SOHAILA D.
HADJI AZIS
REFLECTION PAPER
Before we arrived at the IOTA Mid-Year Conference, I experienced something
that shaped the way I viewed the entire event. Coming from Marawi City, we
all know how far the travel is going to Davao, so we tried to take a shorter
route. However, instead of a shortcut, we ended up traveling through a much
longer and more frightening road—the “Talaingod, Davao del Norte” route.
The area was remote, quiet, and surrounded by mountains, and as we
passed through, I witnessed how difficult life was for many people living
there. Some survived by asking for help from vehicles passing by. That
moment humbled me. It reminded me to be grateful for what I have, to
appreciate the blessings I often overlook, and to open my heart to those who
live with so little. This realization set the tone for my mindset even before
the seminar began. I felt more grounded, more aware, and more open to
learning.
During the IOTA Mid-Year Conference, each topic provided a deeper
understanding of mental health, counseling, and the evolving role of
guidance practitioners. One of the first discussions—School-Based Mental
Health Initiatives, RA 12080, RA 11036, and the UN Sustainable Development
Goals (SDG 3 and SDG 4)—highlighted the importance of promoting well-
being and quality education in a holistic way. It made me realize that mental
health is not just an additional program in schools but a core responsibility
tied to national laws and global goals.
The session on Developing Inclusive Guidance and Counseling Services
strengthened my belief that every learner, regardless of background,
deserves support. Inclusion is not a concept; it is a commitment to ensuring
that all students feel safe, understood, and valued. This idea connected to
another session about Cultural Sensitivity in Counseling, where Indigenous
approaches were integrated into mental health practices. It reminded me
that effective counseling respects culture, acknowledges identity, and adapts
to the lived experiences of clients.
The conference also opened my eyes to the growing role of technology in
counseling. The topic Navigating the Digital Landscape emphasized digital
tools that can enhance counseling effectiveness, while From Burnout to
Balance: Designing Digital Detox Protocols reminded us that too much
technology also requires proper boundaries. These themes showed the
importance of balancing innovation with well-being.
I was also particularly struck by the discussion on Bridging Neuroscience,
Nutrition, and Neuropathic Mental Health, which emphasized how the brain,
body, and nutrition are all interconnected. It taught me that mental health
should be approached holistically, not just emotionally or psychologically.
Another meaningful session was Bending Without Breaking: Cultivating
Flexibility Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It
highlighted how resilience grows when we accept realities instead of
resisting them, a concept that resonated with my experience in Talaingod—
facing a difficult road but choosing to keep moving forward.
Practical topics such as Client Caseload Management, Counseling
Supervision and Ethics, and Using Dialect and Relational Approaches in
Conflict equipped me with concrete skills that I can apply in real work
settings. These sessions emphasized organization, ethical practice, and
effective communication—skills that are essential in preventing burnout
while ensuring quality service.
Lastly, the session on Developing Networking Skills and Effective
Collaboration reminded me that mental health work is never a one-person
task. Collaboration with professionals, agencies, and communities
strengthens our capacity to support students and clients more effectively.
Overall, the entire experience—starting from the challenging yet eye-
opening journey through Talaingod up to the rich and meaningful sessions of
the IOTA Mid-Year Conference—became a powerful personal and professional
reflection for me. The travel taught me humility and gratitude, while the
seminar expanded my knowledge, strengthened my purpose, and deepened
my commitment as a future guidance practitioner. It reminded me that
learning happens not only in the classroom but also in the unexpected
moments along the way. This journey allowed me to grow, to appreciate life
more, and to embrace my role in promoting mental health and well-being
with compassion, competence, and cultural sensitivity.