Counselling Session Case Study

36 year-old Bhumika, is a married woman who has two sons. This is the first session with Bhumika. Bhumika has consent to take part in this counselling case study and understand it will entail more sessions according to her needs. She has also filled the consent form for participating in counselling sessions for the purpose of case studies. She is conscious of all audio, visual and the written assessment for my practice counselling skills and that will be seen by my lecturer for marking.

She has given authorization for this. The next session will be discussed at the end of session according to her needs and comfortability and take place in the public library.

In the initial session I introduce myself and explain about our services, which is counseling service for women. Creating friendly environment is a strength of mine. I greet her in appropriate way with a smiley face and appreciate her that she came to meet me. I also tried to make her friendly zone and comfortable by questioning, "How did you come here"? (00:12) Then I spoke to Bhumika about the confidentiality and privacy of our sessions.

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This was one of my strength because I was able to explained Bhumika about what the actual meaning of confidentiality, I built up trust by saying "the conversation between you and me is within the room" (00:58). If I was not able to explained about the confidentiality, she might felt risk of sharing her issues with me. She is also aware of my role and her role.

This was one of my strength because I was able to approach and convinced her about privacy and confidentiality so she could share all her issues with me. If she was not aware of the confidentiality, she might not be transparent about her situation which might create a bridge between me and my client. I tried to set her at relieve by questioning was that okay after describing what privacy and confidentiality was. (01:29) to make her comfortable. I explained her that this was the first session and discussed about time frame, we would have for the session. I also explained to her that I am mandatory reporter and what that entails (terms and conditions). I started our session by saying "what has brought here you today" (01:36) .We spoke about why Bhumika came to see me and what she would like to get out of our sessions. I clarified her role and my role in her recovery journey Bhumika had come to talk about critical condition of her younger sister, which had happened last 3years.

Another strength that I had was that I listen empatically and use reflexive listening. I show unconditional positive regard and project calmness. I'm respectful patient and understanding. I encourage self-empowerment, acknowledge effort and accomplishments and celebrate different. I make sure that I always inspire hope for the future, while respecting and taking into account her personal values, beliefs and attitudes regarding recovery. I was able to give unprejudiced information which is also one of my strength which means I am not giving her advice according to my views. If I gave her unprejudiced information and if she would follow that and got harm of my advice then the trust and respect I had built to her will break down and she might be in more trouble than she used to be. And in the other hand, if she complains about the trouble she had faced by applying my advice during the session in court then my professional will be in danger. So, this is one my strong strength. Eye contact to my client is also my strength. Eye contact reflects the positivity in the conversation. Clients felt that I am interested in her story. And eye contact also shows my belief towards her words. It shows that I am hearing her story and I get connected to her story. It also shows that I am being confident to her when she is expressing her emotions. I think this is my strength because it not only shows that I am listening her story but also shows that I am actually getting in her problems and can give back responses. I was able to ask open questions to Bhumika which also my strength. (Recapitulation is also my another strength. I asked Bhumika how she felt about the sessions (29:57) so she can feel that I am not sympathy about her situation but I am really trying to help to solve out her problems. I feel this is my strength because I am building trust with my client.

In the beginning of the session, I was not focused. This is one of my weakness. I was not concentrating what Bhumika has told in the first stage. This is one of my main weakness because if she might have told something very important things of her life or something very dangerous things she has done or wants to do it future which needs my presence. For example: if Bhumika had said something wrong or trying to hurt herself or she have two sons if they might be at risk or if she was trying to get in illegal activities or if she wants to kill herself and wants to murdered her family because of my negligence the third parties are being risk or hurt. Therefore, to change my this particular weakness to my strong strength I have to be focused and concentrated and should be mentally strong so that I won't missed her any words or even her body movements and facial expressions. For that I can take a glass of water or a cup of coffee before starting the session to be fresh and to be mentally presence during session.

Being judgemental was also one of my weakness. I am judging Bhumika what she is saying and what she is wearing this is weakness because everyone has their own problems and way of living. I do not know where she come from and what is her background. Not only that even I was also judging her brother-in-law, I was creating my own view and opinions on my mind which makes me guilt feel at the end of the session. Judging my client makes me unfocused and mentally absence in the session. I can replace my weakness into strength by keeping in mind that I am not allowed to judge anyone no matter what and everybody have their own obstacles in their life. Problems can come to anyone in any anytime. Therefore, they need more help with non-judgemental.