COU101.edited

docx

School

Harvard University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

200

Subject

Psychology

Date

Nov 24, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MegaBravery8204

1 Self-reflective Essay Name University’s name Course Instructor Date

2 Self-reflective Essay During a counselling session with Raj, which was informed of an interview, I applied therapy theory, and person-centred Therapy was the most suitable approach. I selected this practice theory because of its emphasis on empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard, which are crucial in creating a therapeutic alliance with a client as they help gather in- depth information. In my experience as a counselling student, individuals have the capacity for self-awareness and self-direction, and it respects the uniqueness of each Client's expertise; hence, the approach aligns with this belief. In this regard, this essay will reflect on the interview conducted with Raj and individuals with issues requiring counselling. While interacting with Raj, I consistently demonstrated empathy by actively listening to his concerns, which were mainly being distant from his partner and feeling low. I made sure that he understood that we were together in this situation to help him get over the lowliness in his life. Empathy in person-centred Therapy involves understanding the Client's perspective without judgment. Therefore, during the counselling session, I did not blame Raj for the condition he was in, which led to him opening up on what led to his circumstances. As Raj spoke about his grandmother's passing, I conveyed empathy by acknowledging the deep emotional impact it had on him. Additionally, maintaining authenticity and unity is essential in person-centred Therapy. As a result, I made sure that my non-verbal and verbal communication aligned with my genuine acceptance and understanding of Raj’s experiences. The transparency helped in building trust, a fundamental aspect of creating a therapeutic relationship, especially during the interview. Furthermore, person-centred Therapy stresses creating an accepting and non-judgmental environment. Due to this perspective from the theory, throughout the counselling session, I

3 expressed unconditional positive regard by validating Raj's experiences and feelings without imposing my emotions and judgements. This was mainly important when he was unable to talk about his grandmother and mentioned feeling sad concerning the circumstances he was in. Person-centred therapy theory was selected for Raj's case because the view is rooted in the belief that people have an innate tendency towards personal growth and self-actualization. Thus, its non-directive and holistic nature was the best approach for Raj. First, the theory helps in respecting autonomy, considering Raj was an 18-year-old individual in a stage where self- exploration and independence are of the essence for personal development. Person-centred therapy respects and supports this autonomy by allowing Raj to take an active role in shaping the counselling process. The approach values the Client's ability to explore their thoughts and emotions in a manner that feels most authentic and meaningful to them. Secondly, the theory was selected because it is inherently person-focused, seeing the individual as a whole instead of viewing them as a collection of issues and symptoms. Therefore, this corresponds to the holistic nature of the approach, recognizing that Raj's concerns are interconnected with his experiences, emotions, and relationships. By adopting a holistic perspective, the Therapy aimed to explore not only the surface-level symptoms but also the underlying factors contributing to Raj's low mood and emotional distance. Lastly, person-centred Therapy was applied in this case because it promotes a sense of control. For instance, by permitting Raj to set the agenda for the session, the Therapy enabled a sense of control and ownership over his counselling process. This empowerment is crucial, especially for someone like Raj, who might be grappling with a sense of helplessness and sadness, as it gives ownership over his counselling process. This practice theory informs my approach in several ways, considering the fact that it creates a therapeutic relationship that prioritizes the Client's experiences and acknowledges their

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

4 emotions. Firstly, the approach fosters a climate of openness and trust, as person-centred Therapy places a high value on creating an environment of faith, and this was evident in my practice with Raj. I made sure that I was not judgmental, and by doing so, Raj felt more comfortable sharing his thoughts and feelings, particularly regarding the sensitive topic of his grandmother's passing. Secondly, the theory informed my approach by helping the Client acknowledge emotional responses, helping me to connect deeply with him. For example, he expressed feeling sad most of the time, and he found it challenging to discuss his grandmother's passing. In alignment with Person-Centered Therapy, I acknowledged and validated his emotional responses without judgment. As a consequence, the Therapy aimed to provide a space where he felt heard and understood by respecting Raj’s emotions. Additionally, person-centred Therapy helped my approach during the counselling session by recognizing that each person has valuable experience. While working with Raj, my main priority was understanding his subjective reality – his thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. By actively listening to his concerns about feeling low and distant from his partner and respecting his emotional response to his grandmother's passing, I acknowledged the significance of his individual experience. This emphasis on subjectivity helps to validate the Client's feelings, promoting a sense of understanding and acceptance. Finally, the theory played a great role in allowing a chance for space for self-paced sharing. For example, in accordance with person-centred Therapy, I respected Raj's pace and allowed him the freedom to share at his comfort level. This approach ensured that he felt in control of the therapeutic process, reducing feelings of vulnerability and anxiety. Regarding the strengths, person-centred Therapy was very effective in various ways during the interview session with Raj. First, it enhanced client autonomy by empowering Raj to participate actively in the counselling session, making the process smooth. Despite our past

5 experiences, we managed to finish the interview successfully. Therefore, it is evident that the theory helped contribute to a sense of self-directed exploration and agency. Likewise, the approach helped in establishing a rapport during the interview with Raj; through a non- judgmental and empathetic stance, I was able to facilitate the establishment of a strong therapeutic alliance with Raj, creating a safe space for him to share his concerns. Lastly, the approach helped respect the uniqueness of Raj's cultural background, acknowledging the influence of family dynamics in his life and thus employing cultural sensitivity during the counselling process. While the approach was effective during the counselling session, it had some limitations. To begin with, the approach followed a general culturally sensitive; when dealing with individuals, observing individual cultural needs requires additional cultural competence that looks into the Client's circumstances through the lenses of cultural sensitivity in a community or a family. Also, person-centred Therapy has a potential need for direction in the sense that the non-directive nature may pose challenges in cases where clients require more structured interventions or guidance. For instance, in Raj’s case, his lack of focus and motivation on studies might benefit from a more directive approach. In summary, during the counselling session with Raj, I applied person-centred Therapy, and it proved to be more effective in promoting client autonomy, establishing a therapeutic alliance, and addressing his emotional struggles. The choice of this theory was based on a holistic orientation, which led to a comprehensive understanding of his experiences. Person- centred Therapy aimed to create a supportive and empowering space for Raj to navigate and process his emotions in the aftermath of his grandmother's passing. These elements collectively contributed to the establishment of a therapeutic alliance that supported Raj in exploring and

6 understanding his feelings in the context of his recent loss and other life challenges. Despite the success of the theory, the counselling session with Raj had some limitations, and it is important to be open to using different therapeutic techniques when needed. Ultimately, reflective practice in counselling is an ongoing process, and continuous evaluation of the chosen approach ensures the provision of tailored and effective interventions for clients.

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

Related Documents

written assignment wk1.docx

Graded Quiz Unit 3_ HS 4990-2.pdf

Chapters six and eight wrap up.docx

Sonali HLTH1210.docx

Discussion Topic.docx

intl-2265141677-AI.pdf

PSYC 3530 (Gordon) Exam 3 Practice - Details - Kahoot!.pdf

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780134477961

Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White

Publisher:PEARSON

Cognitive Psychology

Psychology

ISBN:9781337408271

Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.

Publisher:Cengage Learning,

Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...

Psychology

ISBN:9781337565691

Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)

Psychology

ISBN:9780393265156

Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga

Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company

Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...

Psychology

ISBN:9781285763880

Author:E. Bruce Goldstein

Publisher:Cengage Learning

Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)

Psychology

ISBN:9781305652958

Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz

Publisher:Cengage Learning

SEE MORE TEXTBOOKS

Recommended textbooks for you

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:9781337408271
Author:Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and ...
Psychology
ISBN:9781337565691
Author:Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:9780393265156
Author:Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a...
Psychology
ISBN:9781285763880
Author:E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:9781305652958
Author:Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:Cengage Learning