Assignment task:
In this session, I began focusing on the ability of active listening. How to respond to the client in such a way that my words come across correctly, the client feels at ease talking to me, and I pick up a lot more details about the client's situation in the process. I also learned about the client's nonverbal or silent response, which is another strong reaction that conveys a lot about the client's feelings. I also discovered how important it is to pay close attention as we listen to the client and when to ask close, indirect, and open questions. The main focus of the session was on developing empathy and understanding the client's feelings.
Answer the following question from the above text.
Q1. How was the skill you mentioned in #1 (your goal) demonstrated during your lab? Give examples of what you said or did (verbally and non-verbally) with your client that shows this skill being used.
Q2. How could the skill you mentioned in #1 (your goal) be strengthened? Give examples of what you would say or do (verbally and non-verbally) with your client in the future that would be an improvement. How will you make these improvements? Give specifics steps you will take to improve.
Q3. What do you think would be good to focus on with your client going forward? What stands out for you as important for working with this person in the future? Be specific about what you would do or say with your client the next few times you meet them for a counselling session.
Q4. What did you observe about your client during the session? What verbal & non- verbal communication did you notice doing or saying? What were the discrepancies (they said one thing, but were showing you something different)? How might cultural factors have been part of what you noticed was going on for your client?
Q5. How did you feel when others were giving you feedback? (i.e. Was I defensive? Was it useful?) How do you plan on using the feedback? Describe specifics things you will do or say (or not do and say) based on this feedback.