Motivational Interview Reflection

It became clear after my first session with Kevin, he would need additional sessions with the counseling center and myself. Kevin had been on academic probation for two quarters, his girlfriend of three years had just broken up with him, and he insinuated wanting to harm himself. During our first session it was visible he was under a lot of stress and very emotional, therefore, making our environment safe and comfortable became my first priority. I immediately started working on building a strong client and counselor relationship by clearly addressing our office’s policies, rules, and what he can expect from the sessions. More importantly, explained my office was a safe place for him to talk about issues, problems, and/or concerns he had

During our second session as I attentively listened to Kevin express anxiety about feeling helplessness, not believing he was up to par with the academic rigor, and his presidency roll for a campus organization. I knew Motivational Interview approach would be the most beneficial in changing his behavior and outlook in regard to continuing his education. Merely advising him in the direction he should take would not be conducive towards a positive outcome, rather redirecting him to adopt a goal orientation process with a self-motivational approach would direct him in making a positive change and have ownership of his

In our second session I conducted a genogram about his family and important individuals in life. From the genogram, I learned Kevin was the first person in his family to attend a four-year university after transferring from a community college. His family migrated to the United States two years before his birth and the transition was difficult, especially as his father was deported a year after his family migrate. The fortunate event produced a financial hardship and disadvantage to Kevin’s mother to succeed during a time when the male was considered the main breadwinner in the household.
Though his father was able to reunite with the family years later, the family continued to live in poverty. Furthermore, knowing his family counted on him to succeed in school to later help the family financially, gave Kevin anxiety when his academic performance was not meeting both the institution and his expectations. Along with losing his girlfriend of three years; the only person he was able to find solace in, he disclosed feeling depressed, angry, and unable to control his emotions, therefore, lashing out