Nicole Heady
Department of Mental Health Counseling, Southern New Hampshire University
COU 540: Help Skills & Tech: Residency I
Dr. Trinaa Copeland
March 9, 2025
As this course comes to an end, I find it valuable to reflect on my experiences, growth,
and the key lessons I will carry forward in my journey toward becoming a professional
counselor. Throughout the term, I have refined my counseling micro-skills, deepened my self-
awareness, and strengthened my commitment to self-care. This reflection explores the evolution
of my self-care plan, the most impactful aspects of the course, insights gained about myself and
others, and final thoughts as I move forward in my professional development.
Self-care has played an essential role in managing the emotional and intellectual demands
of this course. At the beginning of the term, I focused primarily on basic self-care practices such
as maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, engaging in regular exercise, and setting aside time for
relaxation. While these strategies were effective in maintaining my well-being, I soon realized
that deeper emotional self-care was necessary to sustain my energy and focus in this field.
As the course progressed, I integrated more reflective self-care practices, such as
mindfulness and journaling, to process my emotions and experiences more effectively. Research
suggests that mindfulness-based self-care strategies can enhance counselors’ emotional resilience
and reduce burnout (Christopher et al., 2016). Additionally, I made a conscious effort to engage
in peer discussions and seek support when faced with challenges. By recognizing the importance
of community and professional support, I have developed a more comprehensive self-care plan
that I will continue to refine as I advance in my training.
One of the most valuable aspects of this course in developing my micro-skills and
shaping my identity as a future counselor was the role-play exercises. Engaging in structured
practice sessions allowed me to apply core counseling skills in a controlled environment while
receiving constructive feedback. These exercises highlighted my strengths, such as my ability to
build rapport and use encouragers effectively, while also revealing areas for growth, such as
improving my ability to reflect clients’ deeper emotions.
According to Ivey, Ivey, and Zalaquett (2018), microskills training is most effective
when combined with direct feedback and self-reflection. The faculty-led role-play videos further
reinforced my learning by providing real-world examples of effective counseling techniques.
Observing skilled counselors in action helped me refine my questioning techniques, improve my
use of intentional silence, and strengthen my ability to summarize client narratives concisely.
This experiential learning has been instrumental in increasing my confidence and competence as
a developing counselor.
Throughout this course, I have gained valuable insights about myself, my peers, and the
class as a whole. One of the most significant things I learned about myself is that I tend to
overthink my responses during sessions, which sometimes disrupts my ability to be fully present
with the client. By becoming more aware of this tendency, I have worked on trusting my
instincts and allowing the conversation to flow naturally.
From a peer, I learned the importance of embracing different counseling styles. One
classmate demonstrated a highly empathetic and reflective approach, which contrasted with my
more structured and directive style. Observing their technique reminded me that flexibility and
adaptability are crucial in counseling, as each client has unique needs and preferences.
As for the class as a whole, I was impressed by the collective growth and willingness to
support one another. The open exchange of feedback and shared experiences created an
environment that fostered learning and professional development. This experience reinforced the
value of collaboration in the counseling profession and highlighted the importance of continuous
learning.
This course has provided me with a strong foundation in counseling skills and
professional development, but the learning does not stop here. One key takeaway is the
importance of self-awareness in effective counseling. By continuing to engage in self-reflection
and actively seeking feedback, I can ensure ongoing growth in my skills and professional
identity.
Additionally, I will carry forward the importance of intentionality in my counseling
approach. This course has emphasized the need for purposeful questioning, active listening, and
cultural sensitivity in working with clients. As I progress in my training, I will continue refining
these skills to build meaningful and effective therapeutic relationships.
As this course concludes, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the learning experiences,
challenges, and personal growth I have undergone. While there is still much to learn, I am
leaving this course with greater confidence in my abilities and a clearer vision for my future in
the counseling profession. I appreciate the guidance of my instructors, the support of my peers,
and the opportunity to develop essential counseling skills in a supportive environment.
Moving forward, I am committed to continuing my education, refining my skills, and
embracing the challenges that come with becoming a professional counselor. This course has
reinforced my passion for helping others and has strengthened my dedication to ethical and
client-centered counseling. While this is just one step in my journey, it has been an invaluable
one that will shape my future practice and professional identity.
References
Christopher, J. C., Bowen, S., & Scarano, K. A. (2016). Mindfulness and counselor self-care:
Exploring the role of mindfulness in reducing burnout. Journal of Counseling &
Development, 94(1), 102–108. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12072
Ivey, A. E., Ivey, M. B., & Zalaquett, C. P. (2018). Intentional interviewing and counseling:
Facilitating client development in a multicultural society (9th ed.). Cengage Learning.
