Throughout this course, I have gained deeper knowledge and understanding of the counselor’s
professional responsibilities related to assessment, diagnosis, case conceptualization, and
treatment planning. In particular, our class textbook, Case Conceptualization: Mastering This
Competency with Ease and Confidence by Sperry & Sperry (2023), and feedback on my written
assignments have supported me in reflecting on how my educational experiences connect to
ethical practice outlined by the American Counseling Association (ACA) (2014) and America
Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) (2014) Code of Ethics.
One of the most significant strengths I’ve observed in myself during this course was in the
development of my interview skills. In the CIR video assignment, my peers complimented my
ability to reach an ambivalent client, promoting client autonomy by conveying empathy and an
environment of emotional safety. Aligning with the ACA code of ethics A.1a, defining the
counselor’s responsibility to respect the welfare and dignity of clients. In addition, my professor
noted my diagnostic impression for the George Lopez case was quite strong. ACA Code E.5.a
emphasizes the importance of accuracy and objectivity in diagnosis. Furthermore, I continue to
grow in my case conceptualization skills, utilizing the B-Well model to consider biological,
psychological, social, and spiritual factors of a client’s profile. AACC Code ES1 1-120
encourages counselors to value both faith and evidence-based practices, to provide a holistic
approach.
However, I have also had the opportunity to identify several areas for growth throughout this
course. First and foremost, I plan to strengthen my treatment planning skills as I complete my
education and move forward towards licensure. ACA Code C.2.a requires counselors to
continually pursue competence throughout their career. Secondly, I would like to improve my
clinical documentation skills to align with ACA Codes A.1.b and B.6.a. These codes encourage
counseling professionals to create, maintain, and protect precise, accurate, and professional
records. Lastly, I continue to grow my confidence in integrating faith ethically into counseling
practice. Growth in this area will require attention to AACC Code ES1-510, the responsibility of
counselors to maintain professional growth and development through participating in training
and supervision.
To prioritize professional growth, I outlined a few specific and measurable goals related to the
identified areas of improvement. I intend to improve my treatment planning skills through
reviewing Case Conceptualization by Sperry & Sperry (2023), creating two rough draft treatment
plans, and seeking feedback and support from my supervisor to form the final draft. To improve
my documentation skills, I plan to complete a SOAP note writing course and continue to seek
supervisor feedback on completed clinical notes. Furthermore, to grow my confidence in ethical
spiritual integration, I plan to re-read Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective
(Tan, 2022) as I navigate practicum. I am also fortunate enough to have a mentor in the field who
is a believer. I will consult with him to discuss faith-based interventions and potential ethical
concerns.
References
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics.
https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
American Association of Christian Counselors. (2014). AACC Code of Ethics.
https://www.aacc.net
Sperry, L., & Sperry, J. (2023). Case conceptualization: Mastering this competency with ease
and confidence (3rd ed.). Routledge.
Tan, S.-Y. (2022). Counseling and psychotherapy: A Christian perspective (2nd ed.). Baker
Academic.
