Counseling: A Personal Reflection

Running head: COUNSELLING 1
Counseling
Student name
Date

COUNSELLING 2
Table of Contents
Part 1: Myself as the Client..................................................................................................................3
Part 2: Myself as the Helper.................................................................................................................5
References............................................................................................................................................6

COUNSELLING 3
Part 1: Myself as the Client
Prior to commencing the audio tape session, I was confident that I would be authentic. I felt
encouraged by the fact that I would get the opportunity to share my fears with someone else. I
would be happy to hear anything that anyone wants to share with me. I was partially nervous
knowing very well that I had to record my feelings and thoughts, which generated elements of self-
doubt as to whether I would overcompensate my dialogue with the pressure I had created within
me. The pressure mainly revolved around how I would be perceived by who was marking the
assignment, sounding unintelligent with how I constructed my thoughts and how my personality
would be perceived by my counterpart. This was a time of mixed feelings – excitement, fear, and
uncertainty.
As the timer started, I initiated conversation as I would in a normal environment and asked
my listener how they were, rather than just launching into what I needed to discuss. Instantly I felt
her warmth as she created a relaxed ambiance with open body language that involved a comfortable
level of effective eye contact. Depending on the information I was exploring, her eyes were
interactive with an endearing smile; indicating to me she was engaging and actively listening to me.
My listener had a nurturing tone, genuine holding style, and positive energy during the
exercise, which made me feel less conscious, understood and control my emotions without a great
amount of anxiety.
I realized that when I have someone who is willing to listen, agree with me and see my point
of view, I feel welcome, loved and above all validated. That validation then empowers me to
continue to verbalize my opinions or observations that I may have reserved for a particular subject.
I continue to volunteer my thoughts and feelings because I have been made to feel that I am right,
which then activates my reactions. This particular environment gives me the opportunity to express
myself freely more than I would do in the company of one who does not agree with my view.