Genuineness
“ To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment” .- Ralph Waldo Emerson
In reflecting on my counseling journey from the beginning to the near end of this journey I have come to understand the importance of being my authentic self. It is an objective universal truth that people cannot truly connect and show up in their full authenticity if they perceive that you are not organically showing up in yours.
In reflecting on my experiences, and growth throughout the program I have come to realize that I often try to embody my archetypal idea of what a counselor should dress, sounds, and behave like. I have come to realize that I have often, treated counseling skills, or “ being a counselor” much like a coat that you can slip on and become, but I realize that showing up as myself, as Ghiavonna, is what truly allows me to connect, and while there are guidelines, and expectations that we must all abide by, we are free to be ourselves.
I aim to continue to dive and embody the truth of myself outwards though my own personal therapeutic journey, as well as through the mentorship and guidance of my supervisors.
Within this page you will find an artifact of mine that consists of self- administered counseling rating skill that we were tasked with completing. It is through this assignment that we can practice the continuous skill of self- reflection, and self- betterment through said reflections and assessments of ourselves and our skills set, and that starts with showing up in all areas of ourselves fully and honestly.
The ACA Code of Ethics: “Counselors claim or imply only professional qualifications actually completed and correct any known misrepresentations of their qualifications “
