Professional Disposition

1 Professional Disposition Reflection Ontario Ervin Department of Counseling: Lamar University CNDV 5304: Foundations of Counseling Dr. Mary Hestand November 5, 2022

2 Professional Disposition Reflection Though this is an introductory course, it forced me to think as a mental health counselor. This course taught me concepts I never knew and made me think of situations where they should be used. It gave me new ideas and more insight and information about ideas I thought I knew. The Learning Process The resource that impacted me the most was the discussion boards. Since this course was online, there were few interactions with other students. I graduated from undergrad four years ago, so I had some anxiety about returning to school and balancing work or being unable to keep up. In undergrad, I kept good grades and remained on the honor roll, but now that my job is more taxing and the schoolwork is more complicated, I thought I couldn’t maintain it. Our discussion post put me at ease because it made me feel as if I wasn’t alone. We are all working and going to school; some even have children and a family to maintain. One of our early assignments, where he had to find out how many supervised hours we would need and about testing, had the most significant impact on me. I knew I had to earn supervised hours, but I thought I would get them while in school, and I was unaware of the exact amount. This made me feel like I was unprepared for this program because that was important information for this career. However, after admitting that I wasn’t aware of this in my discussion post and everyone admitting they didn’t know, it made me realize that we are all in the same boat. This allowed me to be more honest and open when completing my assignments. I learned that it’s ok not to know everything and that the purpose of my classes is to learn. Professional Identity

4 Professional Ethical Codes All ethical codes relate to my personal mission and professional identity since they keep the foundation of mental health counseling intact. All professionals must follow the codes because they keep our profession ethical and hold the professionals accountable. The two principles that stick out to me the most are acting ethically & responsibly and protecting client confidentially and privacy. These codes stick out to me the most because they have the grayest area to me. The other principles are simple to upkeep because they are static. But acting ethically & responsibly and protecting client confidentially and privacy can change depending on the situation or information given.

5 SMART Goal S (specific) - I want to become better at asking questions. M (measurable) - I can measure this by how much I’m talking compared to the client. A (achievable) - This goal will be achievable by paying attention to how the session is going and keeping my goal in mind. R (realistic) - This goal will be realistic if I practice and actively listen to the client. T (time) - This isn’t a goal that can have a set date; however, I expect to notice a difference in myself within three months of practice. Reflection Disposition Rubric for Assignment Completed by Student Disposition Traits/Characteristics 1 = not demonstrated 2 = slightly demonstrated 3 = soundly demonstrated 1 2 3 1a. Open-minded, thoughtful, flexible, innovative, and reflective in practices and writing X 1b. Uses various perspectives in decision-making and/or portraying an idea X 1c. Is creative for identifying problems and solutions X 1d. Uses evidence-based practices for building new ideas /applying an idea in a new way X 2a. Uses clarity and precision in an extensive vocabulary X 2b. Invokes attention and understanding of the subject through rich descriptions, a variety of verbs, linking words/phrases from one argument to another, examples, humor, metaphors, etc. X 2b. Understands how to write/speak for various audiences (technical; stakeholders; others) X 2c. Maintains focus using logical sequences of argument X 2d. Utilizes reflective practices for deeper meaning in communications/writing X 3a. Demonstrates appreciation for multiple perspectives and collaboration of various points of view X 3b. Identifies ways to integrate diversity into original idea/frameworks X 3c. Communicates ways in which personal beliefs, experiences, and worldview are balanced with the topic, work for the immediate community, and professional development X 3d. Is comfortable using multiple resources to expand perspective X 4a. Identifies specific and unique attributes to communicate about the field X 4b. Uses strength-based language/rational for articulating work in the field X 4c. Is comfortable with major tenets of advocacy such as respect, mediation, collaboration, etc. X 4d. Recognizes opportunities to improve/promote the field X 5a. Demonstrates technology literacy and application X 5b. Utilizes and promotes new and relevant technologies to enhance work practices X 5c. Creates deeper meaning context using technology applications X 5d. Integrates technology in assessment practices X 6a. Is authentic, honest, and congruent as a way of being X 6b. Demonstrates motivation for the subject matter and/or positioning of the subject matter X