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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
Benchmark Counselor Impairment and Wellness
Khira McKenney
School of Behavior Science, Liberty University
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
Abstract
It is frequently stated that pouring from an empty cup is not possible. Yet oftentimes
times one does not realize that their cup is full until a breaking point is breached. This paper aims
to investigate the various elements of impairment, define impairment, and delve more deeply
into the causes of counselor impairment. The objective is to determine what to search for and
how impairment can impact the counseling profession. Impairment manifests itself in a variety of
phases. Throughout this paper, it is vital to examine a counselor's well-being, encompassing
mental, emotional, physical, occupational, and spiritual health strategies. Additionally, common
offenses, Texas State disciplinary policies, and impairment prevention will also be addressed.
Impaired functioning can be avoided by implementing impairment prevention strategies by a
counselor. To prevent impairments, counselors adopt the client's point of view and develop a
personal blind spot. Like a mirror, reflection serves to hone self-awareness and evaluate a self-
checklist. In addition, counselors can utilize self-assessments as valuable tools to determine the
impact of their wellness and self-care practices. In addition, it will illustrate and discuss in depth
a personal wellness strategy comprising objectives and lifestyle modifications. When a counselor
embraces emotional aspects or is triggered by words rather than seeking healthy methods to
balance all facets of oneself, this can frequently damage the counselor's perspective. No one
wants to cultivate an environment where impaired vision outweighs the entire session and inflicts
the same impairment on the client.
Keywords: counselor, impairment, wellbeing, prevention, wellness strategy, reflection
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
Introduction
This investigation begins with the journey of exploring the impairment of counselors.
Merriam-Webster (n.d.) defines impairment as “the act of impairing something or the state or
condition of being impaired: diminishment or loss of function or ability” (Impairment).
Throughout research and findings, this paper is crafted to examine the extent of impairment
through the lens of a counselor. Challenges and obstacles occur throughout time yet whether it
may be mental or psychological impairment a therapist will encounter within the field. Several
components can contribute to impairment which can include the following: stress, overload,
pressure of an environment, and more. Just because the profession is counseling does not mean
that these facts would not exist.
O’Sullivan and Bates (2014) point out that it is significantly important for all to monitor
and assess themselves because of the possibilities of potential personal characteristics that can
affect intervention outcomes (p. 45). Burnout is described as a vehicle that can be used to spill
into the personal lives of the professional and findings suggest that it can be one of the leading
factors in why impairment exists (O’Sullivan & Bates, 2014, p. 45). On occasion, counselors
encounter clients who have been through traumatic experiences and are exhibiting a delayed
recovery process. Experiencing suicidal, depressive, and highly aggressive clients can cause
counselors to experience tremendous emotional strain and fatigue. Counselors may also find
persistent customer inquiries and a sluggish recovery to be concerning.
For the same reason, counselors may experience trauma when a patient passes away
during treatment. Prolonged fatigue and untreated depressive episodes have the potential to
adversely affect an individual's life trajectory. The American Counseling Association's (ACA)
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
Code of Ethics (2014) promotes counselors to conduct routine self-evaluations for indications of
impairments. Impediments may become evident in an emotional, mental, or physical form (ACA,
2014, p 9). ACA (2014) dedicated a section to impairment which is C.2.g. Impairment where it
states the mandate to first get help when needed and reminds therapist make sure that all
individuals are monitoring or even withdrawing from their duties when professional impairment
is breached (ACA, 2014, pg. 9).
Definition of Impairment
The root word of impairment is impair which means to “diminish in function, ability or
quality” (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). When first examining this word the that thought came to mind
was distorted or even dysfunctional. Medical professions would describe impairment to denote
one’s incapacity to perform activities that one once excelled at. For instance take a bird as an
example, if this bird wing happens to be messed up it is then impaired and the bird with have
difficulty flying. This bird would have to take time to heal before trying to start back flying again
like the bird is used to flying and adjustments will have to be made until the bird recovers. This
same concept happens with impairment and what I am finding is that ACA (2014) points out that
impairment viewing the dangers of an impaired counselor (pg. 9). According to ACA’s Code of
Ethics it mandates counselors to monitor and self-regulate frequently in order to avoid
developing major issues with not seeking out assistance when necessary or consulting
colleagues.
According to ACA, counselors can be impaired due to multiple factors. For example,
when they experience personal crises, such as traumatic events. Traumatic events such as bodily
attacks or harm from patients can impair counselors' reasoning. Besides, they can experience
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
trauma from a plethora of other sources, for instance, domestic violence, violence, and physical
or sexual abuse (Herukka et al. 2017). ACA also noted that counselors' reasoning can also be
impaired by vicarious trauma. Vicarious trauma are emotional remnant due to exposure to
traumatic experiences or stories of other people. Extreme experiences of terror, pain, fear, and
horrifying stories can trigger trauma. Counselor impairments can also emerge from abuse of
substances, exposure to chemicals, and mental ailments.
Similarly, counselors can be affected financially, intellectually, emotionally, and
spiritually. When counselors are emotionally impaired it can manifest in how they present
themselves. For instance, it can hamper their mental, emotional, physical, occupational, and
spiritual wellness. It can impede their judgment of issues.D Lee & Neimeyer (2022) reason that
many impaired counselors are often withdrawn, full of anxiety, lonely, display unpredictable
moods, and apathy at work. Correspondingly, the ACA argues that impaired counselors can be
identified by their high stress levels. Impairments are often triggered by experiencing weighty
stressors.
According to Hartmann (2020), while supporting psychoanalysis theory, Sigmund noted
that historical experiences continue to shape human perceptions and understanding. For example,
childhood trauma can manifest in how children reason and interact with other people, even in
older years. The inability to treat historical experience can result in mental impairments.
Sigmund noted that mental challenges can be recognized using various analytic frameworks such
as dream analysis, free association, assessment of resistance, and transference assessments (Lee
& Neimeyer, 2022).D Impairments among counselors can manifest based on how they think, their
fantasies and dreams, personal inferences, and the conflict of the unconscious mind, which
change the person's character.
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
ACA cautions counselors regarding common misconceptions in society, which maintains
that because counselors are highly trained and educated, they cannot suffer mental and emotional
challenges. Society often contends that counselors are well-skilled and experienced in assisting
others to resolve mental challenges so they cannot suffer emotionally. ACA insists that
counselors are not immune. They are vulnerable and susceptible, similar to any other person.
Counselors should seek help from other experienced counselors to avoid mental impairments.
Implications of Impairment
Counselor's impairment can hamper their occupation and service delivery. Counselor's
impairment can be detected from the incompetent judgments by the stakeholders. ACA relates
several counseling complaints to cases of counselor's impairments. Such complaints can result in
ethical misconduct and violations of counseling codes (Ohrt et al., 2015).D The counseling
occupation is regulated by state and country laws, which practitioners are expected to adhere to.
Impairments can hamper their judgment and ability to conform to the existing laws and
regulations. For example, counselors are expected to respect clients' autonomy by allowing their
free will. They should not try to manipulate or determine the decision of the clients. An impaired
counselor may try to force clients into some processes. However, the principle insists that
counselors should not force clients to undertake something they are unwilling to do.
The beneficence requirement expects the counselors to safeguard the well-being of
clients.D The non-maleficence requirement expects counselors not to harm clients and work in
their best interests. For example, an impaired counselor can sometimes proceed with a particular
treatment even when it is harmful. However, the malfeasance principle insists that a counselor
can look for an alternative treatment approach when one fails. The counselors are also expected
to observe fidelity by respecting their competencies and training to deliver the optimal level of
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services. Besides, they are expected to be Just in their practice. For instance, they should not
discriminate based on race, gender, or even financial status. Lastly, the counselors are expected
to observe veracity by always saying the truth.
The most common ethical violation of counselors in Texas State (my state) discipline
policies is breach of confidentiality. Clients have reported several counselors for revealing their
personal information. Counselors were also accused of engaging in dual relationships, Sexual
relations with clients, Unethical billing processes, and client abandonment.
Impairment Prevention
To avoid impairment, Lawson & Venart (2016) argue that counselors should display
similar dedication to self-awareness, personal care, and balance for their lives in the same way
they treat their clients. ACA argues that counselors should learn wellness Monitoring and
Renewal skills to help them avert impairment in the course of their work. Wardle & Mayorga
(2016) observe that two self-assessment instrument methods have been developed to help
counselors improve wellness.D The first method is the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOLIII)
evaluation, which assesses levels of compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction, and multiple
parameters. The second method is Self-Care Assessment, which pushes for physical,
psychological, professional, and spiritual wellness. Herukka et al. (2017) argue that many
counselors do not practice wellness teachings. They do not apply their teachings in real life.
They should practice the good teachings in their real life. Therefore, Wardle & Mayorga (2016)
assert that counselors should undertake cognitive restructuring, which entails tracking the
negative cognitions that affect their self-care. Any selected healthcare program should adopt a
holistic model in preserving personal well-being.
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
Carrola et al. (2016) encourage trauma counselors and therapists to promote wellness by
discussing their challenges with colleagues. They should attend workshops and always spend
their time with family or friends. Such people can encourage them to handle trauma-related
challenges. Affected counselors should be encouraged to go on vacations, hobbies, and even
movies. Such events help them to relax from stressful situations. They should talk with
colleagues, socialize, exercise, reduce caseloads, and seek spiritual nourishment. They need to
receive regular supervision.
Wellness Plan and Reflection
An assessment of my risks was conducted, and a personal wellness plan was developed.
Areas of my life in need of more or less attention
The life balance assessment indicates that I should prioritize the enhancement of my
financial capacity. My financial outlays frequently exceed my requirements. I have greater
expenditures than income. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am unable to accept
accountability for my financial decisions. With proper planning, I can operate and launch a
business, despite this. I have taken the liberty of budgeting and developing better plans to end
debt faster. Throughout this process I have learned to only focus on what I can control and not to
allow myself to feel defeated because God has truly kept me every step of the way. Learning
how to stay home has helped too and cleaning also is a way to simply give more attention to
decluttering my life in a sense.
Changes needed to improve wellness
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
I understand there are several areas that I am stretching even now. As for improvements I
feel that it is necessary to take care of my wellbeing and the first thing that I am currently
working towards is getting back on a routine schedule in the gym. I went from going to the gym
faithfully at 5:00 am daily and only taking off on Sundays. I often wondered if I pour more into
myself it will cause for me to reduce stress and stressors. Additionally, financially I have been in
a tight spot just trying to make ends meet and it has been hard on my wellbeing because I am
worried about bills, gas to put into my car and even food. Typically, I have worked two jobs but
due to the long hours of being a teacher at what is labeled as one of worst schools in Dallas ISD
has drained me of my nights. By the time that I get home I am not left with the energy to do
anything else but rest. I had to end my parttime of which I am used to additional income coming
in and living from paycheck to paycheck has been an adjustment for me this season. In this
season that I am in I am learning what it means to steward this season well in all that I do and all
I want to do is continue to honor God. At first, I was not praying as much as I used to because of
various reasons, not having the language, falling asleep, or just not doing so but I made up in my
mind that I cannot get to wellness without taking God with me.
Plan to implement changes
Although my scores are satisfactory in certain areas, such as spirituality, I still have room
for improvement by an entire percent. My objective is to achieve a state of stress-free living. To
achieve my objective, I must employ my time, energy, and money in crucial ways. I must
consume a nutritional and well-balanced diet to enhance my health and physical condition. I
shall establish and adhere to a consistent exercise regimen a minimum of four times per week.
By doing so, I will proactively maintain my physical well-being and enhance my immune
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
system. I will also maintain an adherence to annual and specific check-ups as prescribed by
medical professionals. I hereby affirm my abstention from all forms of harmful substance and
drug use, including the consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and non-prescription medications. I will
endeavor to live within my financial means and accept full responsibility for my financial
choices. I will ensure that my saving and purchasing habits are consistent with my values and
beliefs. I will commence saving for the future and managing my credit in a positive manner.
By virtue of a higher income, I will be able to make timely bill payments and establish a
savings account. I will make acquaintances who are financially savvy and with whom I can share
improved methods of managing one's finances. Regarding the intellectual aspect, I intend to
further acquire new abilities. In addition, I will encourage the development of positive thoughts
while diminishing my own negativity and cynicism. I shall set aside time for self-improvement
and professional development, while also ensuring that my work is stimulating, gratifying, and
consistent with my personal values. I will engage in activities and interests that stimulate the
mind. In light of my life balance, I do not experience significant challenges in the domains of
emotions, society, or spirituality. Nevertheless, I intend to enhance them. I will develop a greater
sense of personal agency and be more receptive to change. Frequently, resistance to change
induces tension. Certain adjustments are unattainable.
Conclusion
D In conclusion the study, counselors may experience mental, emotional, physical,
occupational, and spiritual impairments. According to the study, multiple factors associated
with finances, intellect, emotions, and spirituality can contribute to impairments. The survey
defines impairment as the complete or partial loss of the ability to perform a task. As a
consequence of the demands of their profession, counselors may experience impairments that
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
impede the execution of their duties. The study observed that traumatic incidents impact how
counselors provide their services. The report highlights that the most prevalent transgressions
in Texas State's disciplinary policies and impairment prevention include client abandonment,
unethical invoicing practices, breach of confidentiality, and sexual relations with clients.
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Counselor Impairment & Wellness
References
Brown-Rice, K. (2012). Examining counselor educators’ use of impairment in gatekeeping
terminology.DIdeas and research you can use: VISTAS 2012,D1.
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Impair. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved February 29,
2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impair
Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Impairment. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved February
25, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impairment
O’Sullivan, D., & Bates, J. K. (2014). The relationship among personal and work experiences:
Implications for rehabilitation counselor well-being and service provision.DRehabilitation
Research, Policy, and Education,D28(1), 45-60.
