Interview Reflection
Running Head: INTERVIEW, STORY, REFLECTION
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Final Project: Interview, Story, and Reflection
Running Head: INTERVIEW, STORY, REFLECTION
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Final Project: Interview, Story, and Reflection
There are countless movies which romanticize the occupations of many professionals. The glamorization of occupations in the media is evident, and includes law enforcement, chefs, and even doctors. What about the mental health counselor? The life of a mental health counselor may not be what one expects. The juvenile dream of becoming a private practice counselor, completely autonomous, was my own.
Although this is not always the reality, for this paper, it is exactly what we have.
The counselor I chose to interview was Amy Armstrong, MS, NCC, MCC, LPC. …show more content…
Armstrong reports consultation and supervision as a constant process
(Armstrong, 2014a). Of course Armstrong has no problem reaching out as issues arise
(Armstrong, 2014a). In order to do so Armstrong constantly tries to stay connected to her therapist as often as possible. This is done through supervision meetings at least monthly, to not get caught up in issues of transference, countertransference or even ethical questions (Armstrong, 2014a).
An essential part of being an effective counselor is selfcare. To not overwhelm yourself with the trauma and issues of others in a way that hinders your ability as counselor (Cummins, Massey & Jones, 2007). As a note, Armstrong emphasis that all sessions and groups are not all heavy (Armstrong, 2014). For self care, Armstrong exercises 23 times a week (Armstrong, 2014a). She also enjoys spending time with her family, though when events are not structured she often has to be reminded to relax and not return emails (Armstrong, 2014a).
Story: A Day in the Life of a Mental Health Counselor
As I might imagine, a day in my life as a mental health counselor varies. The daily functions of a professional counselor would change dramatically depending on …show more content…
My office is part of a complex of mental health professionals serving a variety of populations including children and adults. Services provided within the complex include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy covering a plethora of differing specializations including substance abuse, family dynamics, behavioral issues and career counseling to name a few.
Each day begins greeting my partners in the office. After settling in I review my schedule and plan the day accordingly. With no early appointments, I check messages received, and return phone calls and emails. I review client files so I am up to date on who I have scheduled for the day.
As clients arrive I provide constructive and well thought out advice. I provide a comfortable environment by adjusting the air conditioning or even the flow of lighting through the window if a client asks. Between sessions I work on case notes as much as possible. After 3 or 4 sessions I break for lunch. I may use this break to meet a friend, colleague or family member. If not a social lunch hour, I may use the break to take
1
Final Project: Interview, Story, and Reflection
Running Head: INTERVIEW, STORY, REFLECTION
2
Final Project: Interview, Story, and Reflection
There are countless movies which romanticize the occupations of many professionals. The glamorization of occupations in the media is evident, and includes law enforcement, chefs, and even doctors. What about the mental health counselor? The life of a mental health counselor may not be what one expects. The juvenile dream of becoming a private practice counselor, completely autonomous, was my own.
Although this is not always the reality, for this paper, it is exactly what we have.
The counselor I chose to interview was Amy Armstrong, MS, NCC, MCC, LPC. …show more content…
Armstrong reports consultation and supervision as a constant process
(Armstrong, 2014a). Of course Armstrong has no problem reaching out as issues arise
(Armstrong, 2014a). In order to do so Armstrong constantly tries to stay connected to her therapist as often as possible. This is done through supervision meetings at least monthly, to not get caught up in issues of transference, countertransference or even ethical questions (Armstrong, 2014a).
An essential part of being an effective counselor is selfcare. To not overwhelm yourself with the trauma and issues of others in a way that hinders your ability as counselor (Cummins, Massey & Jones, 2007). As a note, Armstrong emphasis that all sessions and groups are not all heavy (Armstrong, 2014). For self care, Armstrong exercises 23 times a week (Armstrong, 2014a). She also enjoys spending time with her family, though when events are not structured she often has to be reminded to relax and not return emails (Armstrong, 2014a).
Story: A Day in the Life of a Mental Health Counselor
As I might imagine, a day in my life as a mental health counselor varies. The daily functions of a professional counselor would change dramatically depending on …show more content…
My office is part of a complex of mental health professionals serving a variety of populations including children and adults. Services provided within the complex include individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy covering a plethora of differing specializations including substance abuse, family dynamics, behavioral issues and career counseling to name a few.
Each day begins greeting my partners in the office. After settling in I review my schedule and plan the day accordingly. With no early appointments, I check messages received, and return phone calls and emails. I review client files so I am up to date on who I have scheduled for the day.
As clients arrive I provide constructive and well thought out advice. I provide a comfortable environment by adjusting the air conditioning or even the flow of lighting through the window if a client asks. Between sessions I work on case notes as much as possible. After 3 or 4 sessions I break for lunch. I may use this break to meet a friend, colleague or family member. If not a social lunch hour, I may use the break to take