Part 2 Of Advanced Counselling Skills Essay

ETHICAL FRAMEWORK, LIMITS OF PROFICIENCY AND THE LIMITATIONS ON COUNSELLORS COMPARED TO OTHER PROFESSIONS THAT USE COUNSELLING SKILLS.

Before a counselling session starts it is important that the client understands confidentiality. To be able to understand this the counsellor must explain to the client that anything they say within the

This reflective essay will try and develop an understanding of the experiences and theory that has been applied to a counselling roleplay and applied content over the duration of the module. Furthermore, identifying what has been covered and what has not been covered in the roleplay, its strengths, weaknesses, what needs developing and how it can help as counsellors within the field. The first topic will reflect on the skills and attributes that have been applied to the roleplay and how it has been beneficial. The second topic will be a critical analysis on the roleplay conducted during counselling focusing on what techniques have not been covered, what skills and attributes were not demonstrated in the roleplay. Then identifying how improving and applying these skills and attributes may contribute to the overall effectiveness of counselling. The last topic will touch on micro-skills such as summarizing and goal setting, its application to the role play looking at both the strengths and weaknesses assessing why micro skills are important in the counselling practice.

Due to Marks very depressed state, the initial interaction required a great deal of empathy and high degrees of compassion. When first engaging a client, it is important to be compassionate and empathetic and listen without interrupting, prompting or advising (Berg-Weger, 2013). Reflecting and summarizing content delivered in the session is a valuable way to let the client know that you are actively listening to what they are saying

I had a very memorable experience with a client this week. When the client buzzed in I opened the door for her and I greeted her, however

Wk 25/ 4th April 2014 Journal Homework Assignment Jeanette Sweeney: 20243457 BTEC Level 5 counselling Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling

As a novice counsellor, one of the primary objectives was to demonstrate my ability to create a therapeutic space where the client’s felt safe to discuss their issue. Creating this space entails use of counselling skills (Mcleod & Mcleod, 2011). Examining the video the notable skills evident were the skills of attending and listening. The skill of attending entails

Particularly, I did not summarize enough. Upon listening to the recording, I feel that summarizing would have been beneficial at times, including after we completed the activity, when she spoke of her fight with her boyfriend, and after she explained her first panic attack. Further, I should have reflected meaning and feeling at various times throughout the session. Another problem I found throughout the session, was that I was not very clear or concise with my language. When I was explaining automatic thoughts I could tell the client was a bit confused and I was not direct with my statements. Also, some of the rewording of the client’s thoughts were not concise and it took some time to work through what I was thinking. I also used terms such as “automatic thoughts” and other technical terms that the client may not have understood. I also asked a few closed ended questions that would have been better used if I phrased them in an open way. Listening back to this session, emphasized my need to improve the language I use with clients so that is it exact and

I used an empathic response to show my concern and my willingness to listen to what client had to say.

This is a mutual agreement negotiated between the Counsellor and the Client prior to the commencement of counselling. It articulates the responsibilities of the Counsellor and

Expressing empathy means the practitioner attempts to think, feel and see the world from the SU’s point of view making the SU understood, accepted and validated. This in turn reinforces the trust relationship between the SU and the practitioner, because of this the SU becomes more comfortable and open to share their experiences with the practitioner (Droppa & Heeyoung, 2014). For example, a SU appeared to be very low in mood due to his recent relationship breakdown with his wife. He was worried about his children going to Australia and because of his financial worries he is not able to support his children. After listening to him, I empathized with him by saying “it must be very distressing for you”. My attentiveness towards him made him more comfortable and he continued to further share his experiences.

Anna greets the client in a polite and a professional tone. Anna does a good recap of the client's concerns to ensure he understands with clarity.

The client seemed very confused as though she was not sure of what to say and looked up the ceiling taking pauses, blinking, sighing as she spoke about the presenting issue. i nodded continuously to

Counselling has one aim: to help the client. This is a simple aim however it is often difficult to put into effect, this was experienced first-hand in the practice therapy session. Counselling encourages individuals to develop a self-awareness and enables them to make changes in their lives (Cross, 2010). The use of micro-skills is essential in any counselling session as it ensures that the client feels heard and understood and the use of the skills impacts the strength of the therapeutic relationship (Geldard and Geldard, 2005; Lambert & Barley, 2001). The following will outline a summary of the session as well as the clients presenting problems and my aims when approaching this particular session. The video will then be analysed in relation to the micro-skills that were displayed or were attempted, the essay will then outline a case conceptualisation in regards to this particular client and the factors that may influence them to prematurely discontinue with the therapy sessions.

Unconditional Positive Regard means to me, putting no conditions on the working relationship between you and the client, it's looking for and bringing out the positive side of the client. Showing you care, to listen in a none- judgemental caring way. It's allowing the client to talk about what ever they wish at that moment without feeling judged. Regard, to make the client feel equal to show your interest and care.