Personal Narrative: My First Session

First Session
During the first session with the client we went over the consent form and I asked them if there were any questions about it, which they had only one to make sure that it was not being show to the entire class, once answered they signed the form. I think that when I make my own form I will have a better understanding of how to explain the reason behind it and also better explain what it is form. After the form was signed I conducted and interview with the client.
During this interview I was unsure how to intervene with the client when they were going into such detail right away. I think that this is a skill I will need to continue to improve on. During the interview I used both closed-ended and open-ended questions to gain information from the client so I could get a better understanding of who they are as a person. After watching the film, I think that I could have conducted the interview better. I believe that I made a mistake by asking the client why they were there, before asking questions on their background. I think this made me back track on the client and made the beginning of the session a little awkward. This has allowed me to realize how I would like to

start counseling sessions in the future.
During the rest of the counseling session when talking about the presenting problem they were having. I paraphrased what the client was saying and using a check out to make sure what I said was accurate. This is important to make sure I was on the same page as the client. I also reflected feeling I was observing from the client, however, I found it difficult not to ask a question after doing this. Even though I had a hard time doing this I only used a tag along question two times. I did use fluctuation in my voice to make sure the reflection of feeling I stated was correct or incorrect. After doing this the client also elaborated on the feelings more then when I asked as a tag along question.
At the end of this session I summarized what happened in the session with the client. Then I asked the client to reflect on a letter that they had to write, and if they were to write the letter to take time to them selves and have silly fun.
Second Session
During the second session I was able to welcome the client back for the second session and also summaries what we went over last session. After the summary I used a tag along question to find out where the client was in the process of the presenting problem. During this session I felt like I allowed the client to talk a lot causing them to go off on other topics. I was not sure how to redirect the client back to the presenting problem. However, I did not redirect the client during the session because I saw how everything they were talking about was connected to the problem they came to counseling for. I was also not sure if I should redirect the client because I know that it is the client that should set what we are going to talk about in the session. I also know that there are times we need to push the client, just the right amount, to talk about difficult things. Throughout this session I reflected back feelings that I perceived the client feeling which was beneficial because at one point the client could not put into words how they were feeling and when I said the emotion I was observing they identified with it fully.
During this session I showed more facial expressions which could show the client I want to be here with them. I think that in this session I truly looked inviting and welcoming for the client by having open body language. Also during this session, I found it easier not to add tag along questions at the end of any statement I said, however I still think this is one of the biggest thing I need to continue to work on. I continued to use different counseling skills throughout the session such as paraphrasing, summarizing, reflection of feeling, and listening skills.
At the end of this session I was able to summarize what we talked about and what we would talk about during the next session together (if we were to have one). Then I gave the client homework, to take time for themselves each day to relax and breath.
In-Class vs. Out-of-Class Sessions
When comparing the in class counseling sessions (15 minutes) to the out of class counseling sessions (50 minutes). I found that when in the class counseling sessions the client and I began to really get into the session and I felt that it had to be ended abruptly. I also found the the rapport and relationship between the client and the counselor was just beginning to form at the end of the time together. Another thing I recognized in the 15-minute class session was that I felt like I needed to rush the process of counseling because I knew I would not have that client again. I felt like during this time I did not have time to full understand the clients presenting problem. Without having the chance to full understand this I would not be able to achieve any of the other steps of the counseling process. These incidences held a big difference when comparing the 15-minute and the 50-minute sessions.
During the out-of-class 50-minute counseling sessions I realize that a lot can be talked about in one session. During this time, I felt like I created rapport and relationship with the client within the first 15-20 minutes. I do understand though that with some clients it might take couple of sessions for this bond to happen. During the first session after the interview was conducted I truly felt like the session ran it self. I felt like we had a perfect amount of time to talk about what their presenting problem was and I was also able to identify some goals that could be made to help the client with the presenting problem. During the 50-minute sessions we were able to talk about homework, this for me is a type of intervention strategy that really relies on the clients’ commitment to the counseling process. and go over what was talked about in the previous session and what would also be expected of the client in the next session. I think the 50 –minute session would be the amount of time I would like in future sessions with clients.
I think that having a 50-minute session allowed the client to get deep into the topic they were talking about without getting cut off. When it was time to end the session it was easier for me to terminate it in a productive manner, instead of an abrupt end. I think hat another thing that I took from the first session is my facial expressions are dead. It looks like I have not emotions going on, I can tell I was intentionally listening to the client using active listening skills by nodding my head and using encouragers. However, I hope to work on having not only positive listening skills but also inviting facial language even when I am not talking. I have realized after watching the film that I need to work on different active listening skill for I believe that I nod my head more then I would like to, though it is not an excessive amount.
Strengths
While going over the two out-of-class direct counseling sessions I realize that I do have a few strengths that I provide to the client.

That being I do have good active listening skills, I can reflect back feeling well by not only rewording what the client said but by reading their body language and by the tone of their voice. In the process of developing my listening skills I have been able to use my body language to have the client elaborate on what they were talking about. For the client was talking about a situation in their life and I used my facial expressions to show I wanted to know more about the situation. The client was able to read the expression I was showing them and they did elaborate on the situation they were talking about without me having to verbally ask a

question.
I think another area that I show strength in is my ability to summarize the overall session. I think that for me to keep track of what was talked about during the entire session comes natural for me. I think I am able to close off the session in a respectful manner without cutting off the client and or starting a new conversation. I was able to keep track of the time and also keep track of what we were talking about so I could wrap up the session while also wrapping up the conversation the client and I were having without them feeling like they were cut off.