Morgan_Jarrell_u06a1_Interview_Project

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Mock questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 1 Interview Project: Mock questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist Capella University MFT5008: Foundations in Couple and Family Therapy April 13 th , 2022 Abstract

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 2 In marriage and family therapy it is vital how you format a question. This will determine if you get a direct, open, or closed answer. How therapist ask their clients question can unlock very important information pertaining to their life or situation. Verbiage used and proper tone of voice are also crucial when asking questions. Each person has their own belief systems and views that shapes their actions and decisions. Many theories are included in marriage and family therapy, because not one family is exactly the same. The content of this paper explicates diverse questioning to better understand where one’s response may stem from.

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 3 Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist I feel this project was a great exercise in learning how to ask linear and systematic questions. Applying both linear and systemic questions, in a professional environment, helped me reinforce the lesson to bring me a greater understanding of each theme. Initially, I was intimated by the project and struggled with the contrast between linear and systematic themes. I was not sure how to differentiate the multiple subtypes of systemic questions, circular and relational, and applying them in a way that would prove to be most effective if I was talking to a real-life client. When asking my questions during the interview, I implemented a combination of linear and systemic themes that I felt was most natural in helping the overall flow of the process. On my journey to becoming a marriage and family therapist, this project made me come to a better understanding of how to ask questions in a more professional manner and implement question strategies to come to a greater purpose. The Interview After completing my interview, I felt more at ease asking questions to someone I did not previously already know. My partner and I not only transcribed the interview, but we also recorded the call on zoom. At the end of the interview, I was able to watch myself interact with my partner. This provided crucial information about my tone, body language, speech patterns, and facial expressions. These cues can tell more than the words spoken during an interview. This experience was a nice eye-opener into how to build rapport in interviewing as an MFT. I know I will only continue to learn more about systemic thinking, as well as learning how to ask questions efficiently. Interviewing is a skill that I will learn experiential on my journey to becoming an MFT. This project required me to self-reflect as well. Throughout this process I will have to become progressively aware of my own biases, built-in values, and personality traits

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Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 4 to increase my ability to build therapeutic relationships, that are built on not only mutual respect but also trust. Interview Themes When starting this project, it became apparent how you ask a question makes a substantial difference. I chose to focus on asking my partner about her job, hobbies, and daily activities. Linear questions were easier to compose with “yes or no” feedback, they are direct. However, linear questions alone can be unproductive in getting results. Systemic themes, like circular questioning, aid by intriguing one to change their perspective and motivate them to visualize how others feel and think. Unlike linear questions, which are ideal for deriving definite facts and content and determining information about the situation, circular questioning urges reflection and examination regarding how the issue relates to others within the family. As Watson (1992) explains, “A linear perspective is interested in the intentions behind people's actions; a systems perspective seeks for the effects of one person's behavior on another and the effects of the effects. The content of what people say is a prime focus for the linearly oriented; process is foreground for the systems thinker.” (Pg. 379) Systemic family therapy focuses on “understanding relationships between individuals and their situations” (Evans & Whitcombe, 2015, p. 28) Linear Question Themes While forming a list of linear questions I noticed the trend of beginning with what and why, for example I asked things like, “What is your current job title and what exactly is that?” and “What are the activities you enjoy most in your personal life?”. The content that arose from the linear questions that were raised were informative and factual. Watson (1992) provided a

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 5 table of linear perspective, stating, “A linear perspective focuses on the individual.” (Pg.379) I noticed my partner’s answers to these questions were shorter and more straight forward. For example, my partner answered, “yeah” and “It was not my choice to work from home”, these answers were frank and honest. Some answers uncovered insight on how my partner genuinely feels about working from home. Throughout the interview my partner seemed to disclose more to me and became more comfortable, sequentially she provided more detailed answers. Systemic Question Themes From the systemic line of questioning, I felt like I was presented with a greater insight to my partner. Systemic questions are a vital tool of systemic practice, being they aim to make connections and promote change. The two themes within systemic questioning are circular questioning and relational questioning. Cohen (2019) defines circular questions as, these are questions that seek to elicit information about relationships, differences, meanings, explanations and contexts. They are based on feedback or responses, often in relation to a practitioner’s questions, in order to shed light on a situation being discussed. (Pg. 3) For an example of circular questioning, I asked my partner, “Do you have any interest in any other activities that would bring you more satisfaction than your current, you think?” this question was aimed to make my partner think inward. Relational questioning is more of “standing in someone’s shoes” to gain insight of how another may feel about a situation. A relational question I asked during the interview was, “How do you think people who commute to an office daily, feel about your position working from home?” this question made my partner pause for a moment to think of how someone else may feel having to drive into work daily versus her not having to leave her house.

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 6 Compare and contrast the themes Both themes provided insight to my partner’s life and belief system. When each question was asked, my partner gave me the original thought she had, she did not dwell on the questions asked to change her answer. However, when linear questions were asked, the answers remained briefer. The systemic questions I asked during the interview let my partner reveal more and go into more detail about her work and hobbies. I learned my partner enjoys learning new things and taking on challenging tasks. Theorist influences The theorist who influences my thinking about family systems is Virginia Satir. Satir believed humans are always evolving and capable of intimacy, growth, and change. As stated in the text for the course, “She emphasized the development of positive self-esteem through self- acceptance and the therapist’s role in promoting family relationships that fostered the individuality of each member.” (Hanna, 2018, Pg. 28) Satir also avoided labeling clients and was never critical. I believe those are both very important frameworks for being an MFT. One assumption she based her bond with clients included, “people are doing the best they can at any point in time.” (Hanna, 2018, Pg. 28) Satir believed the therapist’s use of self is the greatest therapeutic tool, furthermore that the therapist must create the conditions to promote positively guiding, transformative change. Therapists who experience their own positively directional Life Energy can provide clients with therapeutic relationships based on care, acceptance and new possibilities. Interviewer Role Stance

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Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 7 My stance as an observer for the linear questions differed drastically from my stance as an observer-participant for the systemic questions. During the linear line of questioning, I felt as if I was expecting some of my partner’s answers. At one point during my linear questioning, I thought maybe my questions were minuscule for the overall interview. It was not until my systemic questioning that my partner’s answers from my linear questions helped guide the interview. I felt through systemic questioning I got to honestly know my partner, we learned we have similar characteristics as well as some of the same beliefs. I felt more involved and at ease talking with my partner by the end of my systemic questions. Relationship with the interviewee My partner and I met via Zoom before we conducted our interviews. We were both anxious on how to approach the questioning, so during our first meeting to set a time for the interview, we discussed which area we were comfortable talking about. The first meeting, I felt my partner had a calming aura. While my partner did not seem judgmental in the slightest, while asking a linear question I felt awkward. My partner’s answers were “cut and dry” with the linear questions asked. When I entered systemic questions, I was more at ease. My partner opened up to me tremendously, this made asking questions easier for me therefore, I felt I was guiding the interview. Multicultural/diversity issues My partner and I agreed to start our interview at 9am central time, being that we both reside within the central time zone. However, we did not disclose precisely where we each lived. We did however discover that we are both at the age of 25. I felt this helped the overall mood of the interview. At one point in the interview, my partner mentioned she would potently like to

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 8 become a video game designer; this came as a surprise to me because the video game industry is primarily male dominated. We both work full time jobs to support ourselves through our personal lives and school. At the end of the interview, I came to really admire my partner’s ambition and drive. Curiosity There were multiple occasions during the interview that piqued my curiosity. When my partner listed her hobbies and current activities outside of school and work, I became fascinated. My partner explained to me that one of her hobbies is making 3D art. Because of my lack of knowledge in this area this required me to ask my partner what this hobby consisted of, leading to a relaxed conversation. My partner also mentioned that she wished she made more time for exercise. Exercising is a passion of mine; therefore, I was very intrigued to talk to my partner on this topic. Bias/Triggers: At one point in the interview, my partner asked me, “How would you describe your mother's conflict resolution skills?” this questioned triggered me slightly, and I became distracted in thought, because this was a reason my parents divorced. After my parents divorced, my mother thought family therapy could benefit my sister and me. We were guided in narrative family therapy which is, “known for the way it addresses societal oppression, empowers discouraged families, and diminishes family isolation by using their language, values, experience, and natural support system. It is a counterpoint to existing cultural practices that label and categorize those who need help.” (Hannah, 2018, Pg. 46) Although I have worked

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 9 through this past time in my life I am still triggered, it just so happens that this question during the interview did just that. Assessment of Interviewer I maintained eye contact during the duration of the interview, focusing solely on my partner. I liked that my partner knew I was interested in what they were saying. Something I did not like was I noticed during the first half of the interview I gave many brief verbal affirmations like, “I see,””Sure,”or”mhm”. I told myself mid-interview this was rude, and I tried to stop interrupting early on. At the end of the interview, we both talked about our flow of questioning and told each other we were available if one needed another. What I Learned I have learned through this project that it is not as easy as it seems to ask people questions. The process to come up with questions to ask was also not as easy as I anticipated. I caught myself going back and forth between linear and systemic questions. I also learned that while interviewing someone, they more than likely will answer future questions while answering an already asked question. Therefore, your questioning will be altered a little from your outline. I know that with practice, I will be able to hone my skills to ask more efficient questions while becoming a marriage and family therapist. Throughout this project, I learned what systems and theories exist in this field. This project will help inform my professional work by adhering to the core values of marriage and family therapy.

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Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 10 References Cohen, E. (2019, November). PSDP—resources and tools: Using systemic questions in supervision . Practice Tool: Using systemic questions in supervision. Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://practice-supervisors.rip.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Using- systemic-questions-in-supervision.pdf Watson, W. L. (1992). "Family therapy." In G.M. Bulechek & J.C. McCloskey (Eds.), Nursing interventions: essential nursing treatments (2 Ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders, pp. 379-391. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/45117 Hanna, S. M. (2018). The Practice of Family Therapy . [Capella]. Retrieved from https://capella.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781351051446/

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 11 Appendix A Linear questions 1. How old are you? 2. What is your job title? 3. Do you choose to work from home? 4. What are the activities you enjoy most in your personal life? 5. Do you partake in your hobbies with anyone else? 6. Do you spend money on your hobbies? 7. Does any of your hobbies improve your mental health? Systemic Questions 1. When did you decide working remote was better for you than working in an office? 2. How do you think people who commute to an office view your position working from home? 3. Do your employers feel your work quality increased while working from home? 4. Do you have any interests in other activities that may bring more satisfaction than your current activities? 5. How do you feel while you’re preforming your hobbies? 6. What are some things you could do to make yourself better at your hobbies? 7. How different do you think your quality of life would be without hobbies?

Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 12 Mini-Transcription Transcription of therapist's" half" of the interview Identify question type: Linear, closed, open, relational, circular Revised questions (after the interview) How old are you? Closed, linear So how old are you? What is your job title? Open, Direct What is your current job title and what exactly is that? Do you choose to work from home? Closed, linear Do you choose to work from home and any particular reason why you do love it? What are the activities you enjoy most in your personal life? Open, Direct What are the activities you enjoy most in your personal life? Do you partake in your hobbies with anyone else? Open, Direct Do you share your hobbies with anyone close to you? Do you spend money on your hobbies? Closed, Linear Would you say you spend a good deal of money on your hobbies? Does any of your hobbies improve your mental health? Open, Linear Would you say any of your hobbies improve your mental health? When did you decide working remote was better for you than working in an office? Open, Circular Do you feel you benefit more from working remote than in an office? How do you think people who commute to an office view your position working from home? Open, Relational How do you think people who commute to an office daily, feel about your position working from home? Do your employers feel your work quality increased while working from home? Open, Relational Do your employer's feel that your work quality has increased while working from home?

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Mock Questioning of a Marriage and Family Therapist 13 Do you have any interests in other activities that may bring more satisfaction than your current activities? Open, Circular Do you have any interest in any other activities that would bring you more satisfaction than your current, you think? How do you feel while you’re preforming your hobbies? Open, Circular How do you feel when you're performing your hobbies? What are some things you could do to make yourself better at your hobbies? Open, Circular Are there any things you could do to make yourself better at any of your hobbies? How different do you think your quality of life would be without hobbies? Open, Relational How different do you think your quality of life would be if you did not have hobbies?

Morgan_Jarrell_u06a1_Interview_Project

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