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Professional Development Plan
Wednesday Melssen-Vogel
School of Counseling, Walden University
COUN 6101: Foundations of MS in Counseling Graduate Studies
Dr. Rashunda Miller Reed
.
April 2, 2021
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Section 1: Professional Development Plan
When taking on any major endeavor such as returning to school, it is essential to have a
plan; and in this case, a "professional development plan." I have chosen to return to school to
earn my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. To help me achieve this goal, I
have created a professional development plan to identify my individual counselor statement,
define a list of resources to aid me in my success, determine my support system to help me
maintain a healthy life balance, and map out the necessary schedule for my counseling and
curricular training. With this plan, I hope to graduate with my degree during the winter of 2023.
As of March 26, 2021, the following is my action plan.
Counselor Identity Statement
Developing a counseling identity allows me to identify the humanistic core values that I
feel are important in representing who I am or will be as a counselor. One of the traits that I see
myself portraying for my clients is a support system. By being a support system to clients, I can
help them know themselves and be proactive in making changes that lead to a more fulfilling
life. Another part of my identity is being an ethical person able to uphold the ACA's Code of
Ethics. By following the ACA Code of Ethics, I feel confident that I will act with integrity, make
decisions in the client's best interest, and be mindful not to impose my own set of values onto the
client, therefore respecting our cultural differences.
Additionally, I see myself as someone who respects and advocates for multicultural
differences. For example, through life experiences and continuing education, I envision myself
supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ community. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ face
many struggles in society, and I hope to help remove barriers, promote acceptance, and advocate
for their mental health support.
Professional Development Plan
Wednesday Melssen-Vogel
School of Counseling, Walden University
COUN 6101: Foundations of MS in Counseling Graduate Studies
Dr. Rashunda Miller Reed
.
April 2, 2021
, 2
Section 1: Professional Development Plan
When taking on any major endeavor such as returning to school, it is essential to have a
plan; and in this case, a "professional development plan." I have chosen to return to school to
earn my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. To help me achieve this goal, I
have created a professional development plan to identify my individual counselor statement,
define a list of resources to aid me in my success, determine my support system to help me
maintain a healthy life balance, and map out the necessary schedule for my counseling and
curricular training. With this plan, I hope to graduate with my degree during the winter of 2023.
As of March 26, 2021, the following is my action plan.
Counselor Identity Statement
Developing a counseling identity allows me to identify the humanistic core values that I
feel are important in representing who I am or will be as a counselor. One of the traits that I see
myself portraying for my clients is a support system. By being a support system to clients, I can
help them know themselves and be proactive in making changes that lead to a more fulfilling
life. Another part of my identity is being an ethical person able to uphold the ACA's Code of
Ethics. By following the ACA Code of Ethics, I feel confident that I will act with integrity, make
decisions in the client's best interest, and be mindful not to impose my own set of values onto the
client, therefore respecting our cultural differences.
Additionally, I see myself as someone who respects and advocates for multicultural
differences. For example, through life experiences and continuing education, I envision myself
supporting and advocating for the LGBTQ community. Individuals who identify as LGBTQ face
many struggles in society, and I hope to help remove barriers, promote acceptance, and advocate
for their mental health support.
