Counselling Session Reflective Essay

Counselling a stranger can be difficult, counselling a friend is fraught with difficulties. I found this practice session particularly challenging as I asked a very old friend to play the part of the client. I understand as a result of this session why being a therapist for family and close friends is not advised. Even though I was playing the role of the counsellor, my inner self was in a constant tug-of-war between being a friend and keeping a professional step back as required by a counsellor. The session took place in the home of the client. Her two-year-old daughter was in attendance. This made the session difficult as we were interrupted throughout. There are times in the taping of the session that required us to stop the filming as her daughter was fascinated by the camera and would walk up to it singing and laughing at herself. It was difficult to keep the session fluid as a result. My client, Janet, came to the session wishing to discuss problems she was having with her ex-husband and also the impact this was having on her three daughters. In watching the session, there were some things I did well, others not so well and a couple I should not have. I listened actively, this lead me to being able to ask appropriate questions allowing Janet to expand further. I believe that rapport was established and maintained. I employed empathy, this was a struggle. Whilst I did ask appropriate questions, there were times when instead of questioning I should have been feeding back. I interrupted Janet in parts, thereby cutting off her being able to go forward. In suggesting to Janet “couple / parenting counselling” I denied Janet the opportunity to set her own goal. In practice sessions throughout this module I have when working with ‘clients’ who more acquaintances than friend I was able to effectively employ empathy, and allow them to set their own goals. Originally I was to use another person for the taping of this session; unfortunately she had a family emergency,

References: Australian Counselling Association. (2008). Code of Conduct (Version 6).Retrieved from http://www.theaca.net.au/ DeVito, J. A. (2007). The interpersonal communication book (11th ed.). New York: Harper Collins. Lewis, T.D. and Graham, G. (2003) 7 tips for effective listening. Copyright Institute of Internal Auditors, 60:4, pp 23-24 McLeod, J. (2003). An introduction to counselling (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, P.A: Open University Press [pic] ----------------------- In order to ensure your assessment is correctly identified, the information below must be copied and pasted on to the title page of each written assessment. You must enter your own details prior to submission.