There are many different counseling strategies that we have covered so far in class, some are a review and others are new to me. One skill in particular that I had practiced before in Interpersonal class is reflective listening—such as asking clarifying questions, reflecting content, reflecting meaning, and building rapport with a client. I was introduced to these skills and used them in my daily life before enrolling this class; however, the instruction in PSYC 4030 has assisted me in finding ways to make these skills seem less robotic and more natural. I also have enjoyed learning about other skills such as self-disclosure. I am still not sure how to use this effectively in role-plays (especially because my life experience is limited due to my age), but I am sure that this particular technique will prove useful later in my profession to assure clients certain behaviors are “normal.”
Much of what has been covered so far in class I can see being useful and could help me accomplish my vocational goals: I want to be a trauma counselor with the Red Cross and eventually open a safe home for young women who are victims of human
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Again, I am assuming that I will perform many mental status examinations, especially while working for the Red Cross. I would appreciate being able to experience what one of these examinations could look like in class. I am also looking forward to completing another professional contact. For the first contact I met with my Aunt and discussed her current job, and I am looking forward to potentially meeting with a trauma counselor (maybe someone specialized in EMDR therapy) for the next and final contact. Overall, I am enjoying this course and am learning more than I originally anticipated. I am looking forward to the rest of the semester and learning more counseling techniques that could benefit me in the