Navigating Client Cases: Insights from a COSP Session

Laura Hammouda SOWK-6323 Practice with Individuals Across Lifespan Dr . Rose Perez October 29, 2023 Assignment 2 The current agency that I have my field placement at is called Rising Ground . Our agency intakes referrals from multiple sources . The case I will be speaking about today was referred to us by her therapist for our Circle of Security Program . The Circle of Security Program is a group that is held once a week for 8 weeks . This program teaches parents the concept of parenting with wisdom and growth . Parents will learn how to protect and nurture their children while also encouraging their independence . Doing so, the parent also gets to learn about their child’s different developmental stages . The client, Jane Doe, was able to have her records shared with us through our medical documentation program called IMA . IMA is where all clinicians can share previous medical documents to give information on the client’s history . As a newly hired intern, I do not have access to the IMA program therefore, I was led to rely on her therapist notes that was shared into our COSP excel spreadsheet with all patients referred to the COSP group . Furthermore, this was also my first encounter with any

client at my field agency . Therefore, I felt that I was overwhelmed from the lack of resources I was given . Her therapist fortunately, was able to leave key comments about the patient’s history that therapist thought was vital to know in order to create a positive treatment plan . These key comments consisted of Jane’s strengths and difficulties that may hinder the type of care that she needs to receive . For Jane’s notes, it stated that she is a previous victim of domestic abuse with two children, one under the age of 6 years old . It also stated that her preferred way of communication was through email as her phone had no data . She can only be contacted via phone when she is under WIFI . Some strengths that were listed from Jane was that although she is hard to contact, she always replies to services . Another strength that Jane has was persistence, as she has been connected with her therapist for a very long time . The role I had for this case, was to conduct the first session of COSP . The first sessions are called the introductory session and it where we can have the opportunity to explain to the client what the group is all about and what they can expect in the future sessions . In order to create a rough draft of the agenda for the meeting, I needed to get more information on the client’s history . The preparation process for me was a difficult as I was not given the full access to documentation as stated

previously . This was my biggest weakness as I was not able to gather as much information from previous medical charts that other therapists/ medical professionals may have added . Therefore, I had to engage in the skill or preparatory exploring . Preparatory exploring involves asking questions and seeking information about a prospective client prior to the meetings . Other workers in an agency such as, receptionist and intake workers can withhold useful information that can improve the quality of the first contact . From talking with my supervisor, I was able to gain connections with a former mental health clinician that had connected with Jane before . This is the process of preparatory consultation . Preparatory consultation involves seeking advice from a professional colleague within your institution and was one of my biggest strengths to prepare for this case . From talking with the clinician, I was able to gain more of an understanding of Jane’s history and major stressors . The clinician started off by sharing her perspective of Jane as a person stating that she is very bubbly and easy to talk to . From further speaking about her history, I was able to note that she is a single mother who is struggling to reach ends meet . I learned that although she struggles to pay her bills, she ensures that her children’s needs are somewhat met . However, Jane is having difficultly dealing with behavioral issues of her children and how to cope with stressful situations lately . Therefore, she

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

was referred to the Circle of Security Group as a way to learn a new perspective on parenting . Throughout the preparation process, I learned that it can be extremely helpful to talking with other individuals within your agency prior to the meeting of your client . Colleagues in an agency can provide you with valuable insight on many different things . For example, I felt nervous and unprepared that I still did not have access to IMA . However, with collaboration, I was able to create notes for myself that can be helpful to keep in mind when meeting my client for the first time . I also felt that connecting with colleagues, I got to hear about their own approaches to introductory session . This provided me with more guidance and was able to receive feedback on my own approach to the introductory session . Prior to the meeting, I sent Jane and email with the zoom link, and was able to confirm her attendance . About 10 minutes before the meeting, I read over my notes and tried to keep the key points at the back of my mind . When I logged onto the zoom, I see that Jane is having difficult connecting to the camera . She also is in the presence of her two children which can be a distraction for her . This is where the notes and preparation tactic prior were at use . I was able to remind myself that she is a single mother and can be hard for her to have alone time . To start of

the meeting, I made sure to seek out for proper engagement from Jane . I started off with a simple introduction of my name, profession, and agency that I intern for . For many individuals, names tend to hold special significance (Couryner, 2017), therefore, I wanted to give the space for the client to introduce themselves as well . I also was able to learn from her own worlds her family dynamics and why she may think her therapist recommended her to join COSP . Establish rapport during the initial interview is extremely important . Creating a warm welcoming environment can promote a better client - worker relationship . I noticed however, that Jane was frequently going on mute in order to scold or speak to her children . However, I remembered some of the core social worker values such as to have empathy . In this case, I wanted to make sure that I showed empathy by acknowledging Jane’s efforts and determination to show up to the session regardless of her circumstances . Although she was distracted at times throughout the session, with empathy in mind, I thanked her multiple times for her efforts and determination to coming to her services . Research demonstrates that a practitioner’s level of empathy is correlated with positive client outcome (Gerdes,2011) . Empathy helps social workers connect more empathically with clients from a wider range of sociocultural backgrounds while making them less vulnerable to becoming overwhelmed or out of sight

(Gerdes,2011) . Empathy for me, helps me keep in mind the different stressors, opinions, biases and emotions state of the other person . Unfortunately, I failed to perform preparatory empathy . Preparatory empathy involves “envisioning the world and the current circumstances from another person or group’s perspective and experience” (Couryner, 2017, pg. 259) . Putting yourself in your clients’ shoes can help you anticipate different aspects of your clients . If I performed preparatory empathy, I may have already anticipated a more distracted setting from me knowing that she is a single mother as well as anticipating that she would have connection issues knowing that he did not have data and the WIFI can be unstable . Furthermore, the agenda of the session was as followed: introduce the Circle of Security, watch animation, introduce key points, and hear some feedback from the client . Throughout the meeting, I made sure to actively listen to any concerns, comments and questions made from the client . After the introductions are out of the way, I wanted to also share the agenda with client in order to have full transparency . This process is called summarizing the contract or service agreement . This involves a “concise review of the essential elements of the service agreement as endorsed by both the client and social worker” (Couryner, 2017, pg. 436) . Having full transparency on the schedule and service can help the client understand more about why they may be receiving it .

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Before continuing and putting on the animation I also wanted to give some client in-session tasks . In session tasks are “procedure, activities, or intervention techniques that you or clients undertake during your meeting together” (Couryner,2017, pg425) . I remembered to a prior meeting with my supervisor where she gave me tips to keep individuals engaged when we have to show a video or read something together . Therefore, I felt that having in session tasks such as letting her know that I would be asking questions after the video would help her devote more of her attention . After watching the video, I practiced the skill of clarification . Clarification is a vital skill that helps the client gather information in a more concise matter . Often, clients may not verbally express that they are in need of clarification “because they are uncertain about what they actually think” (Couryner, 2017, pg326) . Therefore, throughout the verbatim you can see multiple sections where I utilized the clarification skill in order to ensure good communication . After I wanted to move on to utilizing the skill of asking open and closed ended questions to hear more about what she grasped from the video . As a social worker, asking closed-ended questions can be important in specific situations . Closed- ended questions are those that can typically be answered with a simple

"yes" or "no" or a brief piece of information . While open-ended questions encourage people to express themselves expansively and extensively (Couryner, 2017, pg322) . While using open ended questions, you can see at the end of the verbatim that I was able to gain some insight on how the Circle of Security program’s theory may relate with her own life . For example, after the video, I asked the client what are things that she felt connected. This way, she was able to go further in her own thought and create a dialogue where she can express what she sees as important or inspiring . She expresses that she is fond of the idea of COSP . In order to further elaborate, I think back to her previous history of her expressing that she was having trouble parenting her children . Therefore, I moved the open-ended questions to topics of her children and experiences that may relate with the key points of COSP . After hearing her responses, I can say that I was actively listening, however, I failed to show reflecting feelings after looking over my verbatim . Reflecting feelings is a way of empathic active listening (Couryner,2017) . This usually consists of “brief response that communicate your understandings of the feelings of a client” (Couryner,2017, pg332). I feel that in sections where she was relaying a connecting story about her own experience, I failed to use feelings words to practice reflecting feeling skill. Using feeling words and phrases such as “You must have felt overwhelmed” can be powerful emphatic reflections of feeling (Couryner, 2017).

At the end of the meeting, this is where I used closed ended questions . Some closed ended questions I used were to know more about how she felt about continuing this program . Closed ended questions can gather a great deal of information quickly. Unfortunately, I only had one hour with my client and the meeting needed to be wrapped up faster than I had expected. Therefore, my closed ended questions were directed to making sure that we create an agreement and scheduling for our next session. One of my biggest flaws throughout this session, was time management. Although this session’s goals were to introduce the program, I feel that if I planned more and had more time, I could have gotten a more vital and informing conversation with the client. From having to wrap up the meeting in order to ensure that we end at the correct time, I also failed to summarize our continuing goals and ending process. Overall, since this was my first chance to engage with any client meeting, I do feel that I did succeed on doing the main goal of the session.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

FORDHAM UNIVERSITY GRADUATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SERVICE PROCESS RECORDING Submitted By : Laura Hammouda On Date: 10/24/2023 Case Name: Jane Doe Location of Interview: ZOOM Office Date of Interview: 10/24/2024 Contact #: N/A Present In Session: Client, Supervisor: Catherine Scholth Purpose of Contact and Goal of Session: To introduce the Circle of Security Program Basic Client Description: - Client is a 27 year old women. She has two child , one under the age of 6 years old. She is a previous victim of domestic violence and is having a hard time meeting ends meet. In what pre-engagement activities did you engage to prepare for your meeting? - Preparatory exploring-

- Preparatory consultation Verbatim Dialogue Skills Utilized Student Feelings & Reactions Observations & Analysis Student Hello Ms. Doe, my name is Laura Hammouda. Thank you for joining me today, how are you? Introduction I was happy to see that she was able to join the meeting. I see that she was also on zoom with her children in the same room with her. Client Hello, I have been good. I’m sorry for the distraction in the background, my children as here with me as well. Active Listening I wanted to reassure her that I understand her difficulties. Client acknowledged that her children may cause a distraction to her focusing on zoom. Student That is alright, I understand as a single mother, it can be hard to get some time alone. Probing/ Acknowledging I felt that she showed determination by showing up to the meeting regardless of her status. Client is distracted and looking at her kids. Client Yes, it is. Active Listening I feel that she may be a little overwhelmed Client is muting her self in-between sentences. Student Well, today, I was to introduce you into the Circle of Security Program and why this may be helpful for you. Describing purpose/goal I wanted to introduce the subject of the session in order to engage her attention. Client is listening but not actively looking at the screen. Client Yea, I don’t know much of why I have to be in this meeting Active listening I understand that the client may have not learned what the reason for joining the group. Client looked away from the screen. Student Well, let me start off with ensuring, do you have a child Probing I wanted to hear more from the client and engage Client smiled.

under the age of 6 years old? her in conversation. Client Yes, I do he is 4 years old. Active Listening Client smiled. Student That’s great. The COSP will help you learn a new skill and knowledge on how attachment can play a big role in your child’s development during there vital stages. Informing/ Explaining I wanted to connect on how COSP relates with having children. Client I think I know how to parent really well. Active Listening I see that the client feels threatened on her parenting skills. Client looks away. Student I agree with you and one thing I want to ensure is that the COSP is not saying that there is “one right way of parenting” However, I understand that parents can get a little overwhelmed at times and the circle of security program can give you a little new perspective. Do you ever feel overwhelmed with your children ? Probing I felt the need to ensure her that her parenting skills are not in mockery. Client Yes, I do. Sometimes when they cry, I am unsure of what the next step is. Active Listening. I wanted to hear more of her experiences or struggles. Client appears to be engaged. Student Well that is the case Re- I felt that I wanted Client appeared to

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

for many other parents as well. Are you open to exploring COSP a little bit during our first session today with the help of my supervisor? assurance/Probing to give her a sense of control. be engaged. Client Yes, I am Active Listening I was happy to hear that she wanted to hear more. Client was actively staring at the screen. Student So before we start, I just want to give a warning that we will be watching videos ,so I just want to make sure that you are able to see and hear the screen clearly. Explanation I wanted to ensure that she was able to watch the videos. Client was on mute talking to her child. Client Yes I can. Actively Listening I was happy to hear that there will be no difficulties. Client was watching the screen. Student Great, and feel free to interrupt anytime if you have any questions. Clarification I wanted to ensure her that she can speak at any time. Client was engaged. Client Okay. Student -plays first video of circle of security animation - Client -watches video- Client was on mute and would occasionally be talking to her children. Student -Stops video- What were some Clarification The client was on mute.

things that you grasped from the video? Client I thought it was interesting how the video said that the child always runs back to there momma cause my son does the same thing. Active listening I’m glad to see that she as watching the video and listening as well. The client appeared engaged and focused on the screen. Student Yeah , that’s great. You can see in the video that the child is going back to there mom or any type of caregiver in sight because they feel that they can trust them like the video said. Can you give me an example of when you identified a moment where your own child maybe looks only for you in order for them to stop crying? Clarification I felt that I wanted to clarify further from what she had said. I also wanted to hear her own experience. Client was actively listening. Client Yes all the time. My child will always pull my hair in order to get my attention or scream. Active Listening I’m glad to see her making connections. Client was reminiscing. Student Yeah totally, that is a great example of how children looks at there care giver for help or when they are in need of something. What Open ended question I felt good hearing her example. Client was looking away at her kids and scolding them.

are things did you catch in the video that you felt connected to? Client I also liked how the video focuses on caring a lot. Active listening I was glad to see that she used a key word from the video. Client was engaged. Student Yeah , can you explain a little more on why you like that part? Closed-ended question I felt that she was overall a really caring and nice person. Client was engaged. Client Well, I always try to be caring and patient with my kids Active-Listening I was glad to hear that she tries to be caring to her kids at tough times. Client was looking at her kids. Student That’s great. I really like that part of the video as well. To elaborate a little bit more, when children feel safe and supportive, they will look at you for help. The video points out that they key point is to be strong and kind while identifying your child’s needs can be hard but is important for your child’s needs. Reflective feeling/ Clarification I wanted to clarify more on this future. I felt that she had more to say. Client was engaged. Client I agree. It can be hard and I see the connection and how the video animate it. Active Listening Glad to hear that the client enjoyed the video and agrees with the theory behind COSP Client appeared to be smiling. Student Great. To summarize the Summarization/ Clarification I wanted to summarize the Client appeared to be engaged.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

video and get a little clarification, the circle of security program focuses on helping caregivers reflect and identify there child needs in order to promote secure attachment with there child. So, from this course, you’ll learn some universal tactics on how to identify signs of need in your child as well as maybe how to cope with that stress you were mentioning earlier. Does this sound like something you may be interested into continuing to learn about ? program and grasp key points. Client Yes, I know my therapist also recommended it so, I trust her and I know I should do this. Active listening I am glad to hear that the client trusts her therapist. Client is smiling. Student That is great and I’m really glad to hear that. As we come closer to the end of our session, I just want to thank you for taking this time to learn a little bit more about the COSP program. Acknowledgement I wanted to shine light on her accomplishment for attending the meeting. I felt that she made great effrots. Client is smiling.

Client No problem. I enjoyed watching the video and like understanding why this might be helpful. Active listening I was glad to hear that she acknowledged her own need of support. Client is smiling. Student Does this mean I can go ahead and put you down that you will be coming to session 2? Closed- ended question I wanted to wrap it up and get her next appointment insured. By her previous history, I felt that his way best as it is hard to contact her. Client is actively listening. Client Yes, you can Active listening I was glad to hear that she is willing to make the next appointment. Client is smiling. Student Great, your next appointment will be next week on Tuesday at the same time , does that work for you as well? Closed- ended question I wanted to ensure that the time of the appointment will work for her.By getting to know her more, I understand that her schedule can be difficult. Client is talking to her children. Client Yes, this works for me just send me an email. Active-Listening I acknowledged her preferred way of communication. Client is listening. Student Great, I will certainly do that. Well that concludes this session. Our time has run up and once again thank you for coming to your first session today! Wrapping up I was glad to hear that she wanted to do more sessions. Client Thank you as well. Goodnight. I was happy at the end of the session

and felt that this was a good introduction. References Cournoyer, B. (2016). The social work skills workbook (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning Custom Publishing. Gerdes, K. E., & Segal, E. (2011). Importance of Empathy for Social Work Practice: Integrating New Science. Social Work , 56 (2), 141–148. https://doi-org.avoserv2.library.fordham.edu/10.1093/sw/56.2.141.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Final engagement paper

Related Documents