As a CIT, I’ve learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup. I’ve been intentional about maintaining balance across my mental, relational, and professional life, showing up for others starts with showing up for myself. Whether through prayer, therapy, time with family, or consistent reflection, I’ve committed to staying grounded, self-aware, and open to growth. Practicing self-care isn’t just something I believe in, it’s something I live out, because I know that my own wellness directly impacts how I serve and support others.

This artifact reflects my development as a clinical mental health counselor-in-training and demonstrates alignment with the following CACREP standards:

• 2.F.1.d – Professional Advocacy
  Demonstrates my understanding of advocating for the counseling profession and the importance of elevating the counselor's voice in various systems.

• 2.F.1.e – Client Advocacy and Social Justice
  Highlights my awareness of how to address systemic and institutional barriers that impact client access, equity, and success.

• 2.F.1.l – Counselor Self-Care
  Shows my commitment to maintaining personal wellness and developing strategies to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue.

• 5.C.2.a – Roles and Settings of Clinical Mental Health Counselors
  Identifies the diverse settings and responsibilities of clinical mental health counselors as demonstrated through practical experience.

• 5.C.2.l – Legal and Ethical Considerations
  Engages with real-world applications of ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and legal responsibilities within counseling practice.

• 5.C.2.m – Clinical Practice Management
  Reflects understanding of clinical documentation, third-party reimbursement procedures, and ethical record-keeping in mental health practice.

This artifact also upholds the ACA ethical standard C.2.g, which addresses counselor impairment:

• Demonstrates ongoing self-monitoring of mental, emotional, and physical wellness to ensure safe and ethical client care.

• Shows willingness to seek supervision, consultation, or support when signs of personal or professional impairment arise.

• Reflects my ability to recognize impairment in others and take appropriate steps—such as consultation or intervention—to protect clients and promote counselor wellness.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned the importance of knowing what I stand for, while also being mindful of how my values show up in the room. I strive to be authentic in both my personal and professional relationships, staying true to who I am while also creating space for others to do the same. When faced with perspectives different from my own, I practice humility and intentionally set aside personal beliefs to ensure that every client feels respected, safe, and heard. For me, it’s not about agreement, it’s about understanding and care.

This artifact reflects key counseling competencies developed during training and aligns with the following CACREP Common Core Standards:

• 2.F.5.f – Counselor Characteristics and Behaviors
  Demonstrates growth in self-awareness, empathy, and professionalism—key personal qualities that directly impact the effectiveness of the counseling process.

• 2.F.5.g – Core Counseling Skills
  Highlights my development of essential interviewing techniques, counseling strategies, and the ability to conceptualize client concerns through case formulation.

This artifact also upholds essential ethical principles from the ACA Code of Ethics:

• B.1.a – Multicultural/Diversity Considerations
  Shows my commitment to respecting diverse cultural perspectives around confidentiality and information-sharing. I engage in ongoing conversations with clients about how their information is handled, always honoring their preferences and values.

• C.2.a – Boundaries of Competence
  Emphasizes my dedication to practicing within the scope of my training and credentials. I actively seek to build multicultural competence through continued education, supervision, and self-reflection, ensuring that I serve diverse client populations with cultural sensitivity and ethical integrity.

As a CIT, I’ve grown in my commitment to honoring the uniqueness of every person I encounter. I intentionally work to embrace diversity, not just in theory, but in practice, by seeking to understand each client’s story within the context of their culture, values, and lived experience. I stand firmly against all forms of discrimination and remain aware of how my own cultural background shapes the way I show up in relationships. My goal is to create a space where every person feels seen, valued, and respected, no matter who they are or where they come from.

This artifact demonstrates my understanding and application of multicultural and social justice competencies aligned with the following CACREP standards:

• 2.F.2.a – Understanding Diverse Groups
  Reflects awareness of multicultural and pluralistic characteristics within and among diverse groups, both nationally and internationally.

• 2.F.2.b – Multicultural Counseling Theories
  Incorporates key models of cultural identity development and advocacy as a foundation for equitable and inclusive counseling.

• 2.F.2.c – Multicultural Counseling Competencies
  Demonstrates the use of culturally competent counseling skills, including sensitivity to individual client needs and backgrounds.

• 2.F.2.d – Impact of Personal Background
  Explores how culture, beliefs, and acculturation shape both client and counselor perspectives, fostering deeper understanding and empathy.

• 2.F.2.g – Spiritual Beliefs and Worldviews
  Acknowledges the role of spirituality in shaping identity and worldviews, promoting respectful dialogue around faith and meaning-making in session.

• 2.F.2.h – Addressing Oppression and Discrimination
  Highlights strategies for identifying and confronting systemic barriers, prejudice, and both intentional and unintentional oppression in counseling settings.

The ACA Code of Ethics supports the ethical dimensions of this artifact through the following standards:

• A.4.b – Personal Values
  Illustrates my commitment to honoring client diversity without imposing my own values, and my willingness to seek training in areas of potential bias or cultural misunderstanding.

• A.11.b – Values Within Termination and Referral
  Reinforces my ethical obligation not to refer clients based solely on my personal beliefs, ensuring that I provide consistent, culturally respectful care.

As a CIT, I deeply value the power of choice, both mine and my clients’. I respect each person’s journey and aim to create a space where self-exploration is welcomed without pressure or judgment. Whether in moments of challenge or calm, I strive to remain steady, grounded, and flexible. I’ve found that modeling a calm presence, even when things are uncertain, creates room for others to slow down, reflect, and grow at their own pace.

This artifact showcases my development and application of group counseling skills and aligns with the following CACREP standards:

• 2.F.6.a – Theoretical Foundations of Group Counseling
  Demonstrates my understanding of key theories behind group work and how they guide structure, interventions, and group dynamics.

• 2.F.6.b – Group Process and Development
  Highlights my awareness of how group stages unfold and how relational dynamics influence therapeutic outcomes.

• 2.F.6.c – Therapeutic Factors in Group Effectiveness
  Identifies factors like cohesion, universality, and interpersonal learning as vital contributors to a successful group experience.

• 2.F.6.d – Characteristics of Effective Group Leaders
  Reflects my commitment to cultivating leadership traits such as empathy, structure, active listening, and ethical facilitation.

• 2.F.6.e – Group Formation and Member Selection
  Demonstrates knowledge of ethical screening, recruiting, and selecting members for group counseling to ensure safety and cohesion.

• 2.F.6.f – Types of Groups and Setting Considerations
  Recognizes the unique structure and goals of different group types (e.g., psychoeducational, support, therapy) and how setting influences approach.

• 2.F.6.g – Ethical and Culturally Relevant Group Facilitation
  Shows my ability to design and facilitate group experiences that are inclusive, culturally sensitive, and aligned with ethical standards.

This artifact also supports the following ACA ethical standards, reinforcing my ability to lead groups responsibly and inclusively:

• A.2.c – Developmental and Cultural Sensitivity
  Emphasizes my use of developmentally appropriate and culturally informed language during group sessions, informed consent, and participation. When needed, I incorporate translators or cultural adjustments to ensure every group member feels heard and understood.

• A.4.b – Personal Values
  Highlights my commitment to creating a safe group environment where diverse values and beliefs are respected. I remain vigilant about avoiding the imposition of my personal views and strive to meet clients where they are, in alignment with their own goals and identity.

In every interaction, I aim to lead with humility, compassion, and kindness. As a CIT, I understand that people won’t always think, feel, or act the way I do, and that’s okay. I choose to meet others with respect and grace, even when we don’t see eye to eye. Whether in calm moments or challenging ones, I do my best to stay grounded, present, and peaceful, because creating a safe space starts with how I show up.

This artifact demonstrates my growth in diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning, and personal counseling style, aligned with the following CACREP standards:

• 2.F.5.i – Measurable Client Outcomes
  Shows my ability to create goals and treatment outcomes that are specific, trackable, and rooted in client needs.

• 2.F.5.n – Personal Counseling Model Development
  Reflects my evolving understanding of how to integrate theory, personal values, and experience into a meaningful and ethical counseling approach.

• 5.C.1.c – Biopsychosocial Case Conceptualization and Documentation
  Highlights my ability to integrate biological, psychological, and social factors when assessing client concerns and planning treatment, using proper documentation formats.

• 5.C.2.d – Diagnostic Process and Use of DSM/ICD
  Demonstrates competency in using current diagnostic classification systems like the DSM-5 and ICD-11, and in applying differential diagnosis in clinical decision-making.

• 5.C.3.a – Clinical Assessment for Treatment Planning
  Shows proficiency in conducting intake interviews, mental status exams, and gathering biopsychosocial and mental health histories to guide informed treatment decisions.

• 5.C.3.b – Treatment Techniques and Interventions
  Reflects knowledge of a wide range of prevention and treatment methods for addressing diverse mental health concerns.

This artifact also aligns with key ethical responsibilities from the ACA Code of Ethics:

• A.1.c – Counseling Plans
  Demonstrates my practice of collaborating with clients to create and regularly review counseling plans that are appropriate for their developmental level, goals, and life circumstances. Plans are flexible, client-centered, and designed for long-term effectiveness.

• A.4.b – Personal Values
  Reinforces my commitment to maintaining ethical awareness and avoiding the imposition of personal beliefs. I seek ongoing training to ensure my values align with ethical standards and support client autonomy and diversity.

As a CIT, I take my role and responsibilities seriously. I show up, with consistency, intentionality, and respect for the process, because I believe excellence is built in the small things. I stay engaged in mentorship, supervision, and continued education to grow both personally and professionally. Staying connected to the field through professional organizations and current research helps me serve with integrity and stay grounded in what’s best for those I’m called to help. This isn’t just about meeting requirements, it’s about honoring the work and those I walk alongside.

This artifact demonstrates my growing competency in applying research to counseling practice and aligns with the following CACREP standards:

• 2.F.8.a – The Role of Research in Counseling
  Reflects my understanding of how research advances the counseling profession and informs evidence-based practices. It also shows my ability to critique studies to apply relevant findings to client care.

• 2.F.8.j – Ethical and Culturally Relevant Research Practices
  Demonstrates my ability to approach research with cultural sensitivity and integrity—ensuring that the design, interpretation, and reporting of research or program evaluation honors ethical standards and diverse populations.

This artifact also upholds several key ethical principles from the ACA Code of Ethics, including:

• C.1 – Knowledge of and Compliance With Standards
  Highlights my commitment to staying informed about the ACA Code of Ethics, as well as federal and state regulations relevant to the counseling field.

• C.2.e – Consultation on Ethical Obligations
  Reflects my willingness to seek guidance from colleagues, supervisors, or the ACA Ethics Department when faced with ethical uncertainties—ensuring client welfare and professional accountability.

• C.2.f – Continuing Education
  Emphasizes my commitment to lifelong learning, staying current with best practices, and integrating new research into culturally competent care for diverse client populations.

• C.4.f – Professional Membership
  Shows my understanding of the importance of accurately representing my professional qualifications and affiliations. I distinguish clearly between current and past memberships in professional organizations like ACA.