Learning Goals

Specific Counseling Skills

One of the main counseling skills that I want to improve upon is reflection of feeling. I know that
I am able to reflect feeling and did, however, I do not feel that I always verbalize it the best way.
I think about what I want to say, but it always comes out completely different and I don’t feel
that it truly shows them how much I understood what they were saying to me. I wanted to work
on improving this skill so that I can whole heartedly show my clients how much I care. This will
be a goal that is ongoing and will always require work.
For a goal with a more specific deadline, I want to become more comfortable with silence. I
began working on this skill during practicum but know that it still needs some work. I become
uncomfortable sitting in silence with the children as I am worried that they will not talk at all the
rest of the session. In my head I know that this is okay, but in the moment, my worries take over.
This is a skill that I am hoping to improve upon and become more comfortable with by the end
of Internship I so that I can take this skill and use it properly in Internship II.

Case Conceptualization Skills

For case conceptualization skills I want to work on better understanding how a case
conceptualization can help me. I know what a case conceptualization is, but every time I have to
write one, I have to go pull out a template as I forget the information that needs to be included. If
I can better understand how the case conceptualization can help me, I can begin to fully
understand what information is needed without having to pull out a template. Also, I know that
this will take time a hard work, but when it comes to case conceptualization, I want to become
more proficient at writing them before our final week of Internship I.

Self-Awareness
Self-awareness will be an ongoing learning curve during my career as a counselor. However,
there is always room for improvement at the current time. One way I want to do this for myself is
to begin journaling. This is something I consistently recommend to others but have not begun to
do myself. I believe that journaling will center my thoughts and help me focus better on a daily
basis. Ever since having children of my own, my mind is not what it used to be, and I constantly
feel overwhelmed by the pressure of today’s society on mothers. Journaling will help me to write
down my frustrations, likes, goals, and high/low points so that I can begin to work upon them.

Professional Growth and Development

One professional growth and development goal is to become better at accepting feedback,
whether positive or negative. I become very nervous when others view my work, and my anxiety
begins to spike. I want to become better at accepting feedback as this is going to be one of the
best ways I can grow as a counselor. By accepting feedback, I can learn from others and begin to
understand my strengths and weaknesses.
I also want to work on my networking skills. For the past 7 years I have attended school online
and have been a stay-at-home mom in the process. I have not had many opportunities to meet
new people in the realm of counseling that could help me learn new skills or advance within this
field. I am hoping that now being out of the house and talking to other adults in the field of
counseling on an almost daily basis, I can expand my networking base and begin to make
connections.