preview

Personal Reflection

Decent Essays
Open Document

My first client sat in silence, save for the occasional kissing sounds he made. He had been involuntarily committed under the Baker Act the day before. Since he lacked family or friends, I was appointed as his guardian advocate and became responsible for overseeing his treatment and protecting his rights as a patient. I mentally rifled through my training manual. It can get better. This phrase peppered the pages in my mind, but advice on helping nonverbal, slightly suggestive clients was scarce. Ask open ended questions. I heeded the manual's suggestion, but his stubborn gaze met each attempt. Frustrated, I left with a promise to return the next day. I reflected on the events that brought me to this point. When I was a child, my mother was a victim of domestic violence. Consequently, I witnessed the devastating impact that trauma can have on an individual and family. Already innately empathetic, I began to develop an appetite for helping people through difficult circumstances. I had often made myself available as an ear to friends and family, but this was my first opportunity to apply my compassionate nature to something larger; I wanted to change someone's life. Identifying with the experiences and struggles of another is key to providing assistance. While I was uncertain of the best way to gain insight into my silent client's needs, I concluded that examining his medical history was a decent place to start. The file acted as a compilation of snapshots that underscored

Get Access