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Reflection 1

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13 views3 pages

Reflection 1

reflection

Uploaded by

Pang pansy
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Reflection Paper1

In this reflection paper, I aim to address what my strengths and potential weaknesses or
challenges as a counselor might be if I pursued this work in the future. According to Corey
(2015), recognizing both our strengths and challenges is essential in becoming more effective
clinicians. One notable strength I possess is my deep-rooted impulse to extend empathic
actions toward others—a genuine display of compassion that is essential in creating a
therapeutic alliance with clients. However, this strength can also present a potential pitfall.
My compassion sometimes takes a personal toll, as I may find myself becoming too
emotionally involved, struggling to maintain healthy boundaries which consider as the
challenge and the potential weaknesses in the future.

Drawing from my experience as an instructional therapist for individuals, I worked with a


six-year-old girl who was referred to our center due to selective mutism. Over time, I came to
understand that her anxiety was largely related to her adjustment to a new environment as a
recent immigrant. She struggled to speak in school and other unfamiliar social contexts.
Addition to her mutism, she experienced emotional difficulties in coping with stress and low
self-esteem, which contributed to some depressive symptoms. We eventually discovered that
she was being bullied at school and faced pressures from her family, typical in some Asian
households. After discussing the situation with my senior, our therapy approach focused on
gradually increasing her exposure to social situations, expanding her vocabulary, and using
scenario-based exercises to help her express emotions.

The difference between a counseling holistic approach and an Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) perspective became apparent in this case. ABA primarily focuses on improving
specific behaviors, fostering independence, and developing functional daily skills, often at the
expense of addressing emotional expression. Under the ABA model, instructors are trained to
avoid engaging in emotional discussions with clients and are discouraged from reacting—
either verbally or physically—during emotional outbursts, as this might reinforce tantrum
behaviors. While adhering to these principles can enhance behavioral improvement, it can
also lead to stagnation in the client’s overall progress.

In contrast, a counseling holistic approach considers the interconnectedness of all aspects of a


person—thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions—and how these are influenced by their social
environments (family, culture, school, and work). Recognizing this, I suggested that the
client’s parents consult other professionals who could focus on her mental and emotional
well-being. As a result of integrating different approaches, she demonstrated significant
progress in both emotional expression and communication skills.

I was deeply affected by this case, particularly when I noticed visible signs of bullying on her
body, which left me shocked. I found myself unable to control my emotions and had to take a
break during the therapy session to regain composure. My senior advised me that, while we
were aware that the family’s parenting style might not have been ideal, our responsibility was
to focus on what we could do for the child, ensuring we provided the best care while avoiding
over-involvement. This also helped us maintain a healthy relationship with the family.

This reflection allowed me to evaluate the importance of personal attributes, such as empathy
and authenticity, which contribute to building trust and rapport with clients. In the realm of
counseling, values play a critical role in how we evaluate progress and interpret clients' life
situations. Acquiring knowledge of personality theories, psychotherapy, assessment
techniques, and human behavior is undeniably important, but these skills alone are
insufficient for establishing and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships. It is essential
Reflection Paper1

to guard against becoming trapped in our own worldviews and resist the temptation to impose
our values on clients. Persuading clients to adopt our value system is not an appropriate
counseling outcome.

From my personal experience, ABA therapy emphasizes the importance of avoiding


excessive emotional attachment between instructors and clients. This approach focuses on
skill generalization, ensuring clients can transfer their learning to other environments and
instructors. While I understand the rationale behind this, my inclination toward a holistic
counseling perspective suggests that fostering a trusting and supportive relationship with
clients is essential for their emotional well-being and progress. This means finding a balance
between establishing rapport and maintaining professional boundaries. I believe a holistic
approach can effectively address both behavioral and emotional needs, while remaining
mindful of the potential emotional burden empathy can place on a clinician. By prioritizing
self-care and establishing clear boundaries, I can ensure a healthy and effective therapeutic
relationship for both myself and my clients.

Also, from this experience, Meeting the expectations of various stakeholders, such as schools,
parents, and agencies, requires thorough research and preparation. This may include
equipping oneself with translation tools and arranging family visits to facilitate effective
communication and therapy delivery. Corey (2015) aptly notes that theories and techniques,
while important, are not the primary agents of healing for suffering clients. According to
Corey, G (2015) “It is not theories and techniques that heal the suffering client but the
human dimension of therapy and the ‘meetings’ that occur between therapist and client as
they work together”. Instead, it is the human dimension of therapy and the meaningful
interactions that transpire between the therapist and the client as they collaborate towards
shared objectives that truly facilitate therapeutic progress.

In my opinions, as a counselor, it's essential to communicate needs and boundaries clearly to


both clients and therapists. This means expressing when something is outside your
professional capacity or when you need personal space to manage your emotions. For
example, in my experience with the six-year-old girl, after noticing signs of bullying, I had to
step away to regain my composure. While it was difficult, taking that break was an example
of me recognizing my emotional limits and communicating them by stepping aside. Moving
forward, I aim to be proactive about setting limits by openly discussing boundaries and
expectations with clients at the start of therapy. This ensures transparency and helps prevent
emotional over-involvement. Furthermore, assertiveness in maintaining professional
boundaries is crucial for ensuring a healthy therapeutic relationship. It involves standing firm
in decisions that protect your emotional well-being and the effectiveness of the therapy,
without feeling guilty. In the case of the client with selective mutism, I realized the
importance of not becoming overly involved with the family’s dynamics, even though it was
tempting to intervene more directly. My senior’s advice helped me understand that being
assertive with my boundaries—focusing on what I could control within my role—was
necessary for the client’s progress and my emotional health. As a future counselor, I will
need to remind myself that setting and maintaining these boundaries is not neglecting the
client but rather safeguarding both their well-being and mine.

Last but not least, it’s important to establish and maintain my own boundaries, it is equally
important to respect the boundaries of my clients. Each client will have their own comfort
zones and emotional limits, and it’s crucial to acknowledge these in therapy. In my
experience, the family of the young girl may not have always communicated their needs or
Reflection Paper1

concerns in ways I would have preferred, but respecting their boundaries was key to building
trust. I needed to ensure that, while I could offer suggestions or recommend alternative
resources, I was not imposing my views or overstepping their comfort levels. This practice of
mutual respect fosters a therapeutic alliance that is built on trust, collaboration, and empathy.

In summary, the multifaceted journey of becoming an effective clinician entails recognizing


and harnessing strengths such as empathy and compassion while remaining vigilant against
potential weaknesses. These weaknesses may include becoming too personally involved,
objectifying individuals, and struggling with the clash of paradigms in diverse settings. As
therapists, we must cultivate skills in multicultural competence, safeguard ethical boundaries,
and ensure we do not impose our values on clients. Our ultimate objective is to empower
clients to explore their inner worlds, find congruence with their values, and navigate their
unique paths to growth and healing. This approach aligns with professional ethical codes,
which emphasize respecting client autonomy, avoiding value imposition, and upholding
cultural sensitivity.

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