1. 1 Sheila Olson BA Psychology Mental Health Counseling

2. Personal Statement As a Psychology Major, I am seeking opportunities to advance to a higher position. Currently, I work as a Mental Health Counselor and I desire to broaden my spectrum. My experience of 11 years and continued education, qualifies me for advancements into the administrative level of management.

3. Coverletter Sheila Olson 3874 Hildale Ave. Oroville, CA 95966 Phone# (530) 533-7174 sheila24@LIVE.COM July 12, 2011 To Whom It May Concern, Social Services is an asset to our community. Living in this area, and witnessing the positive results of these needed services gives me new hope that each of these family's needs are being met. Clearly, I am intrigued by your institution and the changes it inspires. I am a perfect candidate for your program and I would like to join your team. My skills are molded to fit the services that you offer to the community. Working for Butte County Behavioral Health for eleven years has given me the experience needed for counseling. I obtained a B.A. in Psychology specializing in substance abuse treatment this year. My certification as a California Addiction Treatment Counselor is up to date and current. My counseling skills are well developed, and cultural competency is a priority of my services. Experienced techniques include individual therapy, facilitating therapy groups, and developing treatment plans. I can administer a variety of assessments in order to place clients in the appropriate level of treatment. I am very familiar with community for consultation and referral resources. I appreciate your time to read this letter. I will contact you in order to schedule an appointment. This gives me the opportunity to receive more information about the positions available now or in the future. Respectfully, Sheila Olson C.A.T.C. Sheila Olson Enclosure: resume

4. Resume Sheila Olson 3874 Hildale Oroville, Ca 95966 (530)533-7174 sheila24@LIVE.COM Education Bachelor Degree in Psychology Specializing in Substance Abuse Current Certification of California Addiction Educators Interests and activities My interests include helping my community change. Currently on the Homeless Coalition Board. Personal activities include swimming and kayaking. Work experience Behavioral Health Counselor May 1999 to the Present Counselor for women’s Intensive Outpatient Program providing drug treatment to mothers who have had the children detained from their homes due to substance abuse. Provide services for pregnant women. Skills Assessments/Tools (ASI ASAM) Intakes/ Screening Individual & group counseling Healthy communication skills Record Keeping Consultation Referrals Objective I would like to obtain a position on your working staff to open up opportunities in my life.

5. Reference of Employment I was Sheila Olson's Butte College Addiction Studies Certification Director and she graduated in 1999. I am extremely proud of her accomplishments. I recommend her for employment at any facility. Sheila Olson was a great asset to my Program of Addictions Studies. Her grades throughout the entire program were more than efficient and received a 3.8 GPA. Received 3 awards for 4.0 in 3 semesters with 15 units each semester. The "Disease Concept of Addiction" was the title of my research paper, which contained education and information upon the biological & psychological factors of the brain. Completed her internship at Butte Count Behavioral Health. Sheila is committed to the work she has performed in our community. Thank you, Dennis Hyde M.F.T. Butte College Director of Addiction Studies

6. Reflection Ok, so this is my first effort on making a stepping stone. In the program that I currently work, our main focus is to help mothers become drug free and have clean baby deliveries. Our program is called Stepping Stones and when the mothers graduate the program they make a stepping stone out of concrete and memorable trinkets. These programs give the next generation a chance without drugs. I created the backbone of this program. Education and therapy for the Mothers is necessary. New lifestyles are developed. Childcare is on site. Substance abuse addressed. Mental Health referred. PTSD and women’s trauma. Parenting classes. My studies at Argosy have Given the skills I need to Expand more programs for Our communities. My specialty Is creating and establishing New programs.

7. Addiction Kills The Mothers And The Children

8. Societal Influences Societal influences mold American's thoughts and behaviors. How someone talks and acts is very contagious to others. If you have attended a high school, then there is a variety of cliques and groups that behave the same way, and tend to dress similarly, and have activities that they attend together. All of this adds up to how their cognitive development occurs from peers. The social relationships can limit their abilities to expand beyond certain groups. Culture is another example of members of this group forming their own safe place with their own people. At break at the school all of the Asian students would gather together on one certain place at the end wall of the school. If any other ethnicity entered their territory, then there could be altercations or name-calling. Today, America's teachers and community members try to break these such barriers, and provide areas for interaction. Our social impressions effect our cognitive development no matter what age. In Lev Vygotsky's view he saw children's cognitive development dependent upon the social playing with others (Feldman, 2010). He described that the best way for them to learn was through spending time with other people such as play-mates, teachers, parents, and other adults (Feldman, 2010). When working with preschoolers ages three to five years of age, there is usually a scuffle about who will go first on the slide. The expectation has to be taught by an adult at first, but then becomes a norm eventually. When a new child enters and tries to break the line, then the others peers will instruct this child to go to the back of the line. This is an example of the child's cognitive development learned through an adult and passed down to a peer. Applied Psychology

9. Research Another task that preschoolers learn is to put their toys or clothing away. This task is hard for the child to become accustomed to and tends to not remember to do without being told to do so by a parent or teacher. But sometimes the child will watch the mother put her coat in the closet and begin to mimic these actions. The child tends to remember things better when there is a reward for the new behavior, or see a peer get rewarded for a behavior. The child will actually want to learn how to get the reward and watch the peer very carefully in order to learn the skill. Vygotsky believed children are on a social plane. "The child observes the parents' behavior, listens to the parents' speech, and tries to imitate"(Solso, 1995). The parent shows the child how to correct any mistakes they make and instruct them gently (Solso, 1005). The internal plane appears when the child has the ability to interpret language (Solso, (1995). For example, language is now represented in the mind as thought (Solso, (1995). While watching a four year old she was trying to put together legos. She worked on it herself for a while, and then noticed that the child beside her building a castle. She tried to pull down the castle and wanted to watch the child build it again in order for her to learn how herself. This all caused a scuffle due to the selfishness that they all have innately. Sometimes this just comes from frustration, but if an adult intervenes then the child will gladly listen and learn the process. Another example concerns gender. The cognitive development about differences in males and females is prevalent. Children are taught that they should wear pink and boys wear blue from the day that they are born. When playing on the playground boys may be laughed at if they play with a baby doll. Girls are how to correct any mistakes they make and instruct them gently (Solso, 1005). The internal plane appears when the child has the ability to interpret language (Solso, (1995). For example, language is now represented in the mind as thought (Solso, (1995). While watching a four year old she was trying to put together legos. She worked on it herself for a while, and then noticed that the child beside her building a castle. She tried to pull down the castle and wanted to watch the child build it again in order for her to learn how herself. This all caused a scuffle due to the selfishness that they all have innately. Sometimes this just comes from frustration, but if an adult intervenes then the child will gladly listen and learn the process. Another example concerns gender. The cognitive development about differences in males and females is prevalent. Children are taught that they should wear pink and boys wear blue from the day that they are born. When playing on the playground boys may be laughed at if they play with a baby doll. Girls are not expected to score in basketball or baseball as often as the boys. Girls are expected to cry, and boys should not cry. Children develop stereotypes for what they hear and see around them (Bussey & Bandura, 1999). Children only behave in this expected manner instead of who they really are (Bussey & Badura, 1999). All parents should be male

10. Research this is not improving their memory due to the speed of the email, text, and surfing Internet at the same time. This practice prevents the child to speak to people upon an individual basis. How can children's vocabulary grow? This is truly a virtual generation. Two generations ago, people would go over to the neighbor's house to see what was happening. Now, they just text and have the entire conversation by texting. All feelings and emotions are eliminated. this is not improving their memory due to the speed of the email, text, and surfing Internet at the same time. This practice prevents the child to speak to people upon an individual basis. How can children's vocabulary grow? This is truly a virtual generation. Two generations ago, people would go over to the neighbor's house to see what was happening. Now, they just text and have the entire conversation by texting. All feelings and emotions are eliminated.

11. References References Bussey, K. & Bandura, A. (1999). Social cognitive theory of gender development and differentiation. Psychological Review, 106, p.676-713. Feldman, R. (2010). Child Development. (5th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. Upper River Saddle, NJ: Pearson. Santrock, J. (2009). Life-span development. (12th ed,). McGraw-Hills Companies,Inc. New York, NY. Solso, R. L. (1995). Cognitive psychology (4th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

12. Theory Personality Theory Course Code: PSY361 Sheila Olson

13. Theory Personality Theories Personality is a more difficult process to explain than thought of previously. Most theorists agree that the word "personality" originated from the Latin word persona, which referred to a theatrical mask worn by Roman actors in Greek dramas (Fiest & Fiest, 2009). Although there is no exact definition acceptable, personality is a pattern of relatively permanent traits and unique characteristics (Fiest & Fiest, 2009). What is great is the fact that everyone is different, even identical twins have very different personalities. The following is a list of events and their descriptions that have defined my own personality: In early childhood, I remember screaming in my crib and no one was coming to pick me up. It was daytime, and this was very traumatic for me. My mother nor my grandmother came to get me. I have no recollection of how long I was there, but I know that it must have been a long time. When I was older, my mother stated that I did nothing but cry the first year of my life and she could not bear it. This is an example of an inborn temperament. (Argosy, 2011). This is what the theorists refer to as a physical and biological genetic makeup (Argosy, 2011). Later, as I became older, my assigning traits that I was born with were being very tall, too slim, and very clumsy. I remember helping my Daddy build fences for the pigs, cows and chickens. I helped him do everything that I could on the farm. I was an only child and I became my Daddy's tom-girl. He was a farmer and a carpenter and I have great memories of being with him in early childhood. This refers to the environment that I grew up in such as the people and events that shaped my life experiences (Argosy, 2011). Social learning theorists state that the behavior is learned by watching and emulating others.(Argosy, 2011). My Dad taught me to be a hard-worker and be tough. During my childhood, my Daddy was in the field one day and he did not come home for lunch. I walked down the dirt road and found his tractor on its side. He was hurt and bleeding. I independently turned off the tractor and helped him walk home. I became not only his helper, but also his nurse. Behaviorist theorists believe that a series of environmental reinforcements help shape the person (Argosy, 2011). I learned how to feel, express, and respond to my emotions in meaningful life situations (Argosy, 2011). I got positive attention from my Dad while taking care of his injuries, which reinforced the behavior. My Grandmother did the childcare for me and my cousin Carol every day. I remember her locking me in a closet, and stating that I will go to hell if I do not obey her. She had an unusual religiosity about her that I was afraid, shamed, and felt guilty for everything that I did wrong. I just knew that I would never do this type of discipline to my own children. This influenced my values and beliefs at an early age. Some theorists believe that humans have some reason to want to improve their lives, and I think that this was one of the things that influenced me to not be abusive to anyone else (Argosy, 2011).

14. Theory As a thirteen year old, I had a little swimming pool in the backyard, and my cousin Barry came over to swim because he was hot from plowing in the fields. He lured me behind the barn and molested me. I felt that it was my fault because I had on a swimsuit. I never told anyone. I started to date a guy who was a Senior in high school and I was a Freshman. My Daddy no longer would have anything to do with me from then on. He was angry at me all the time, and I could not do anything right. He punished me as a teenager with his belt quite often. This type of event molded me to feel unworthy. My grandmother would not allow me around my mother much after she came home from work. She would tell me had the "sick headache" and did not need me around her, because I would make her nervous. My Mom and I did not bond very well. Later, I found out that she had Bipolar depression and would take valium when she came home from work. Our readings refer to the locus of control, I think that my internal driven unconscious gave me motives and drives to push on to become hardened and less sensitive (Argosy, 2011). At age seventeen, I became pregnant and was told that I had to marry the father. I married him and he would get drunk and beat me up in an alcohol blackout continuously. I divorced him one year later and a lot of my friends would not talk to me later because I left the father of my baby. I then moved from Tennessee to California and I was very bitter. Some behaviorists believe that changes of environmental influences can change that person's focus. I know that it did for me. At age twenty, I became addicted to methamphetamine and used drugs and alcohol until age thirty-five. I married my second husband at age twenty-four and had three lovely children by him, and I am still married to him today. It has been twenty-four years of happy marriage. At age thirty-five I lost all three of my children temporarily to Children's Services to a foster care home due to my drug use. We got clean and raised our children in a clean home. The psychoanalytic theory refers to the unconscious motivates the inner life drive (Argosy, 2011). I wanted a safe and clean life for my children and my husband and we were successful. At age thirty-six I went to college and received my Associates Degree, started working full-time in a Behavioral health counseling center and I have now worked there for eleven years. I like my job and my life today. The difference is that I found out who I wanted to be and all of these events and emotions made me who I am today, and I am glad.

15. References References Argosy University (2011). Module 1: What is personality? Retrieved March 8,2011 from http://myeclassonline.com Fiest, J. & Fiest, G. (2009). Theories of Personality. (7th ed.). The McGraw-Hills Companies, Inc.: New York, NY.

16. Cognition Why Be A Substance Abuse Counselor Sheila Olson Argosy University

17. Cognition Why Be A Substance Abuse Counselor Career enhancement resources are available for Substance Abuse Counselors. There are areas that the counselor needs to learn more about, in order to help them with their careers. The requirements are important for someone to become an independent practitioner. What does it take to be a counselor? Awareness of basic knowledge , skills, and attitudes is expected from addiction counselor (Argosy, 2011). (CSAT) is one center for substance abuse treatment information. Addiction Techniques for Transfer Center (ATTC) program improves and encourages in the preparation of Counselor Treatment Professional (Argosy, 2011). (ATTC) National Curriculum Committee defined competencies essential for effective counseling for psychoactive substance use disorders (Argosy, 2005). (RADAR) is the Regional Alcohol and Drug Awareness Resource network centers that provides to local centers support prevention practitioners and other community members in addressing alcohol, tobacco, and drugs (Argosy, 2011). SAMHSA provides manuals to educate the counselor Argosy, 2011). Requirements to become an independent practitioner includes knowledge of the twelve core functions, ethics, pharmacology, education, domestic violence, AIDS, and prevention (State of WA, 2010). The twelve core functions of case management, assessment, orientation, screening, intake, treatment planning, crisis intervention, consultation, client education, counseling, referral, record-keeping, and relapse prevention are required of all substance abuse counselors. ( Miller, 2005). A certificate from an accredited college in alcohol/drug studies. Bachelors degree or higher with six thousand hours of direct experience in the field of addiction (State of WA, 2010). A passing score on IC & RC alcohol and other drug written exam (State of WA, 2010). Of course, pay the fees to the state, and three letters of recommendation (State of WA, 2010). Each state has different requirements as far as becoming a therapist. A counselor needs to have a Masters Degree in California to be a therapist, and other states master's in counseling is not accredited in California. It seems unreasonable. Steve could benefit from all of the criteria that is required to be a counselor. If the counselor is able to work with his counter-transference, then that proves that the counselor has worked through her previous issues (Miller, 2005). Steve has problems with alcoholism and does not understand this concept. Client education can help Steve see his own denial in order to look at his substance abuse problem (Miller, 2005). The counselor needs to know how to do an accurate and extensive assessment in order to bring out the issues that he needs to work on. A concise treatment plan can state out Steve's goals and assess if he is ready to change and acknowledge which stage of change that he can relate to (Miller, 2005). The twelve core functions are essential to the counseling process that Steve needs. Since he has trust issues, the reflection of his feelings brings up the ability for him to identify his depression issues. Consultation with other colleagues and the supervisor can benefit Steve, by the counselor getting the best advice from them about his case (Miller,2005).

18. Cognition The knowledge from resources are essential to become a good counselor. Why become a substance abuse counselor? The goal of positive psychology is to promote the good in life (stay happy, find meaningful work, volunteer for good causes), not just fix the wrong (Miller, 2005). The question shifts from "What is wrong about people?" to "What is right about people?" (Miller, 2005). This work is truly a blessing and miracles do happen. The twelve core functions are essential to the counseling process that Steve needs. Since he has trust issues, the reflection of his feelings brings up the ability for him to identify his depression issues. Consultation with other colleagues and the supervisor can benefit Steve, by the counselor getting the best advice from them about his case (Miller,2005). The knowledge from resources are essential to become a good counselor. Why become a substance abuse counselor? The goal of positive psychology is to promote the good in life (stay happy, find meaningful work, volunteer for good causes), not just fix the wrong (Miller, 2005). The question shifts from "What is wrong about people?" to "What is right about people?" (Miller, 2005). This work is truly a blessing and miracles do happen.

19. References Argosy University (2011). Substance abuse treatment II. Retrieved February 27, 2011 from http://myeclassonline.com Miller, G. (2005). Learning the language of addiction counseling. (2nd ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Hoboken, N.J. Washington State Legislature (2010). Retrieved February 27, 2010 from http://apps,leg,wa,gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=246-811

20. Case Case Theories Sheila Olson Argosy University

21. Case Case Theories There are many psychological theories in practice today. Many scientists and researchers have dedicated their lives to developing hypotheses and theories pertaining to maladaptive behavior. These historical findings were created to assess, diagnose, and treat the individual conditions and behaviors. Sigmund Freud is perhaps the best-known theorist, but is probably also the most-misunderstood personality theorist the world has seen. Psychoanalytic theory which Freud was associated with, psychoanalysis which is the most famous of all personality theories (Feist & Feist, 2009). The provinces of the mind; id, ego, and superego to be one of his best discoveries. Early childhood experiences cause high levels of anxiety and are repressed and sometimes affect an individual's life later. Therapists today have great outlines to practice due to Freud and his discoveries. Freud's idea that all motivation can be traced to sexual and aggressive drives has been misunderstood. His three major stages of development are; infancy, latency and a genital period. Other scientists greatly misunderstood this concept. Psychodynamic perspectives "measure the person's core (but unconscious) conflicted relationships" (Butcher, Mineka, & Hooley, 2010). In Woody's case, a therapist might look at what happened to him as a child and if any of these experiences connect with the anxiety that he demonstrates today as an adult. The ego does not function adequately to control impulse gratification or does not adequately use defense mechanisms when faced with internal conflicts (Butcher al et., 2010). This is a long-term type of therapy that looks at repressed feelings, memories, and fears that helps individuals come to terms with their conflicts. It teaches clients how to control their "fight or flight" mechanisms and face the problem hopefully with less anxiety (Butcher al et., 2010). The behavioral perspective believes the individual must be viewed by directly observing the behaviors (Butcher al et., 2010). The idea of operant conditioning is applied in order to change and reinforce behaviors. Reinforcement refers to the delivery of a reward or pleasant stimulus or to the removal of or escape from an aversive stimulus (Butcher al et., 2010). This helps the client to identify what is rewarding and what is unrewarding. The therapist would point out the individual's behaviors that need to be changed and help him to make those changes. Woody would make goals for himself and follow that treatment plan. The cognitive-behavioral perspective studies the cognitive processes such as thinking, planning, and decision making (Butcher al et., 2010). This "abnormal behavior focuses on how thoughts and information -processing can become distorted and lead to maladaptive emotions and behavior" (Butcher al et., 2010). Learning the concept of thought-stopping helps to identify the triggers to his anxiety. The therapist can help Woody to interpret events by reframing them in a positive perspective. Changing the way the client thinks about himself, can strengthen his self-esteem. This person is experiencing

22. Case irrational beliefs towards his job (Butcher al et., 2010). He actually has good reviews, yet doubts his job skills, and the ability to keep his job. The therapist usually encourages positive self-talk to improve the state of mind the client is experiencing, According to the DSM-IV-TR, the symptoms demonstrated matches the criteria of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Butcher al et., 2010). He suffers from excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months about a number of events or activities (Butcher al et., 2010). He finds it difficult to control the worry. He also described difficulty concentrating, irritability, and muscle tension. All of these symptoms are stated under the DSM-IV-TR for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Butcher al et., 2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered to be the best choice of therapy for the GAF condition (Butcher al et., 2010perspective. Changing the way the client thinks about himself, can strengthen his self-esteem. This person is experiencing irrational beliefs towards his job (Butcher al et., 2010). He actually has good reviews, yet doubts his job skills, and the ability to keep his job. The therapist usually encourages positive self-talk to improve the state of mind the client is experiencing According to the DSM-IV-TR, the symptoms demonstrated matches the criteria of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Butcher al et., 2010). He suffers from excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for at least six months about a number of events or activities (Butcher al et., 2010). He finds it difficult to control the worry. He also described difficulty concentrating, irritability, and muscle tension. All of these symptoms are stated under the DSM-IV-TR for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (Butcher al et., 2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered to be the best choice of therapy for the GAF condition (Butcher al et., 2010). The behavioral perspective believes the individual must be viewed by directly observing the behaviors (Butcher al et., 2010). The idea of operant conditioning is applied in order to change and reinforce behaviors. Reinforcement refers to the delivery of a reward or pleasant stimulus or to the removal of or escape from an aversive stimulus (Butcher al et., 2010). This helps the client to identify what is rewarding and what is unrewarding. The therapist would point out the individual's behaviors that need to be changed and help him to make those changes. Client would make goals for himself and follow that treatment plan. The cognitive-behavioral perspective studies the cognitive processes such as thinking, planning, and decision making (Butcher al et., 2010). This "abnormal behavior focuses on how thoughts and information -processing can become distorted and lead to maladaptive emotions and behavior" (Butcher al et., 2010). Learning the concept of thought-stopping helps to identify the triggers to his anxiety. The therapist can help the individual to interpret events by reframing them in a positive perspective. Changing the way the client thinks about himself, can strengthen his self-esteem. This person is experiencing irrational beliefs towards his job (Butcher al et., 2010). He actually has good reviews, yet doubts his job skills, and the ability to keep his job. The therapist usually encourages positive self-talk to improve the state of mind the client is experiencing. There are many other psychological theories that a therapist can use. They all have an array of colorful concepts and perspectives. Practically all of them have suffered criticism from other scientists, but each theory has an appropriate place for client treatment.

23. References References Butcher, J., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. (2010). Abnormal psychology. (14th ed.). Allyn & Bacon., Boston, MA: Pearson. Feist, J. & Feist, G. (2009). Theories of personality. (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., New York, NY.

24. Critical Thinking Personal Evaluation The education that I have received from Argosy University has been informative and challenging. I have studied during the past few years and it has been rewarding. The knowledge that has been gained is crucial to my career. The education has been exciting, as well as, challenging. Each semester has built my confidence and arranged personal goals. Writing research papers is a great way to learn how to communicate. My studies have allowed me to become a better counselor. The information including personality and dual diagnosis illnesses, has improved the cognition processes. The theories of practice, ethics, and job analysis has broadened my critical thinking skills. I will always be willing to earn more continuing education units. I have practiced interpersonal and cultural diversity effectiveness throughout my career thus far. Teaching healthy relationships and communication skills is part of my curriculum currently. I provide individual counseling, couples counseling, and group facilitation. I feel that I have a great foundation to build to a higher rank in my job position. I have worked as a County Mental Health Counselor for eleven years, and I would like to apply my new knowledge and skills to another environment. My B.A. Degree in psychology and specializing in substance abuse gives me the "leg up" to improve myself and my family's lives. Reaching out to people in need is my goal and I feel that I have the personality that fits this line of work. My strengths are setting boundaries with clients and teaching them to learn about codependency. I enjoy working in a facility that gives their services for free. My weakness is taking on too many clients at once. I am very proactive so I tend to step above my bounds to get a program up and running. Regardless, my goals to help people is genuine.

25. Contact Me Thank you for viewing my ePortfolio. For further information, please contact me at the e-mail address below. sheila24@LIVE.COM