Assignment 2: Completing The Modified Intake Session You Hav

Assignment 2: Completing The Modified Intake Session You Have Completed

Complete a 30-minute modified intake interview with a volunteer client athlete you have been working with throughout the course. Transcribe the session, and ask your client to also take notes on your performance. Use the provided outline to guide the interview: have your client describe the issue prompting counseling, apply your counseling skills to gather essential information, note any ethical concerns, and reflect and empathize with the client’s feelings. Prepare the client by reviewing their original scenario and obtaining their signature on the release form. Submit the transcription, client notes, and a two to three-page summary in the submissions area, following APA guidelines for source attribution.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of conducting a modified intake session with a volunteer client athlete is a critical component in counseling education, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. This session not only enhances the counselor's ability to gather relevant information but also underscores the importance of ethical considerations, empathy, and effective communication skills. This paper documents the preparation, execution, and reflection on a 30-minute intake interview conducted as part of a course requirement, highlighting key counseling strategies employed.

Preparation is essential for establishing a productive counseling session. Prior to the interview, the client athlete was reminded to review their original scenario to refresh their memory on the initial issues and context. Additionally, ensuring that the client signed a release form was a crucial ethical step, granting permission for the session to be recorded and used for educational purposes. This preparation fosters a transparent and trusting environment, which is vital for honest dialogue and effective counseling.

The interview commenced with a focused inquiry into the core issue necessitating counseling. The client was asked to describe the specific problem or concern affecting their athletic performance and mental well-being. This initial question set the stage for deeper exploration. Throughout the session, I employed foundational counseling skills such as encouraging, paraphrasing, and summarizing. These techniques serve to validate the client’s expressions, clarify their thoughts, and demonstrate active listening. For example, when the client discussed feelings of anxiety before competitions, I paraphrased to reflect their emotions: "It sounds like the pressure to perform well is causing you significant stress."

The application of empathy was central to maintaining a supportive environment. I attentively listened to the client’s account and validated their feelings, reinforcing that their experiences are understood and respected. Empathy not only fosters rapport but also helps the client feel safe to explore sensitive topics. As the client shared their struggles with motivation and confidence, I reflected their feelings, saying, "It’s understandable to feel discouraged when progress seems slow, especially when you are working so hard."

Identifying ethical issues was an integral aspect of the session, especially regarding confidentiality, informed consent, and the scope of the session. Ethical concerns included ensuring the client’s understanding of how their information would be used, maintaining privacy, and recognizing the limits of the counselor’s role. These considerations were explicitly addressed at the outset, emphasizing professional responsibility and adherence to ethical standards outlined by the counseling profession (American Counseling Association, 2014).

The session concluded with a coherent and accurate summary of the client’s story. I recapped the key issues discussed, including their emotional responses and coping strategies, to ensure mutual understanding. This summary served as a foundation for potential future sessions and provided the client with clarity about their concerns. The session’s closure was conducted empathetically, reaffirming support and encouraging continued reflection and effort outside the counseling setting.

This exercise demonstrated the importance of applying counseling skills effectively while maintaining ethical standards. The reflection on this session emphasizes how active listening, empathy, and ethical awareness are essential for creating a safe space conducive to client growth. Further, it underscores the value of thorough preparation and honest engagement in building rapport and trust. In practice, these skills contribute significantly to meaningful therapeutic progress, especially in sensitive contexts such as athletic performance and mental health correlates.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author.
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• Zeiss, A. M., & Cogan, J. (2013). Reflective listening in counseling practice. Journal of Counseling & Development, 91(1), 56-60.