Acceptance
I'm aware I still have much to learn and ideally will continue learning and growing throughout my career. One thing I pride myself on is being accepting of others for who they chose to be and seeking to better understand them. Sometimes I might think those around me aren't making the best choices, but it's not my duty or right to impose my values onto others. I attend weekly supervision as well as staffing meetings to gain guidance and insight into situations I might not know how best to handle. I highly value my supervisors and colleagues' input as most of them have decades of experience. I promise to listen, ask questions when appropriate, and work to truly understand and embrace others for where they are at. If I feel someone else might serve a client better than I, that is a conversation we will have. When I know I am not skilled at providing the guidance a client needs, I will make an appropriate referral.
Amiability
It wasn't until I began internship that I started to understand the value behind treatment planning. All these kids I was working with responded so uniquely to the same or similar tactics. Therapy is definitely not a one size fits all or even one age. I began sharing some of the challenges I was facing with my supervisor and would plan ahead for the session based on my observations of what was and wasn't working. Treatment modality also differs largely based on the diagnosis. I have found it very helpful to research the best evidence-based treatment practices for a specific diagnosis and then implement them with the client while considering their needs and what is more effective for them. It's beneficial after each session to reflect on what is or isn't working and do further research or ask more questions to determine the next best course of action.
Another factor to consider with amiability is ensuring I'm following all procedures and protocol properly. My internship site was a rather lengthy book that contains all of this info, along with knowledge colleagues and my supervisor. When I have faced times where I wasn't positive of a judgement call, I have reached out for feedback. Being a part of the American Counseling Association I also have liability insurance in case clients, or their parents disagree with a call I made.
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