Wellness Plan / Self-Care

Developing and maintaining a personal wellness plan has been central to my growth as a counselor-in-training. The self-care assessment and reflection (CNL-624) gave me the opportunity to take an honest inventory of my habits across physical, emotional, spiritual, and professional domains. Initially, I struggled with balancing responsibilities and found myself overcommitted, which contributed to stress and fatigue. Instructor feedback encouraged me to identify practical strategies to establish stronger boundaries and prioritize rest, which became a turning point in refining my approach. For example, I began to set limits on nonessential activities, strengthened my exercise routine, and committed to regular reflection and spiritual practices. These adjustments not only supported my own well-being but also reinforced the importance of modeling balance for future clients.

 

This self-care work reflects the broader counseling values embedded in the ACA Code of Ethics, particularly A.1.a, which emphasizes promoting client welfare, and C.2.g, which underscores the importance of monitoring personal well-being to ensure effective practice. In aligning with CACREP Standard 2.F.1.k, I also learned to view self-care as an ongoing strategy for personal and professional self-evaluation. Engaging in structured reflection about my habits helped me understand that wellness is not static but requires continuous adaptation as personal and professional demands shift.

 

Through this process, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the ways self-care enhances resilience and clinical presence. It is clear to me now that sustainable counseling practice requires intentional investment in my own well-being. Moving forward, I plan to continue integrating self-care practices into my daily and weekly routines, ensuring that I can provide clients with my full attention, empathy, and energy while maintaining balance in my personal life.

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