Select a client that you observed or counseled this week. Then, address the following in your Practicum Journal: 27 (67.5%) – 30 (75%) 24 (60%) – 26 (65%) 21 (52.5%) – 23 (57.5%) 0 (0%) – 20 (50%) 5 (12.5%) – 5 (12.5%) 4 (10%) – 4 (10%) 3.5 (8.75%) – 3.5 (8.75%) 0 (0%) – 3 (7.5%) 5 (12.5%) – 5 (12.5%) 4 (10%) – 4 (10%) 3.5 (8.75%) – 3.5 (8.75%) 0 (0%) – 3 (7.5%)
In my practicum this week, I had the opportunity to observe and counsel a client who was dealing with anxiety and stress-related issues. This client, whom I will refer to as Lisa, was seeking therapy to learn coping strategies and tools to manage her symptoms and improve her overall well-being.
During our initial session, I conducted a thorough assessment of Lisa’s background, including her personal and family history, as well as any past experiences or traumas that may have contributed to her anxiety. We discussed her current stressors and identified specific triggers that were causing her distress. Through this assessment, I was able to gain a comprehensive understanding of Lisa’s unique situation and tailor my approach to meet her specific needs.
One of the main goals of our counseling sessions was to help Lisa develop effective coping mechanisms to manage her anxiety. We focused on both short-term strategies to provide immediate relief during heightened moments of anxiety, as well as long-term techniques to address underlying issues and promote overall well-being. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques were incorporated into our sessions, as research has shown that they can be particularly helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms.
During our sessions, I utilized various CBT techniques with Lisa. One technique we worked on was cognitive restructuring, which involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more positive and realistic thoughts. This helped Lisa gain a new perspective on her anxiety-inducing thoughts and beliefs, and gradually shift towards more adaptive thinking patterns.
In addition to cognitive restructuring, we also focused on relaxation techniques to help Lisa manage her anxiety in the moment. Deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery were introduced as tools to help her achieve a state of calmness and reduce her physical symptoms of anxiety. We practiced these techniques together during the sessions, and I encouraged Lisa to continue practicing them on her own as part of her daily self-care routine.
Another aspect of our counseling sessions was psychoeducation. I provided Lisa with information about anxiety, its causes, and the physiological and psychological processes that contribute to its symptoms. This helped her gain a better understanding of her condition and reduced feelings of shame or self-blame. It also empowered her to take an active role in her treatment and make informed decisions about her well-being.
As part of the counseling process, I regularly monitored Lisa’s progress and ensured that our sessions were meeting her needs. We discussed her goals for therapy and evaluated the effectiveness of the strategies we were implementing. I encouraged open communication and feedback from Lisa, which allowed us to make any necessary adjustments to our treatment plan as we progressed.
Overall, my experience counseling Lisa was both challenging and rewarding. It required a comprehensive and individualized approach to address her specific needs and empower her to overcome her anxiety. By incorporating cognitive-behavioral techniques, relaxation exercises, and psychoeducation, I was able to provide Lisa with the tools she needed to manage her symptoms and improve her overall well-being. I look forward to continuing to work with Lisa and support her on her journey towards a healthier and more balanced life.