Module 8: Reflections

            In reflection of this course, I feel like I am a more self-aware person for having taken it.  Through the study of the development of human behavior, I have been able to reflect on my own life experiences and beliefs and have gained a much deeper understanding of how I fit into my own environment.

            My environment includes my family, peers, community and society as a whole, which work on various micro, mezzo, and macro systems.  During Module 2, I discovered the profound affect that coming to terms with one’s family of origin can have. “The primary task for this period is that young adults come to terms with their family of origin—a powerful shaper of reality, influencing who, when, how, and whether they will marry and how they will carry out all succeeding stages of the family life cycle.” (McGoldrick&Carter, 2002, p.384)  When one can realize the both the risk and protective factors set in place by their family of origin, the gratitude, or the healing can truly begin.  It is the true examination and awareness that will advance each of us through our life in a positive, meaningful way.

            One of the most important concepts that I have learned that will be particularly meaningful when performing a biopsychosocial assessment as I begin my study of direct practice is the lesson of transitional markers.  It is fundamental and foundational to understand what transitional markers and developmental markers occur during each stage of life.  With this understanding, I will able to able to accurately assess a client by examining the transitional markers that have been hit, and those that have not.  Furthermore, with a clear understanding of the life-course perspective and transitional markers, I will be able to examine various risk and protective factors that may have served, or disserved and individual.  I now to know to examine the risk and protective factors that have hindered progress in life, or have been useful in moving forward in a positive trajectory.   Under the biopsychosocial umbrella, I will be aware of the various markers, risk, and protective factors that have served or inhibited an individual biologically, spiritually, and socially.  This theory is congruent with my personal and professional philosophy of holistic healing, meaning treating the whole person.

            Human development intersects human rights and social justice in various ways.  During module 3, I was able to make a clear connection with the coursework and aspects of human rights and social justice.  Our study on immigration highlighted the need to treat clients holistically and gain the deepest understanding possible of the culture of origin as well as their individual experiences, particularly when working with a vulnerable population like immigrants in order to respond in a way that not only respects their human rights, but provide a service that empowers the individual.

            Self-awareness has been the greatest gift of this course.  I have gained awareness of the various roles and role statuses that structure my life.  This understanding has helped me to gain self-compassion as I experience stress.  Most importantly, the self-awareness that I have gained will help my future clients by allowing me to avoid filtering clients’ experiences through my personal belief system. 

Reference:

McGoldrick, M. and Carter, B. (2002). The family life cycle. In F. Walsh

(Ed.) Normal family processes; Growing diversity and complexity (3rd ed.),

chapter 14, pp. 375-398. New York: Guilford Press.