Amy Armstrong, a private practice practitioner licensed by the state and holding various qualifications including MS, NC, MAC, and ALP was interviewed to gain insights into mental health counseling. She offers individual, family and group therapy to clients ranging from adolescents to later adulthood (Armstrong, AAA). The purpose of the interview was to form an informed opinion on whether mental health counseling is desirable profession despite scheduling conflicts and unexpected work obligations causing delays in conducting it successfully. As a masters level counselor who is national board-certified running a new private practice, she is well-equipped to address trauma- a growing concern within the mental health world (Catcher, Frill & Bell, 2007). Armstrong(Bibb) explains that many clients come with traumatic experiences such as job loss or death which she is comfortable working with given her familiarity with them. She describes her eclectic and straightforward counseling approach wh
...ere knowledge from different approaches are applied as necessary. Her background in Humanistic Psychology gives her special appreciation for Mistakes (Levity et al., 2014).Armstrong has diverse theoretical interests, including bibliographer, mindfulness-based approaches, lexicography, and MODEM. Her counseling approach is eclectic as she integrates various methods to meet clients' needs. Recently certified in MODEM, Armstrong aims to increase her knowledge base for trauma survivors. She consistently focuses on professional growth and development, attending the annual multiculturalism conference offered by NCAA as her favorite conference. Initially providing career development and mental health services to traditional and nontraditional college students, Armstrong recognizes that human growth and development is crucial in career counseling. Vernon and Refer rd (2014) argue that developmental changes must be understood by counselors for better problem-solving approaches. Armstrong also worked
at SIBS where she encountered individuals from different cultures such as Jamaica, Russia, South Africa, and New York.In her counseling approach, Armstrong emphasizes the significance of multiculturalism (Armstrong, AAA). She believes that it is professionally irresponsible to not acknowledge cultural differences and to be unwilling to learn how to assist anyone. Additionally, she stresses the importance of consultation and supervision in becoming an effective counselor. According to Armstrong, most clients arrive already prescribed psychotropic medication. However, difficulties arise when working with media professionals while dealing with adolescent clients because gaining clearance to speak with the prescribing physician becomes a challenge due to involvement from guardians. To avoid issues such as transference or counterinsurgency and remain connected with her therapist, Armstrong attends monthly supervision meetings. It's crucial for counselors not to get overwhelmed by their clients' trauma or problems as this may hinder their ability to do their job effectively; however not all counseling sessions are heavy (Armstrong 2014).According to Armstrong (AAA), exercising 23 times per week is a recommended form of self-care. Despite enjoying spending time with family, she has to be reminded not to check emails during unstructured events. Depending on their setting and years of experience, the daily routine of a mental health counselor can vary. In this narrative, we explore the typical day of a professional counselor who has been practicing for five years. At this point in their career, they should have established a client base and laid the foundation for a youth center. The counselor works in an office complex with other mental health professionals serving various populations through individual therapy, family therapy, career counseling and substance abuse treatment services.
The
day begins by greeting colleagues and reviewing the schedule while planning accordingly. Checking messages, returning calls and emails are priorities when there are no early appointments scheduled. To stay current with scheduled appointments, client files are reviewed regularly since providing constructive advice is essential as clients arrive for sessions in comfortable surroundings adjusted to meet specific requests such as lighting or air conditioning adjustments.
During breaks between sessions or lunchtime after three or four sessions, case notes may be worked on before resuming counseling responsibilities promptly afterward.If I don't have any social plans or personal errands during lunch, I might use the time to enjoy a peaceful walk or take some alone time. It's important for me to regroup before continuing with work for the rest of the day in my office. Once back at work, I check my schedule and return phone calls and emails while completing necessary paperwork for insurance purposes. To keep up with client notes between sessions, I work on them regularly to avoid being overwhelmed by follow-up paperwork. For working clients' convenience, I offer two late nights per week where I may see up to 34 clients before leaving the office; otherwise, it could be up to 12 more sessions. However, my day doesn't end there as I head over to a youth center where my aim is to create a safe environment that enhances young adults and teenagers socially, academically, and mentally. My job involves closely working with adolescents who may have mental disorders or not. Twice a week, I organize life skills workshops or groups which help me realize how much effort goes into being a professional mental health
therapist. At the end of each day- whether at the office or youth center -I review messages/emails if necessary and prepare for what tomorrow brings!During my search for an interviewee, various professionals reached out via email and phone expressing their willingness to help, but explained that they were short on time.
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