Dickinson Carvalho Green Nu646 W8 A1 

Dickinson Carvalho Green Nu646 W8 A1


Analyze a therapy session focused on postpartum depression, discussing the skills used, influences of course materials, strengths and weaknesses in interviewing, areas for improvement, emotional responses, and potential future treatment directions. The reflection should be between 750-1,000 words, with appropriate spelling, grammar, punctuation, and APA references as needed.


Paper For Above instruction


The present reflection centers on a psychotherapy session with a 38-year-old woman, Sam, who is experiencing postpartum depression eight months after giving birth to her fifth child. The session's focus was on engaging Sam in a therapeutic relationship, assessing her mental state, and planning appropriate interventions. Throughout this process, various skills, influences from course materials, self-evaluated strengths and weaknesses, emotional responses, and future treatment considerations will be discussed in detail.


Skills Used in the Session


In this session, active listening was paramount. I employed open-ended questions to allow Sam to express her feelings about her postpartum experience fully. Demonstrating empathy through verbal affirmations and non-verbal cues, like maintaining eye contact and nodding, helped establish rapport. I utilized reflective listening to confirm understanding of her emotional state. For example, I paraphrased her statements about difficulty getting out of bed and poor hygiene to validate her experiences. Additionally, I employed grounding techniques to ensure Sam felt safe and supported, which is crucial when working with depressed clients who may feel overwhelmed or hopeless. Cognitive-behavioral skills were subtly integrated as I gently challenged her negative thoughts about her role as a mother and explored her perceptions of herself and her environment.


Influence of Course Materials and Resources


The Corey readings and associated PowerPoint presentations provided foundational knowledge on therapeutic techniques and the importance of establishing a strong therapeutic alliance. The handouts on postpartum depression highlighted specific symptoms and risk factors, informing my line of questioning. Videos demonstrating empathetic interview techniques and managing emotional responses allowed me to practice non-verbal communication and self-awareness. These resources underscored the importance of a client-centered approach, emphasizing validation and psychoeducation, which I incorporated into the session. The theoretical grounding from Corey’s work on multicultural competence also reminded me to remain sensitive to cultural factors that might influence Sam’s feelings and willingness to seek help.


Strengths in the Interview


One of my key strengths was the ability to create a non-judgmental environment where Sam felt comfortable sharing her feelings. I demonstrated genuine empathy, which appeared to foster trust. My use of reflective listening helped clarify her emotions and reinforced her sense of being understood. Additionally, I was attentive to her non-verbal cues, such as flat affect and lack of eye contact, and responded appropriately to validate her experiences. My preparedness and knowledge about postpartum depression also helped guide the conversation on relevant topics, making the session focused and meaningful.


Weaknesses and Areas for Further Development


A noticeable weakness was my occasional tendency to steer the conversation prematurely towards problem-solving, rather than fully exploring Sam’s emotional landscape. I also realized that I could improve in managing moments when she became tearful or withdrawn, ensuring I provided adequate emotional support without rushing to interpret or fix. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced use of Silence and facilitating her comfort in expressing difficult feelings remains an area for growth. Recognizing my own emotional reactions during the session, such as feelings of frustration or helplessness, is an important step for development.


Plans for Improving Interviewing Skills


To enhance my interviewing abilities, I plan to engage in additional training focused on advanced empathy and emotional regulation techniques. Participating in role-plays with peers and supervisors can offer opportunities to practice staying present during emotionally charged moments. I also intend to review recorded sessions (with permission) to identify moments of effective engagement and areas needing improvement. Establishing a reflective practice, including journaling after sessions, will help me become more self-aware of my responses and biases, promoting continual growth.


Experiences of Uncertainty or Confidence During the Session


There were moments when I felt uncertain, particularly when Sam became tearful and I wasn’t sure whether to press further or provide more silence. During such moments, I hesitated before offering words of reassurance, fearing I might dismiss her feelings. Conversely, I felt more confident when I validated her experiences and employed reflective listening, especially when she expressed feelings of guilt about her parenting struggles. This confidence was reflected in a calmer tone and more open body language. My awareness of these fluctuations was reinforced by observations of my body language and client responses, indicating a need for continued emotional regulation training.


Emotional and Physical Reactions to the Client


During the session, I experienced a mix of compassion and a sense of helplessness, noticing a slight tightening in my chest when Sam expressed her despair. My body language remained open, but internally I felt a desire to “fix” her pain, which I recognized as a form of transference. I was mindful of maintaining professionalism while genuinely empathizing. Recognizing these reactions helps me understand the importance of self-awareness to prevent countertransference from impacting the therapeutic alliance.


Overall Response and Client Connection


I felt a genuine sense of connection and compassion during the session, which facilitated open communication. Although moments of emotional heaviness arose, I maintained engagement by focusing on her strengths and validating her struggles. Occasionally, I found myself distracted by my own emotional responses, but overall, my presence felt grounded and attentive. This balance was crucial for fostering trust and encouraging genuine dialogue about her postpartum depression.


Quality of Engagement and Empathy


My engagement was characterized by attentive listening, empathetic validation, and patience. I consistently demonstrated an understanding attitude and maintained a non-judgmental stance. This approach appeared to promote a safe space, allowing Sam to explore her feelings more openly. Developing greater awareness of her body language and emotional cues contributed to a deeper empathetic connection, which is essential for effective therapy.


Future Directions and Treatment Planning


If continued, I would focus on stabilizing her emotional state through psychoeducation about postpartum depression, coping strategies, and developing support networks. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques could be employed to challenge negative thought patterns and build resilience. Additionally, incorporating family therapy sessions might address relational dynamics, especially with her spouse who expressed concern about her mental health. Goals would include improving her self-care, increasing social support, and restoring her confidence as a mother. Progress monitoring through regular assessments and adjusting interventions to her evolving needs would be integral components of treatment.


References
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).
  • Corey, G. (2017). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. Brooks/Cole.
  • O’Hara, M. W., & Swain, A. M. (1996). Rates and risk of postpartum depression—a meta-analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 53(8), 575–582.
  • Yawn, B. P., et al. (2012). Postpartum depression: screening, diagnosis, and treatment. UpToDate.
  • Sutcliffe, A., et al. (2016). The role of therapeutic alliance in counseling. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 63(2), 195–204.
  • Leach, L. S., et al. (2016). The likelihood of health problems in postpartum depression. Psychological Medicine, 46(11), 2377–2386.
  • Swanson, K. M. (2017). Postpartum depression: a review of evidence-based interventions. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 46(1), 97–107.
  • Shorey, S., et al. (2015). Effectiveness of postpartum depression interventions: systematic review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 24(21-22), 2944–2956.
  • Gee, D. A., et al. (2020). Empathy in counseling: techniques and outcomes. Counseling Psychology Review, 35(4), 35–48.
  • Felton, J. W., & Hipwell, A. E. (2009). Interpersonal relationships and postpartum depression. Journal of Family Psychology, 23(1), 140–149.

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