Acceptance

I am comfortable holding perspectives that differ from my own without judgment. Counseling requires the ability to set aside personal values while honoring the client’s autonomy and lived experience. Acceptance allows clients to explore freely without fear of criticism or rejection.

Growth in Acceptance

Clinical experience has strengthened my ability to meet clients where they are without assuming that my perspectives, values, or ideas about what is best for them should guide their choices. I have learned to seek clarification rather than make assumptions, respect clients’ autonomy and individual experiences, and support them in making decisions consistent with their own values and goals.

Revisiting my Marginalized Group Career Counseling Paper reinforced my understanding of Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and how self-efficacy, goals, supports, barriers, and individual circumstances can influence career development and decision making. Although my paper focused on veterans, my continued development has strengthened my awareness that shared experiences or identities do not mean shared values, needs, or goals. I would now approach this work with even greater attention to each client’s culture, beliefs, circumstances, and definition of success. As I continue developing as a counselor, I want to remain curious, examine my assumptions, and deepen my understanding of perspectives different from my own.

"The ocean does not ask for my permission, and the waves do not obey my wishes. I cannot control them. I can only choose how I respond." - Unknown

ACA COE A.4.a - Avoiding Harm

Counselors act to avoid harming their clients, trainees, and research participants and to minimize or to remedy unavoidable or unanticipated harm.

ACA COE A.4.b - Personal Values

Counselors are aware of - and avoid imposing - their own values, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

CACREP Standard 2.F.5.f — Counseling and Helping Relationships

Counselor characteristics and behaviors that influence the counseling process.

2.F.2.d — Social and Cultural Diversity

The impact of heritage, attitudes, beliefs, understandings, and acculturative experiences on an individual’s views of others.

2.F.3.e — Human Growth and Development

Biological, neurological, and physiological factors that affect human development, functioning, and behavior.

2.F.2.g — Social and Cultural Diversity

The impact of spiritual beliefs on clients’ and counselors’ worldviews.

2.F.2.h — Social and Cultural Diversity

Strategies for identifying and eliminating barriers, prejudices, and processes of intentional and unintentional oppression and discrimination.