Connection. Healing. Resilience.
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 understanding, values, or preferred direction should be their own. I have learned to seek clarification rather than make assumptions, honor clients’ decision-making even when their choices differ from what I might choose, and remain aware of the boundaries of my professional role. Supervision and consultation continue to help me recognize my limitations and maintain a respectful, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment.
"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.