Throughout this master’s program, I have developed a consulting philosophy that is research-based and deeply personal. The two artifacts I’ve chosen to showcase this growth—the Theoretical Orientation Paper and the Tim: A Case Study Project—represent both the heart of my philosophy and its practice in real-time. Together, they illustrate my integration of psychology, sport science, and counseling principles, and reflect the unique lens I bring to this work.

The Theoretical Orientation Paper explores my alignment with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a model that resonates with my values, worldview, and consulting identity. Originally submitted during my counseling theories course, this paper served as my first formal articulation of what kind of consultant I wanted to become. At the time, my understanding of ACT was strong but still emerging. As my applied training progressed, I found myself returning to ACT’s core processes (e.g., values, defusion, present-moment awareness) not just as tools for clients, but as anchors for myself. Revisiting the paper for this capstone allowed me to refine and deepen my understanding of ACT’s philosophical underpinnings, particularly cognitive fusion, experiential avoidance, and mindfulness processes such as self-as-context and present-moment awareness. I expanded these sections and integrated richer examples, more nuanced applications, and updated research. These revisions brought the paper into alignment with the consultant I’ve become: one who values flexibility, authenticity, and whole-person integration.

In contrast, I chose to leave Tim: A Case Study Project exactly as it was when first submitted. Not because it is a perfect artifact, but because it represents a meaningful snapshot in time—an authentic record of how I was beginning to translate theory into practice early in the program. The feedback I received was affirming, and I continue to view the work as a solid foundation. It reflects the consultant I was becoming: attuned, intentional, and client-centered. ACT processes, such as defusion, values clarification, and committed action, were already present, even though my understanding of them was still evolving. Alongside these, I incorporated goal setting, REBT techniques, and strong rapport-building to co-create a responsive, strength-based plan tailored to Tim’s needs. This artifact shows how, even in the early phases of my applied training, I was working to integrate counseling, psychology, and sport science in a way that felt personal, ethical, and grounded in relationship.

Together, these two artifacts demonstrate how I have integrated insights from psychology, counseling, and sports science to develop a consulting philosophy that is both theoretically grounded and personally resonant. The Theoretical Orientation Paper captures my current clarity around ACT and the kind of practitioner I am becoming, while the Tim Case Study offers a meaningful snapshot of where I started—curious, client-centered, and committed to applying theory with care. Each artifact marks a moment in time, and together, they trace a trajectory of growth.

As I move forward, I am preparing to pursue CMPC certification, begin training as a clinical mental health counselor in the fall, and eventually pursue a doctoral degree. It is no surprise that these are the next steps—they reflect the natural evolution of the consultant described in these artifacts. My consulting philosophy will continue to evolve as I deepen my understanding of embodiment, trauma-informed care, and systems thinking; however, the core values reflected here will remain my guiding compass. I’ll continue to hold my theoretical orientation lightly, as ACT’s founder, Steven Hayes, encourages, and root myself in the deeper intention that has always driven my work: to truly see others and to help them move toward lives of meaning, expression, and excellence. In a field that often emphasizes performance outcomes, I remain committed to honoring the full complexity of the performer—their story, their humanity, and their capacity to grow.