Professional Disclosure Statement
The purpose of this professional disclosure is to: provide to you relevant information about my professional and personal background and provide insight in my counseling style.
Experience in the Field
I am a counselor-in-training at Central Washington University in the CACREP accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate program. I have two bachelor’s degrees (BA) in Anthropology and Psychology from Emory University and a master’s degree (MSc) in Primate Behavior from Central Washington University. Presently, as of February 2023, I am a counselor-in-training at the Community Counseling and Psychological Assessment Center at Central Washington University. As a counselor-in-training, I am learning the basic skills of counseling and utilizing it to help clients explore their topics. Aside from my formal academic training, I also received my certification in Mental Health First Aid in 1/17/2021 and Psychological First Aid 3/11/22 which certifies I am trained to assist in mental health dilemmas/crises.
Education & Certification:
· Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Central Washington University, Washington, expected 2023
· Psychological First Aid, Johns Hopkins University, Maryland, 2022
· Mental Health First Aid, Eastern Washington University, Washington, 2021
· MSc, Primate Behavior, Central Washington University, Washington, 2020
· BA, Anthropology, Emory University, Georgia, 2014
· BA, Psychology, Emory University, Georgia, 2014
Personal Commitments
I am a full-time student in the Clinical Mental Health Program, but I also work outside of the classroom. I work part-time at the Open Door Health Clinic as the Executive Director and per diem at Mt Stuart Animal Hospital. At the Open Door Health Clinic, I am in charge of operations, volunteers, and other clinical proceedings. As I am used to making decisions on my own, I need to be cognizant of my various roles and expectations between my work identity and student identity. I am also stepping down as Office Manager at Mt Stuart Animal Hospital to a Veterinary Assistant. This decision was made to ensure I have more time at the CCPAC and attend to my studies.
Aside from my professional obligations, I am a youth mentor. I never try to “counsel” my mentee but rather attend to their concerns and am present in their life.
As a counseling student, I attend to my own individual counseling sessions. I believe counseling is beneficial for everyone no matter what their needs. I am a member of the Asian Mental Health Collective wherein I have my own mentor in the counseling field.
Counseling Theory
At this stage of my professional development, I do not have a counseling theory, however I am leaning towards Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT). RCT highlights relationships and the role culture plays in expressing relationship connections.
Confidentiality
I aim to always keep personal information in sessions confidential – about members in session and clients. I will consult with professors in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program regarding clients for professional development.
Multicultural Considerations
I will conduct all my sessions in English. I work to be inclusive of all persons and multicultural identities including race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, religion or spirituality, national origin, disability/ability, social class, social economic status, and/or any other salient identity expressions pertinent to the client. If any significant differences, such as culture or belief systems, exist I will work to understand and honor those differences.
Ethical Codes/Relevant laws
I abide by the ACA code of ethics and Wash. Rev. Code Ann. § 18.225.