SELF – CARE EVALUATION 2
Self-Care Evaluation – Future Counselor
Feedback Received
At the beginning of the course, we discussed aligning with the client. I learned
what aligning with the client entailed when the professor described it as the shoulder-to-shoulder
interaction that acknowledges the therapeutic relationship's challenge. This skill had never been
presented this way to me before. This description was beneficial because it focused on centering
with the client. Additionally, some valuable feedback received from my peers was confrontation,
goal setting, and immediacy. They noted that my confrontation skills were strong, but I could
work on being more patient and understanding when setting goals. They also suggested that I
improve my immediacy skills to better recognize when goal setting needs to be introduced and
consistently reviewed.
Confronting a client with a particular behavior and reluctance to change is a skill I overly
measure. I want to be active and avoid being overzealous and causing strain, but not exhibiting
the skill could harm the client's progress. The next skill that I can improve on is goal setting.
Counselors must fully understand the story before moving to goal setting too quickly in class and
real life. This experience has caused me to be more patient when moving to goal setting.
Improving immediacy skills will aid in recognizing when goal setting needs to be introduced and
consistently reviewed.
Christian Worldview
The ACA (American Counseling Association) adheres to the core principle of honoring
diversity and embracing a multicultural approach. Section A.4.b advises counselors to avoid
harm and impose their values on clients (ACA, 2014). This course further clarified the personal
conflict of becoming a counselor. I believe that the Word of God is the foundation for change.
SELF – CARE EVALUATION 3
Psychology is beneficial and should be integrated with theology. Throughout the course, we
discussed topics such as suicide, gender identity, and using skills like unconditional positive
regard. I was reminded how although you may disagree with verbage and lifestyles, you must
remain neutral and show compassion for a person's struggles.
Furthermore, these topics made me explore the nouthetic, integrationist, and psychological
approaches to counseling. At the beginning of my graduate counseling journey, I considered
biblical counseling however, I chose the Christian counseling path to bridge the gap between two
vital fields.
The most important work I can do to continue integrating the Christian worldview and
my counseling practice is to keep the question: What does it mean to be made in the image of
God, and what does that look like in this life? Every human heart is soil that the Holy Spirit can
take root. With all this in mind, praying for wisdom and discernment as I counsel men and
women will be crucial to leading from a Christian counseling perspective. I can honor a client's
distinct values and beliefs while standing firm in God's Word. While I may not be able to
acknowledge certain spiritual strongholds in people's lives, which are deeply rooted in patterns
or beliefs that hinder spiritual growth, I can display Christ's love, grace, and compassion in the
therapeutic relationship and allow the Holy Spirit to harvest the heart.
Counselor Self–Care
An area that needs improvement is how much time I get to sleep. I could be more
intentional about getting 7 – 8 hours of sleep in this program and when I become a counselor.
One strategy that I have employed since restarting this program is only taking the number of
classes I have time for in my schedule. As a husband, father, and professional, my priorities are
family first. In the past, I have allowed work or school to replace the time I can spend with my
SELF – CARE EVALUATION 4
wife and children. However, I am clear about not doing that. I check/balance myself by
discussing with my wife before starting a new semester. As we advance, I want to implement a
more detailed fitness regimen for running and weightlifting to keep my mind at ease.
Additionally, I will keep my morning devotional and prayer time for spiritual fitness.
Next Steps for Skills
I have learned that I am a better counselor than I thought. Through peer feedback, I have
been called a great listener who has a calming voice and presence. In prior roles as a police
officer and critical incident stress management facilitator, I received similar feedback. In future
sessions, I can ask more concise questions and challenge the client to explore their story deeper.
Like anything, more repetition and exposure will aid in me becoming a more competent
counselor. Challenging myself to engage with people from various backgrounds with different
concerns will further increase my skills. Regarding self-efficacy and self-esteem, I am very
confident in my abilities but humble enough to know that I must crawl before I walk.
Supervision feedback made me more confident in my skills. I have had a desire to do soul
care for a long time. Every professional stop has been preparing for counseling. My listening and
paraphrasing skills were continually commented on by peers and the professor as vital. On the
other hand, my confrontation skills can be developed by not being reluctant to challenge. In
addition, praying for discernment and increasing my understanding of immediacy will aid in
recognizing those behaviors that need immediate attention.
