Professional School Counselor Portfolio (PSCP)

Brief Reflection Form

Standard 2
Standard 2: Social and Cultural Foundations
Competencies Addressed:
1. Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to the unique social,
cultural, and
economic circumstances of students and their
racial/ethnic, gender, age, physical, and
learning differences.
2. Demonstrate sensitivity to the nature and the functioning of the
student within the
family, school, and community contexts.
3. Demonstrate the counseling and consultation skills needed to
facilitate informed and appropriate action in response to the needs of
students.
Date Created: March 10th, 2015
Student Name: Kelli Mitchell

Reviewers Initials: _____________

Reflection Papers must be typed and 2-3 pages in length following the four domain headings
below:
1. Describe the context in which these artifacts were collected and identify the standard
and competency(s) the artifact represents.
I attended the Nurtured Heart training and Professional Development through 4 Oaks and
my practicum. The Nurtured Heart training fulfills all three of the competencies. Nurtured Heart
is an approach that focuses on making things positive for children. Nurtured Heart teaches how
to respond to children in a positive way while also setting clear limits. Responding to the needs
of the students this way helps build positive relationships with them.
Intermettint Explosive Disorder Paper was a project that was completed in GEDU 538 Consultation, Leadership, and Advocacy Roles in School Counseling. This fulfills competency
three. As this diagnosis is not a common diagnosis, it is important to understand it so you can
meet the needs of the child. Understanding the child, what they have gone through, and what
they need can help you with the interventions and strategies you can use to help the child become
successful academically and socially.
The case study artifact complied for this competency represents a child that is from Hatti
who has had severe trauma. As I worked with this child I not only had to be aware and sesntivie
of her culture, but also who trauma. The trauma that she had gone through, caused her to feel
unsafe which was portrayed through behaviors. The trauma also set her back developmentally
causing her to be behind academically. When working with her it was important to remind
yourself of what happened to her instead of saying what is wrong with her.

2. What do they demonstrate to you about your learning and mastery of the competencies
which fall under this standard?
The Nurtured Heart training increased my knowledge. It has taught me another way to
approach a child and build relationships and trust with a child. As a counselor you wear many
different hats, you are their friend and sometimes you have to set the limits. The Nurtured Heart
approach helps you set the clear limits while also keeping them positive.
This particular artifact, Intermittint Explosive Disorder Paper was chosen because the
way in which it fulfills competency one. The focus of this paper was to create an awareness and
understanding of the mental health disease Intermittent Explosive Disorder and the effects it has
on a student to learn. This mental health diagnosis is not very popular, but it is a diagnosis that is
challenging for a child. I have helped a few children with this diagnosis work through their
barriers, learn coping skills and interventions that help the child be successful in social situations.
The child was very successful on the unit, but was still struggling in the school setting. After
meeting with the school I shared what helped this child be successful and they were able to
implement them in his school day. With some times and relationship building with his teachers
he was able to also be successful in the school. This goes to show that it is important to
understand what the child has been through and their needs to help them come up with skills that
will ensure success. It is a lot of trial and error, but the more you can understand their culture,
who they are as a person, and what their needs are the better you can help them.
3. What do these items of evidence tell you about your overall progress toward your
personal goals and your growth as a professional school counselor?
These artifacts have shown my growth in looking at a child and asking myself what
happened to this child instead of what is wrong with this child. Every child has a story and it is
important to be aware and sensitive to their story. The approach you have with a child can be
very individualized as each student is different. The artifacts I have chosen show the training
and experiences I have encountered have helped me progress towards my personal goals and
growth. The experiences and trainings have opened my eyes to a range of students with different
cultural and social foundations.
4. What are your plans for additional growth or improvement in this area?
My plan for additional growth in this area would be to continue to learn
about the social and cultural foundations of students and how to best
approach them. As each student has a different story, you are always going
to be learning and growing in this standard. Through trainings, and
experience I hope to continue to grow. I also think this standard is very
important and I would plan to bring awareness to faculty and staff the
importance of students cultural and social foundations and how it drives their
needs and where they are at developmentally.