Personal Function : Personal Reflection

From my earlier process recording, I was able to see how my technique change over time when engaging clients. From my earlier process recording with Donavon, I notice I was doing all the work during our sessions. I was asking questions that I needed answers to and not allowing Donavon feels like he was controlling our session. Although I was able to engage with him I realize I struggled with asking him certain questions. I also realized that I was focused on his family and his living situation and not what he wanted

During the session I communicated to the client by saying things such as ''mmm'' and ''yes I hear you''. Minimal encourager's were used to demonstrate that I was listening to the client, without disturbing her flow too much. I nodded my head on a couple of occasions which again showed the client that she still had my attention. There was a brief moment of silence which I managed by acknowledging that the silence provided a space for the client to think about what she had just said. At this point my attention was on the client and I felt I gave her respect by not interrupting her thinking time as I waited for her to begin talking again.

In self-reflection, I realized that I felt compelled to fill in the gaps in between shared statements. In part, this is likely due to the fact that I find silence to be awkward and I fear that allowing for moments of silence may not be as productive as more assertive conversation. However, upon further review of the recording, I am more aware of becoming willing to consider moments of silence to allow to happen organically. I see the possible value in these moments; especially if they happen when a client is deeply contemplating and visualizing possible

I was able to focus in on the strengths of the client along with providing the client the right to self-determination as to what she would like to do. I attempted to summarize what the client was saying to ensure the client felt understood and to clarify that I understood the situation and needs of the client along with her overall goal of being reunited with her children. There were areas for improvement which include expressing more empathy for the client’s overall situation. I failed to ask how certain things made the client feel. I could have expanded on how the client felt about the death of her grandmother, living in a half-way house, and being separated from her children. I also did not use lead-in responses as much as I could have. As the social worker, I should have expanded on the client’s willingness to be honest about her past and should have thanked her for doing so. This can be extremely difficult for clients to do and honesty is a key part of the working relationship that is being established during the

This professional has a way that when she is reflecting what the clients are saying and expression she is asking them if she is right and they add to the conversation. Above are some of the separate questions that she was asking during the session. There were very few closed ended questions. She would reflect and they would open up even more.

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

During both sessions I was able to collect data, but was more effect during the second session. Included in this is asking open and closed questions. In comparison to the first video, I felt more comfortable asking open and closed questions. I started it by first find the issue that was causing effecting Ashely. I found out the basics in both video, but did so more efficiently in the second video. In the order to find out the issue you must ask who it involves. In the second video it was about the issues he has been her and her roommates. I then asked why it was bothering her, and was able to get an understanding that it was because of the cleanliness of the apartment. Then asked what have you tried to help fix this issue. The first video I was able to ask these questions but was not very successful to come to a clear understanding. Both video I noticed that I tend to talk with my hands, but Ashley and I made the connect when she started to mirror my body language. I also felt much more comfortable making meaning full eye contact, in the second video. I was able to have better eye contact because I felt so much more relaxed. We broke eye contact because it was not a staring contest, but looked when we were thinking. This is a sign of a proper session that eye contact is made when there is a mutual connection. During the client in both videos was correct because when I watched them again I did notice vocal changes when we were recalling events which also made us hesitate. The second video I was much more successful in paraphrasing what Ashley. In doing this it made me recall what Ashley said, and ask the phrase of did I get this right? I also accepted the value of silence better in the second video. The first video I didn’t like having the silence, because it made it feel awkward. While reviewing the second video I was able to realize that silence is important for both sides in order to

Making eye contact is an important part of the engagement skills, which was adhered. I did make facial expressions during the role play. I smiled along with client what she made a joke and I showed a concerned face when discussion Sophia’s behaviors. During the role play, I leaned in a little bit towards the client to let her know that she had my full attention. Warmth, empathy, and genuineness are all great communication skills to convey (Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr., 2018). I displayed warmth in the role play by smiling at the client when acceptable. Genuineness was conveyed through making eye contact and showing concern for her daughter’s behaviors in the home and school. I missed empathy during the role play. I should have utilized reflective listening by repeating what was going on with Sophia’s behaviors in the home and school. After understanding the whole picture, I should have went on with the hours that were going to be prescribed for Sophia and the plan. Having the client discuss their strengths would be a great step in building rapport with the client. I failed to discuss Sophia’s strengths during the role play. Showing concern for a client’s behaviors will convey a sense of genuineness that you do care for the client and want to

I was anxious to hear his response but I was trying to stay with client on topic.

Looking back at our conversation, I noticed that I had gone through the five stages of listening. These stages are receiving, understanding, remembering, evaluating, and responding. During the responding stage, I found that I wanted to cut into the conversation to ask questions which would have been immediate feedback, however, I remembered that it is important to let the client finish talking. I then resorted to using delayed feedback by waiting until the participant had finished telling her story before I added any questions or comments. During the conversation, I found that I had to use active listening as well as empathetic listening. Applying active listening gave me the ability to improve mutual understanding by sending back what I thought the participant meant in context and feeling. likewise, empathetic listening allowed me to think about how I would feel if I were to lose my sight in one of my eyes, in addition, evaluate how my life would be affected. It was also amusing to get a glimpse of how much fun they have while playing jingo. As I watched how some of them reacted, I could tell that they take it very seriously, as they demand it to be quiet so they could hear every picture

After a deep reflection, I identified my ability to relate to people on a one-on-one level as one my strengths. This strength was demonstrated in my first session. I think it was fairly easy for me to build rapport with my client because I could relate to some of his life struggles. I also think was able to relate to my client because I was able to create an environment in which he felt comfortable telling me about very personal aspects of his life. This was particularly important because we discussed issues regarding his relationship with his wife. I think I provided a non-judgmental platform for him to speak honestly. In addition to relatability, I also think I demonstrated a strength in my ability to remain open minded and reflective after each session. To exemplify, I was able to note moments in the session that did not well and needed

What were your goals – for your own skill development and for the client’s well-being? I wanted to make sure I provided the best knowledge, I learned so far for my client. The client well-being is very important to me, so I wanted to make sure I avoid harming my client in anyway. I wanted to show my client compassion, empathy and build a trusting relationship.

My fear is that I might have taken that away from her. Although, I did receive a good response from her, but I can run into a situation in which a client won’t respond like she did or would have a different perspective on what my interrupting means to them. For example, they might think that I am rude and not listening to their problems in a depth.

Repeat back to the client what they have said, and ask them if you have

I constantly tried to scan his body language, however briefly, always bringing my eyes back into contact with the clients. Vocally I tried to maintain a soft, low tone. My hopes were the tone was calming and inviting. I found it difficult to track the clients tone and thought it was difficult to keep the pace and decide when to reflect or ask a question. I think in part this was due to the client’s tone going from soft, loud, to louder in no distinct order. This occurred all throughout the