PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS BELOW ZERO PLAGIARISM 4 REFERENCES Select two clients you observed or counseled this week during a group therapy session for children and adolescents. Note: The two clients you select must have attended the same group session. If you select the same group you selected for the Week 8 or Week 9 Journal Entries, you must select different clients. Then, address in your Practicum Journal the following:
Observing and counseling clients in group therapy sessions for children and adolescents provides insightful opportunities to assess and intervene in their emotional and psychological well-being. This practicum journal entry focuses on two clients who attended the same group therapy session. The clients’ experiences, interactions, and progress in therapy will be explored in this reflection.
Client A is a 12-year-old boy who has been attending therapy for the past six weeks. He presents with symptoms of depression, including low mood, irritability, social withdrawal, and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed. Client A has also been experiencing academic difficulties and has shown a decline in his school performance. During the group therapy session, it was evident that Client A struggled to engage with others. He appeared disengaged, mostly avoiding eye contact and frequently looking down. While others in the group actively participated in discussions and shared their experiences, Client A remained silent for the majority of the session.
Client B is a 14-year-old girl who has been attending therapy for three weeks. She was brought to therapy due to symptoms of anxiety, including excessive worry, restlessness, difficulty focusing, and sleep disturbances. Client B often presents as guarded and tense. In the group therapy session, she exhibited anxiety-related behaviors such as fidgeting, tapping her feet, and frequently biting her nails. Despite her evident discomfort, Client B actively contributed to the group discussions, sharing her thoughts and experiences with vulnerability.
Both clients’ presentations and behaviors reflect significant psychological distress. Client A’s symptoms suggest deeper emotional turmoil, possibly contributed by depression. His avoidance and withdrawal in the group therapy session may stem from a lack of self-esteem and fear of judgment from others. On the other hand, Client B’s anxiety-related behaviors indicate high levels of discomfort and nervousness. However, her ability to actively engage in the therapy session indicates some level of resilience and a willingness to work on her challenges.
In terms of group dynamics, Client A and Client B had limited interactions during the session. Despite sitting close to each other, there was minimal eye contact or verbal exchange between them. It is plausible that the clients’ initial discomfort and guardedness hindered their ability to connect with each other. The group therapy setting offers them an opportunity to interact with peers who may have experienced similar struggles, fostering a sense of belonging and validation. However, it is evident that more time and therapeutic support are required for these clients to build trust and open up to others in the group.
From a therapeutic perspective, it is essential to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment to foster client engagement and facilitate healing. For Client A, interventions such as active listening, empathy, and validation can help form a therapeutic alliance, promoting a sense of safety and trust. Encouraging him to share his experiences and thoughts gradually, at his own pace, can empower him and gradually increase his involvement in the group. For Client B, it is important to provide reassurance and normalize her anxiety symptoms, allowing her to feel understood and accepted. Utilizing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness activities, may help her manage her anxiety symptoms effectively within the group setting.
In conclusion, observing and counseling clients in group therapy sessions for children and adolescents can provide valuable insights into their psychological struggles and progress. Client A and Client B demonstrate different patterns of engagement and challenges within the group therapy setting. By addressing their respective needs and fostering a supportive therapeutic environment, both clients have the potential to benefit from the group therapy experience and move towards healing and well-being.