This assignment should only be completed after you have posted the video: SEE ATTACHED VIDEO LINK: Substance Seeking Behavior therapy video VIDEO LINK
This assignment should only be completed after you have posted the video: SEE ATTACHED VIDEO LINK: Substance Seeking Behavior therapy video VIDEO LINK: Your reflection should address all of the following questions between 750 to 950 words. Appropriate spelling, grammar, and punctuation required. Complete sentences are expected. All writing should be in your own words. Use APA references as needed to support your ideas; there is no requirement on number of references to include.
Be sure to use APA format. SEE VIDEO in order to complete this assignment, and also See the attached assignment example for references. Which skills did you use in the section? How? How did the assigned Corey readings, PowerPoints, Handouts, and videos inform your therapy session?
Please explain in detail. What were your strengths in the interview? What were your weaknesses/areas in need of further development in the interview? How could you improve your interviewing skills? Are there steps you plan on taking?
What are those steps? Was there any time when you felt stuck or uncertain how to respond? Describe what was happening then. Were there times you felt more confident in your responses with the client? Times you were less confident?
How? Does this come through in the session? How were you impacted by the client…your emotions, thoughts, physical reactions, transference, and countertransference, body language? What was your overall response to the interview? Did you feel connected to the client?
Distracted? Disengaged? What was the quality of your engagement, your empathy? If you were to continue seeing this particular client, what future directions would you take? How would you conceptualize the case and what would be some of your treatment goals?
How would you pursue these goals? In relation to your partner: What were the partners strengths in the interview? What were the partners weaknesses/areas in need of further development in the interview? How could your partner improve his/her interviewing skills? Please, see also the attached assignment example for references. Background: I live in South Florida, I am currently enrolled in the Psych Mental Health Practitioner Program, I am a Registered Nurse, I work in a Psychiatric Hospital.
Paper For Above instruction
Engaging in a reflective practice following a substance seeking behavior therapy session is essential for personal and professional growth, especially within the context of advanced mental health training such as the Psych Mental Health Practitioner Program. This paper explores the skills utilized during the therapy session, the influence of core readings and multimedia resources, personal strengths and weaknesses, emotional reactions, and future steps. Additionally, it examines the collaborative dynamic with a partner, emphasizing areas for improvement and strategies for enhancing therapeutic practice.
During the therapy session, several foundational skills were employed to facilitate effective engagement with the client. Active listening was paramount, allowing me to attentively hear not just the words but also the underlying emotions and motivations behind substance seeking behaviors. Empathy was demonstrated through reflective responses, validating the client’s experiences and fostering trust. Open-ended questioning encouraged elaboration, providing richer insights into the client’s worldview, while maintaining a nonjudgmental stance helped create a safe environment for disclosure. These skills align with the principles outlined in the Corey et al. (2017) readings, which emphasize the importance of genuineness, reflection, and unconditional positive regard in therapy.
The assigned Corey readings, along with supplementary PowerPoints and handouts, significantly informed my approach. They underscored the importance of establishing rapport early, employing culturally sensitive practices, and utilizing empowerment strategies. The videos illustrated practical applications of these techniques, demonstrating how therapists can adapt their interventions based on client responses. For example, in the session, I consciously applied reflective listening techniques described in the materials, which seemed to reduce client defensiveness and promote deeper engagement.
My strengths during the interview included my ability to establish rapport swiftly and demonstrate genuine concern for the client’s welfare. I maintained an open posture, used affirming language, and kept an authentic tone, which appeared to facilitate a sense of safety. I was attentive to non-verbal cues, such as body language and facial expressions, that revealed underlying feelings, allowing me to respond appropriately. Conversely, my weaknesses involved moments of uncertainty when navigating complex emotional disclosures. At times, I hesitated to probe deeper, risking superficial engagement rather than thorough exploration. Recognizing this, I plan to enhance my skills by practicing more targeted questioning techniques and seeking supervision or peer feedback to refine my approach.
Reflecting on moments of confidence and uncertainty, I recall feeling more assured when I validated client
feelings, which reinforced rapport. Conversely, I felt less confident when a client shared sensitive disclosures that evoked personal reactions or challenged my neutrality. During these moments, I experienced fleeting emotional reactions that, if unrecognized, could influence my responses. I learned to ground myself through deep breathing and emotional awareness, ensuring my responses remained centered and professional. These reactions were observable through my body language—maintaining eye contact and open posture—and were mitigated by ongoing mindfulness practices.
The overall response to the session was a mixture of engagement and reflection. I felt connected to the client, recognizing their courage in revealing vulnerabilities. However, I was also mindful of potential distractions, particularly residual fatigue from my workload at the psychiatric hospital. This awareness prompted me to consciously focus on the present moment and suppress internal distractions. Empathy was evident through my verbal affirmations and attentive listening, which appeared to foster an environment conducive to honest sharing.
Looking ahead, if I were to continue working with this client, I would aim to deepen understanding of their unique motivations and resilience factors. Conceptually, I would approach their case through a strengths-based lens, emphasizing empowerment and self-efficacy while addressing substance seeking behaviors. Future treatment goals would include reducing substance reliance, enhancing coping skills, and fostering healthier relational patterns. Therapeutic strategies might involve contingency management, motivational interviewing, and cognitive-behavioral techniques tailored to the client’s needs.
In relation to my partner, whose role was to assist and observe during the session, their strengths included active engagement and maintaining a nonjudgmental stance. However, areas for development involved more consistent use of open-ended questions and body language cues, which would elevate the overall therapeutic alliance. To improve, my partner could benefit from targeted training in reflective listening and attending to non-verbal communication, potentially through role-playing exercises and feedback sessions. Such enhancements would foster a more dynamic and responsive interview process, ultimately benefiting the client’s outcomes.
In conclusion, this reflective exercise has underscored the importance of continuous skill development, self-awareness, and collaborative practice in effective therapy. Balancing empathy with professional boundaries, recognizing personal reactions, and striving for ongoing improvement are vital components of a competent mental health practitioner. Moving forward, I will implement these insights into my clinical
practice, ensuring that my interventions are compassionate, evidence-based, and responsive to client needs.
References
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Hill, C. E. (2014). Helping skills: Facilitating exploration, insight, and action (4th ed.). American Psychological Association.
Shapiro, F., & Carlson, J. (2017). The art and science of mindfulness in therapy. Guilford Publications.
Levy, R. (2020). Motivational interviewing: A guide for treating substance use disorders. Substance Abuse Treatment , 5(2), 133–139.
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