Reflecting on my 1st clinical interview, I am able to identify my strengths, as well as areas of weakness that need further development. One of the strengths I exhibited was establishing a comfortable environment for the client. I introduced myself clearly and ensured that informed consent was obtained before proceeding to set the tone for a professional and respectful interaction. Moreover, I demonstrated good active listening skills, as I gave the client ample time to respond, and refrained from interrupting them. I also used open-ended questions to encourage the client to share her personal experiences to her level of comfort, allowing for an exploration of her background and current situation at a natural pace.
However, there were also areas that required further development. I noticed that I was occasionally hesitant and unsure in my questioning, which may have stemmed from either a lack of confidence or nervousness, as it was my 1st time. For instance, I found myself stumbling multiple times in parts of my phrasing. During the interview, I felt stuck when the client responded vaguely to my question about her approach to therapy. I wasn’t sure whether to probe deeper or move on to the next topic. This points to a need to develop my skills in handling ambiguity and deciding when it’s appropriate to delve deeper or switch gears. I believe as I continue to practice and exercise this skill more, my proficiency will develop and I shall be able to navigate these types of situations much more confidently, adapting to whatever comes my way.
Due to the client and I sharing the same cultural background, I actively listened to the client’s unique experiences and avoided making assumptions solely based on cultural similarities, as it’s essential to be aware of my own biases and cultural assumptions to ensure they don’t negatively impact the client’s experience.
Overall, I felt engaged and interested in the client’s responses, but I also sensed some disconnection, likely due to the virtual format of the interview and my initial uncertainty in navigating the conversation. This reminds me of the importance of finding ways to establish a strong connection, especially in a virtual context.
Looking back, I might have prepared more thoroughly by anticipating potential challenges and planning my questions more strategically. For example, I could have been more specific or directive in my questions about her childhood and her struggles adjusting to a new environment to elicit more detailed and informative responses. Despite these shortcomings, I believe I demonstrated empathy and engagement throughout the interview. I showed genuine interest in the client’s experiences and responded respectfully to her responses. However, I’m mindful that there’s always room for growth in these areas, and I’m committed to continuing to enhance my interviewing skills through practice and reflection.
The post Reflecting on my 1st clinical interview, I am able to identify my appeared first on essayfab.