Week One Journal

Prior to completing this journal assignment, please read Chapter 1: Setting the Stage: Counseling Process, Chapter 2: Strategies to Assist Client in Self-Exploration, and Chapter 3: A Few Mistaken Assumptions in Meier and Davis (2018), as well as Chapter 24: Principles of Health Behavior Measurement in Hilliard, Riekert, Ockene, and Pbert (2018). Be sure to also read Dollarhide, Shavers, Baker, Dagg, and Taylor (2012) “Conditions that Create Therapeutic Connection: A Phenomenological Study“ and any relevant Instructor Guidance.

In a journal entry of 500-1000 words, create a brief transcript of your first session with the fictitious client you created in the “Client Avatar” discussion. In your transcript, demonstrate how you would utilize reflection, paraphrasing, silence, and minimal encouragers to build rapport with the client. Be sure to notate who is speaking in bold font similar to the examples in Meier and Davis (2018). Once you have created your transcript, reflect on what it was like to apply basic counseling skills. Explain why it is important to pace and lead the client, address assumptions, and plan for termination in the initial session. Support your response with information from the Dollarhide, Shavers, Baker, Dagg, and Taylor (2012) article.

Next, identify at least one Health Behavior Measurement from Chapter 24 in Hilliard, Riekert, Ockene, and Pbert (2018) that you would use to gather information about the client’s overall health and wellness. Describe the format and state whether the assessment would result in the client becoming defensive or facilitate self-exploration. Finally, evaluate the appropriateness of the assessment from a cultural perspective, and explain how you would share the results with the client.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Therapist – J; Client: Smith (S)
J: Good morning, Ms. Smith
S: Good morning to you
J: I am glad you turned up for our session today. As we converse, I will be recording the session using the tape and recording in my notebook for better retrieval. I hope our session will be interactive
S: Sure, I hope so too
J: So, let’s start. Tell me what bothers you most
S: My biggest worry is that I feel I have added a lot of weight, and I am no longer appealing. I have lost some friends who find me too big to be around with. I am worried that my boyfriend will leave me as well
J: Sorry about that. It is not your fault, and our friends are losing the value of friendship….