Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is a critical dispositional value for counselors in training because it ensures that personal beliefs, values, and experiences are examined and managed in ways that protect clients from harm and strengthen the therapeutic relationship. It involves intentional reflection on how personal value systems influence both professional and personal interactions, as well as the ability to remain authentic while bracketing personal biases when encountering differing perspectives. This capacity supports ethical practice, nurtures empathy, and allows for a consistent focus on client needs rather than counselor assumptions.
The designated artifact, Possible Selves (CNL-518), explores theories of adult development and self-perception, emphasizing the relationship between future-oriented self-concepts, reflective judgment, and resilience. In connecting this work to the guiding questions for self-awareness, I can see how identifying my own possible selves and understanding the cognitive processes behind my judgments have deepened my ability to examine how my values shape my work. The artifact demonstrates intentional self-reflection and acknowledges the importance of monitoring my internal reactions, particularly when navigating cultural differences or client autonomy, in accordance with ACA Code of Ethics Standards B.1.a and C.2.a.
This competency aligns with CACREP Standard 2.F.2.d, which addresses the importance of recognizing and managing the influence of personal values on the counseling process, and 2.F.1.k, which emphasizes strategies for personal and professional self-evaluation. By integrating the theoretical content of the artifact with practical self-awareness strategies, I continue to develop the ability to remain authentic in professional settings while respecting and affirming client perspectives that differ from my own.
This artifact was revised after receiving instructor feedback encouraging me to more clearly link theoretical frameworks to my own developmental awareness as a counselor in training. In response, I added specific reflections on how the “possible selves” and reflective judgment models apply to my ongoing self-evaluation process. This process helped me better understand how theoretical knowledge can be used to maintain authenticity, recognize biases before they impact the counseling relationship, and engage in continuous professional growth.
