possible. Both organizations offer many services that will promote my values of growth and development, by providing opportunities for professional development, leadership training, advocacy services, continuing education classes, and access to publications (AMHCA, 1995, ACA, 2005).Another association that I plan to be assort to is the Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC). The ALGBTIC is a division of the American Counseling Association. The ALGBTIC allows any individual that has interest in LGBT issues to apply for membership. Its mission is to promote greater awareness and understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues Their goals are to educate counselors on the unique needs of client identity development (ALGBTIC, 2009). They furthermore seek to strengthen counselors professional skills relating to sexual minorities. The mission and goals of ALGBTIC are compatible with my values because they seek create positive social change within society. They are working to remove the social barriers of prejudices and biases, and additionally are promoting non-discrimination and cultural competence within the counselor.Social ChangesIn the interest of removing social barriers that can greatly inhibit the provision of quality counseling services, I am elicit in joining ACA and AMHCA in their advocacy for insurance reform. I will begin working within these professional associations to influence policymaking and legislation of health financial aid policies.I will also continue to educate myself on the ethical and legal standards of mental health counselors, and work to prevent the occurrence of professional issues. I will research some of the common professional issues (informed consent, confidentiality, client autonomy, compromised client care) that have arisen as a result of managed health care and third party reimbursemen ts, and work to develop a contingency plan as to how best approach such issues.As stated in my discussion postingAdditionally, I intend to focus on advocating for client needs, specifically those inpoverty. I would like to focus on helping these individuals get the help they need. Firstby, educating these individuals about the benefits of mental counseling, secondly, by get more expendable or free counseling services provided to those who cannot affordit, and lastly to work to increase visibility to these individuals that such resources exist.To carry out such objectives, I will fundraise for treatment centers and work to getgovernment funding as well. I will need to cave in my time and resources for gatheringdata that supports my agenda. I will collaborate and internet with other professionalsand community organizations in the hopes of raising funds and influencingpolicymakers. I will need to educate policy makers and the public about the mentalhealth profession. Being a member of counseling organizations such as the AmericanCounseling Association (ACA) will support my advocacy process. ACA provides itsmembers with information as to whats going in all levels of government. They canfurnish me with the names of the severalize persons that can push my agenda (Smith, 2010, February 16 COUN 6100-3 Discussion section).In the interest of removing social barriers that can greatly inhibit the provision of quality of life, I would like to also focus my efforts on reducing corpulency in America.As stated in my discussion postingI believe the addiction to food can be just as severe as an addiction to drugs or alcohol.As we all know, the problem of obesity and w eighter related illnesses and diseasecontinue to grow. Many programs seem to comprehend the mere symptoms of beingoverweight by changing diet and incorporating exercise, but fail to address ourrelationship with food. Healthy eating and exercise is only part of the battle. I truly feelthat the only approach to healing any problem is an honest examination of its symptomsand roots, which is why I am interested in advocating for my public awareness of theeffects of emotional eating and how it should be treated (Smith, 2009, September 10, COUN 6000 Discussion Section).AttitudesThe professional I interviewed in the mental counseling field is arenaceous, a Licensed Professional Counselor for a very busy local counseling center. blond has been a licensed and practicing counselor for ten years. On an average work mean solar day, she services eight to nine private clients. Sandy describes her workplace as fast paced and instead stressful at times. Sandys work schedule varies in time of day to accommodate the needs of clients. She works with individuals, couples, and groups. Sandy also works with a variety of populations with many different problems. However, Sandy specializes in working with individuals who have post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorders. She a lso spends a great deal of time working with individuals who have drug, alcohol, and domestic abuse problems. Sandys work schedule varies in time of day to accommodate the needs of clients. She has group therapies on 4 evenings a week, consisting of seven to ten clients to a group.Sandy disclosed that it can be frustrating when clients cancel or do not show up for their appointments, and that she only receives salary for the counseling services she provides. However, this did seem to be of great concern for her. For instance, she mentioned the need for counselors to be altruistic and explicitly stated that providing therapy for Medicaid patients is not about making money, and that not much financial compensation is provided. On a side note, I was very surprised to settle that Sandy is not a member of any professional counseling organizations.Sandy demonstrated a very positive office towards the mental health counseling profession, and a great sense of fulfillment in what she doe s. Her perspective and attitude towards mental health counseling was refreshing and inspiring. Sandy has an altruistic nature and is quite giving of her time. While discussing her feelings about the profession, she exhibited much passion, and little frustration.The attitudes that Sandy and I carry towards the mental health profession are quite compatible. We both strive for positive social change and to bring out the best in others. Like myself, Sandy encompasses a philosophy of prevention and personal growth. We both share the belief that individuals can solve their problems. I have always believed that I can telephone my way out of anything, and to utilize every resource available to me. Sandy and I both tend to look at people and their situations in a holistic manner. Sandy conveyed a belief that a persons condition is temporary. I feel the same way I believe we all go through season of productiveness and progression, as well as dysfunction and regression.The common thread that I see between my attitude and Sandys is that a career in counseling is more than just providing a financial income, it is a profession that nurtures our sense of purpose and valued data link to others.I like that the profession of counseling allows me the freedom to use a combined approach of science and personal experience. What also appeals to me is that the mental health profession considers the psycho, social, and biological factors of a persons situation. I would rather focus on mental wellness rather than a narrow focus on mental illness, this is the main idea or attitude that I curb towards the mental health counseling profession.