Engagement

During counseling sessions, I welcome an interactive process, a synergetic exchange of information between myself and students. Always encouraging students to engage openly and honestly, but never feeling pressured to share information that they are not comfortable sharing! I intertwine interpersonal and relatable communication while maintaining professional boundaries. Meeting the students where they are in terms of communication, with no forced dialogue!

At the beginning of each counseling session with a student, I greet each student with a smile and genuine welcome. Always beginning with a check in, “How is your day going? How are you feeling? How is your family? And finally, how are you doing in class?” 

During each DSPS intake process I provide students with HIPPA and FERPA information. Encouraging students to only share information they are comfortable with sharing. If students wish to release information to a third party, formal documents are provided requesting signature. 

At the end of counseling sessions, I check in with the student to ensure that all their needs were met, and all their questions were answered. I thank students for visiting and being transparent with the information they provided me; and encourage them to visit with me or any other counselor in the future and each semester for additional support. 

Cultural responsiveness is embedded into the framework of my counseling sessions. I value diversity in all its forms and attempt to be culturally sensitive during sessions. I frequently ask students to educate me on their backgrounds and ask clarifying questions to seek further cultural knowledge. For example, being from Los Angeles I frequently hear the terms Hispanic and Latino used interchangeably. During session I recently asked a student what is the difference between Hispanic and Latino cultures, is it race? In short, the student informed me that it’s not race, it’s geography. Hispanic refers to people who speak Spanish or have backgrounds from Spanish-speaking countries (Mexico, Dominican Republic, etc.), while Latino refers to people who are from or have backgrounds in Latin America (Central America, South America, and the Caribbean). The student specifically identified as Hispanic. 

Engagement with colleagues requires collaboration, good communication, and mutual respect to have a good working environment. I consider myself to be team player and genuinely enjoy connecting and collaborating with colleagues. Always encouraging healthy and productive dialogue. Having a strong aversion to toxic and hostile work environments, I always attempt to engage with colleagues respectfully. I believe good communication is the key. I describe my communication style as being friendly and assertive. Completely open to constructive feedback, request training, clarity, and support as needed. 

I have received constructive feedback provided by my mentors and tenure review committee and I am learning to, “Slow Down.”