Artifacts — Sarah Jean Wellness

The Wake Forest University Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health program is guided by a set of five key objectives, reflecting the core principles and goals of the program:

Acquire knowledge and skills to practice effectively and ethically.
Value professional diligence and life-long learning.
Excel as community leaders, advocates, and practitioners.
Possess a deep awareness of themselves and of their impact on others.
Commit to the compassionate service of humanity and foster the well-being of people at the local, state, national, and international level.

Below, you will discover coursework aligned with each program objective, showcasing my ability in mastering the skills essential for excelling as a counselor.

1 Acquire knowledge and skills to practice effectively and ethically.

Artifact 1

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Sexual Abuse — Special Topics Paper

A 7-page paper exploring PTSD following sexual abuse through research and a clinical case study, including diagnosis, CBT-based conceptualization, treatment planning, and multicultural and ethical considerations. This paper demonstrates my ability to integrate research with clinical application through case conceptualization and treatment planning. It highlights my use of CBT and trauma-informed approaches while incorporating multicultural and ethical considerations in client care.

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Artifact 2

Know the Written Law — Confidentiality, Mandated Reporting & Duty to Warn (Michigan Law & ACA Standards)

A paper reviewing confidentiality, mandated reporting, and duty to warn/protect within Michigan law and ACA ethical standards. This paper demonstrates my understanding of legal and ethical responsibilities in counseling practice, which is essential for practicing effectively and ethically.

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Artifact 3

Analysis of Status & History Assessment Forms

An analysis of key intake and assessment tools, including the Mental Health History Form, Mental Status Exam, and Behavioral Observation Form. This highlights my understanding of structured assessment processes and my ability to integrate clinical tools thoughtfully while maintaining a client-centered and ethical approach.

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2 Value professional diligence and life-long learning.

Artifact 1

Person-Centered Therapy with Adolescents Experiencing Depression — Single-Subject Research Design

A proposal outlining how to evaluate person-centered therapy using a structured research design. This reflects my ability to engage in research-informed practice and continuous learning to improve counseling effectiveness.

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Artifact 2

Consultation Case Study — Literature Review on Marriage Education for Army Couples

A literature review analyzing evidence-based interventions for couples dealing with infidelity. This paper demonstrates my commitment to integrating research into practice and expanding my clinical knowledge base.

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Artifact 3

Research Project — The Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3)

A research paper analyzing the BASC-3 assessment, including reliability, validity, multicultural considerations, and clinical application with children. This paper demonstrates my ability to evaluate and apply assessment tools ethically and effectively, supporting clinical decision-making and evidence-based practice.

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3 Excel as community leaders, advocates, and practitioners.

Artifact 1

Reflection Essay — Advocacy in Professional Counseling

A reflection on advocating for expanded mental health insurance coverage, including direct action with a state representative. This demonstrates my role as an advocate and emerging leader in promoting systemic change and improving access to care.

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Artifact 2

Rationale for a Confidence Building Group for Newly Divorced Mothers

A detailed proposal for a therapy group designed to support newly divorced mothers through confidence-building and coping strategies. The paper reflects my ability to design and implement counseling interventions that address community needs and promote client well-being.

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Artifact 3

Consultation Model Application & Intervention Plan

A consultation-based intervention plan using evidence-based models to improve a counselor’s effectiveness with couples. This demonstrates leadership in supporting other professionals and applying evidence-based strategies in a consultation role.

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4 Possess a deep awareness of themselves and of their impact on others.

Artifact 1

Reflection of Gottman’s Research

A reflection on Gottman’s research, integrating personal experience with professional application in counseling. It demonstrates self-awareness and insight into how personal experiences influence my counseling approach and development.

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Artifact 2

The Soloist — Psychotic Disorders, Relationships, and Recovery

An analysis of schizophrenia and therapeutic relationships, including reflection on counselor approach and client impact. It reflects my ability to critically evaluate counselor behavior and its impact on clients, supporting self-awareness in practice.

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Artifact 3

Understanding Sex Addiction — Similarities with Substance Addiction, Consequences, and Treatments

This research paper examines sex addiction, including its characteristics, underlying factors, impact on functioning and relationships, and evidence-based treatment approaches. It demonstrates my awareness of how stigma, bias, and counselor perceptions can impact clients, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and sensitivity in ethical counseling practice.

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5 Commit to the compassionate service of humanity and foster the well-being of people at the local, state, national, and international level.

Artifact 1

Effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on Youth

A visual aid presentation exploring PTSD in youth, including symptoms, impacts, and treatment approaches. It demonstrates my commitment to understanding trauma and promoting well-being across vulnerable populations.

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Artifact 2

Personal Counseling Philosophy — A Commitment to Compassionate and Client-Centered Care

This self-developed reflection outlines my counseling philosophy, including my commitment to empathy, ethical practice, cultural responsiveness, and promoting client well-being through evidence-based and client-centered approaches. It demonstrates my commitment to compassionate service and the promotion of well-being through ethical, client-centered, and culturally responsive care.

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Artifact 3

CASA Reflection — Compassionate Service & Advocacy

This reflection highlights my experience as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), focusing on my role in supporting vulnerable children involved in the court system and advocating for their safety, stability, and well-being. It demonstrates my commitment to compassionate service and the promotion of well-being through ethical, client-centered, and culturally responsive care. It reflects how I support individuals at both the personal and broader community levels.

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Practical Resources

Artifacts Pertinent to Professional Practice

Artifact 1

Suicide Risk Assessment & Safety Planning Protocol (Stanley & Brown Model + Mosaic-Informed Crisis Procedures)

A structured suicide risk assessment and safety planning guide integrating the evidence-based Stanley & Brown Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) with agency-informed crisis response procedures. This includes identifying warning signs, coping strategies, support systems, crisis resources, and step-by-step intervention based on risk level.

Suicide risk assessment and safety planning are critical components of ethical counseling practice. This artifact provides a structured, evidence-based framework that enhances my ability to respond effectively to clients in crisis while ensuring client safety. Integrating established models with agency-informed protocols prepares me for real-world clinical settings and supports my transition into professional practice.

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Artifact 2

Practitioner’s Guide to Ethical Decision Making (ACA Model)

A professional resource outlining the ACA Code of Ethics and a step-by-step ethical decision-making model used to navigate complex clinical dilemmas in counseling practice. Ethical decision-making is foundational to competent counseling practice. This artifact provides a reliable framework for addressing ethical dilemmas, ensuring that my decisions align with professional standards and prioritize client welfare. It will serve as an ongoing reference to support ethical, responsible, and client-centered care.

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Artifact 3

Stages of Change & Treatment Planning Guide (Transtheoretical Model)

A clinical guide outlining the Stages of Change (Prochaska & DiClemente), including client characteristics, counselor tasks, and intervention strategies tailored to each stage.

Understanding where a client is in the change process is essential for effective counseling. This artifact supports my ability to tailor interventions to client readiness, increasing engagement and treatment effectiveness. It enhances my clinical flexibility and ensures that I am working collaboratively with clients toward meaningful change.

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