Critique of Mock Interviews: Case Study and Reflection Report

This report presents a critique of a mock interview conducted in a social work setting, focusing on a case involving a 40-year-old Aboriginal woman named Shirley. The student, acting as a mental health social worker, analyzes the interview's case notes, which detail Shirley's history of trauma, including past domestic violence, loss of parents, and mental health challenges. The report examines the case plan developed to address Shirley's needs, including goals related to safety, cultural understanding, and accessing justice. The student reflects on the power dynamics and differences between themselves and the client, considering factors such as gender, age, culture, and life experiences. The analysis highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by Aboriginal women, and the impact of past trauma on the client's mental health. The report also touches on the role of Australian authorities in handling cases of harassment and violence. The student highlights the need for a supportive and non-judgmental environment, emphasizing the importance of building rapport, understanding cultural nuances, and providing relevant information and resources to help Shirley overcome her challenges and improve her quality of life.

Running head: CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 1
Critique of Mock Interviews
Name
Institution

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 2
Critique of Mock Interviews
Case Notes of What Transpired
For this particular case, my role was mental health social worker practitioner at a private
counseling practice. This service is now referred to as assessing authority of specialist mental
health expertise. Apparently, this was after the Federal Government recognized it as the
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) (Medicare & mental health descriptions -
AASW - Australian Association of Social Workers, 2018). Members of the AASW are allowed
to file an application for an assessment (Hyde, Bowles, & Pawar, 2014)).
Primarily, mental health social worker practitioners are tasked with helping people fix
particular psychological problems presented to them, associated social and environmental
challenges, and improving their overall quality of life. These activities may sometimes have to
involve family and individual counseling as well as group therapy (Briskman & Zion, 2014). The
work of a social worker is to recognize varied implications of a particular person who
experiences mental illness and the overall impact on their friends, family, work, and education
(Bennett, 2015). They use a range of interventions just like other professionals such as the
psychologist. The approved interventions which can be applied by these workers include
cognitive behavioral therapy, social skills, behavioral interventions, relaxation strategies, and
narrative therapy.
Shirley is a 40-year woman who was being referred to the private counseling practice
center through “Better Access to Mental Health Care” program after being admitted for a mental
health problem (Cussen & Bryant, 2015). My work was to provide a six-session counseling
practice to her. Apparently, she has been going through nightmares, panic, and anxiety during
most of her night. Both her parents had passed away about two years ago. It has been suspected

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 3
that her nightmares are as a result if her parents demise something that her sister 38 years now
has overcome.
Shirley has had a difficult time with her past relationships particularly with Con who is
the father of her eight years old son, Bill. Shirley is an aboriginal given the fact that her father
was too. She had reported to the hospital that Con had been so violent to her and on many
occasion caused her chronic injuries. However, Con has never been charged with any offenses.
This is what caused her to move on to have a relationship with Dale who is a father to her six-
year-old son Fred who has been supportive all through. In the past, the Department Of Health
and Human Services Child Protection had been involved with her family. In essence, this was
because she had reported that Con had been harassing her regarding the custody of Billy.
Although Shirley had part ways with Con she presented herself reluctant particularly in
involving the necessary authority regarding harassment in her past relationship. This was not
something unique given the fact the t the aboriginal women are fearful of men especially given
the fact that most of their men are known to be harassing their women. On her current
relationship, she described her husband as being supportive and hardworking.
Through working with Shirley, my main goal was to come up with a rather supporting
and safe environment that was not judgmental in identifying her goals as well as her needs. My
aim was to make sure I inquire about Shirley’s situation and then provide the necessary
directions on what she had to do to overcome mental illness. However, she appeared to have
little interest in openness to the acknowledgment of culture. Moreover, I was to help her on
various occasions proofing her warmth and empathy regarding her emotions. I wanted to make
sure that there was a good rapport between me and Shirley I also wanted to obtain information
on the cultural sensitivity of harassment in light with the risk that Shirley and her kids had

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 4
experience. Noteworthy, I was as well aiming at looking deeply on how the Australian authorities
handled cases of harassment in a relationship. I organized the case plan by starting with the
inquiries about the client’s situation, give some sort of directions, acknowledge the presented
problem as well as the precipitating factors and the entire context of the event, and demonstrate
the cultural competence of the client.

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 5
Shirley Genogram
MENTAL ILLNESS
 Harassment
 Moral consciousness
 Unjust cultural alignment
Case plan for Shirley
Father died
Shirley
40years
Mother
died
Sister,
Alma 38yrs
Dale Con
Fred Billy
SOURCE OF SUPPORT
Dale her husband supports
her (Dale)
SOURCE OF SUPPORT
Works in a Supermarket

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 6
Name: Shirley (surname unknown)
Date: 10th May 2018
Presenting Issues:
 Raise some concern regarding the unjust cultural alignment
 The raised concern of little knowledge on cultural alignment
Desired Outcome: Shirley will be in a position to restore her normal mental status and respond
to the violence she gets as well as receiving the necessary justice.
Goals Activities and actions to
achieve the goals
Responsible
persons
Timelines Evidence of the
outcomes
achieved
Shirley will
come up with a
safety and
collaborative
relationship with
the workers
 Develop a viable plan
to save money
 Have knowledge of
and the list of details
concerning the
cultural issues that
Shirley is unaware of
 Identify documents
and find a way in
which Shirley can get
justice from the
harassment from Con
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
In the first
session
The
collaborative
plan developed
and well
understood by
Shirley
Shirley will
continue with the
weekly session if
required
 There will be regular
meetings between
Shirley and the other
social workers
Shirley Weekly Attendance
recorded
Shirley will have
the knowledge of
the services that
are available to
support her
mental well
being
 Information
concerning child
protection
 Information provided
concerning the need to
report every
harassment and
violence
 Discussion regarding
the cultural alignment
of the Aboriginal
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
2nd week Provision of
information
Collaborative
work will aim at
Education and information on
unjust cultural alignment and
The
collaborativ
At the
second
Provision of
information

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 7
shading light on
the unjust
cultural practices
about harassment
and family
violence
violence provided e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
session
Shirley will be
informed of the
available
services to bridge
the gaps on her
weakness and
build on her
strengths
 There will be the
provision of
information on the
available acts such as
the Australian Human
Right Commission
Act Of 1989
 Federal government
 Family violence
services and
counseling
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
At the 3rd
session
Provision of
information
Shirley will
receive
occasional
empathy and
warmth and
empathy in
responding to her
emotions
Education of the
psychological impact of
trauma and stress on her
family and children
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
weekly Provision of
information
Shirley will
receive more
focus on her
problem by the
use of her
strengths
Education on how to use a
particular strength to improve
on the weaknesses
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
At the
3rdappoint
ment in
the 3rd
session
Provision of
information
Shirley will
receive more
inquiries
regarding her
situation
Education on the importance
of openness on what really
might be behind her suffering
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
At the 4th
session
Provision of
information
Shirley will be
affirmed on the
importance of
understanding
the effect of
culture on herself
Education on the bad cultural
vices that promotes violence
particularly to women in a
relationship
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
At the 5th
session

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 8
and her kids the workers
Shirley will
receive more
attention on what
she believes in
and need without
exploring her
rationale
 Education and
available information
during learning
sessions
 Provide information
on the importance of
keeping personal
believes strong while
promoting the right
cultural vices
The
collaborativ
e
relationship
between
Shirley and
the workers
At the 6th
session
Provision of
information
Signed: ………………………………………………….. Client ………………date
Signed: …………………………….………………..…social worker ………….date

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 9
Critical Reflection On How You Mediated Power And Other Differences Between You And
The Client In Terms Of Gender, Age, Sexuality, Class, Heritage, Religion, Place (Ie
Rural/Urban), Family Type And Dis/Ability
In essence, Shirley’s situation is somehow complex and seems to have gotten out of hand
given her mental health situation. Apparently, given her past harassment by Con and her present
health condition, it is likely that her children and husband are affected. Additionally, her
situation has worsened as a result of little support from other social factors having lost both
parents. During the interview, her presentation was in a view of a woman who has little
knowledge of the cultural alignment and beliefs especially of her origin, the Aboriginal. Given
the fact that Shirley’s sister had gone through the tough experience regarding their parents, death
it shades some lights that Shirley had other issues disturbing her. Additionally, she was
discriminated for being an Aboriginal and never received justice after being violated by her
previous partner Con.
One of the most important elements of skilled cross-cultural practices remains to be the
awareness as well as the ongoing reflection of the available privileges, social and geographical
locations. Despite all this, I was well aware the kind of difference that lied between Shirley and
me particularly in terms of our cultural alignment, life experience, education, and religion.
Shirley was an Aboriginal with limited cultural awareness, a mother to two children, as well as
limited support especially socially. Apparently, the only support she received was from her sister
and current husband Dale who is supportive. In most cases, the Aboriginal valued their family
ties.in this light, most of where families are separated after following government policies, the
situation is often heartbreaking for those people who are involved (Practice Implications: Family
and Kinship: Working with Indigenous Australians, 2018). Additionally, this was known to be a

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 10
hindrance to the passing of culture from one generation to another (Carson & Kerr, 2017).
Despite the fact the fact that we both come from the same geographical environment, I did not
experience what she was going through. Notably, this was because I was non-Aboriginal, and
separation was not taken to be a strong belief which could cause stress. Moreover, I have only
been in one marriage relationship and never experience violence in my entire married life as
Shirley has had and a broader range of knowledge regarding my cultural heritage. Reflecting on
our similarities and differences, I realize that various people have had different life scenarios that
in some ways reflect on what people take from life. In regards to my privileges, there have been
a lot of things that make me reflect on my own personal life particularly because I have an
African origin and come from Eastern Europe. I have a lot of cruel experience of violence in
terms of racism and although I acquired Australian citizenship a long time ago, I can recall how
life was as a little kid. The overall experience that my parents had to undergo to settle down was
traumatic and certainly, I can relate to Shirley’s experience how cultural differences can
sometimes be cruel.
During the overall preparation for the interview as well as the analysis, I had to reflect on
how it feels to be a woman and experience violence and emotional upset. I had to reflect on how
a woman can be judged unjustly. Australian discrimination on the Aboriginal particularly women
is not a new thing (Gair et al., 2015). Despite the fact that Shirley is supported by her husband
Dale, her previous relationship might have had a negative impact on her having not received any
justice after being violated by Con. Despite the enactment of the Australian Family Amendments
Violence and Cross Examination Act Bill of 2017, there was little which was done concerning
the harassment that Shirley was put through by Con (Briskman, 2014). Additionally, there is
nothing much which has been done regarding the cultural beliefs regarding separation of families

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 11
and children among the aboriginals. The entire reflections gave me a good glimpse or rather the
understanding of how cultural beliefs can dictate an individual lifestyle as well as how women
are treated regarding broken relationships and marginalization in justice delivery (Espelage et al.,
2014).
In the first session of the interview, Shirley was very reluctant and appeared not to have
knowledge of her cultural alignment. Despite showing a rather mental illness that was almost out
of hands, she insisted that everything was fine and that she was doing well. At one particular
moment, Shirley had to explain to me how different we were given the fact that she was an
Aboriginal and I from Eastern Europe with an African origin (Burford, 2017). I had to explain to
Shirley although we came from different cultural alignment, my parent and I had to undergo
challenges particularly trying to settle down and acquiring citizenship. I explained to her how
racism made me go through mental torture while I was young. Through my self-experience,
Shirley changed her mind from the feedback; there was a clear indication that she was able to
relate her story to mine. While it is not always allowed to share personal information with
clients, there is a positive impact of self-disclosure in case there are used correctly and carefully
(Dowling et al., 2014).
Before I decided to share my story with her, she had insisted that she knew nothing
regarding her culture and whether the real cause of her mental health was her parent’s death or
not. I tried to use gentle tone when talking to her.
Me: …perhaps you may want to share with me something about your culture and how they take
on the effect of separation particularly regarding the upkeep of children.
Shirley: ....to be honest with you I know nothing regarding my culture.

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 12
As part of my entire preparation for the interview, I realized that there are many people
that might be going through similar situation yet they are afraid of sharing their cultural beliefs
on various issues (Phillips & Vandenbroek, 2014). However, there have been clear barriers that
prevent these people from accessing the necessary help some which include lack of the necessary
education on the cultural alignment, lack of confidence with the Australian Federal authority and
judiciary for administering justice, and lack of enough support to overcome psychological
traumas. While there was a clear innocence in Shirley’s face regarding the cause of her mental
downfall, it was evident that other things had added to her burden. This was because her sister
had overcome the death of their parents (Zuchowski et al., 2014). All along, Shirley was
reluctant of sharing anything with me until I changed my entire question and decided to ask
something else. “What happens in case your current partner decides to harass you and this time
hurt you badly, who will be taking care of your children?” I told her that I would provide the
necessary direction and make sure she receives justice.
Throughout the interview, I realized that I was using gentle tone given the fact that
Shirley needed a lot of support to overcome her mental illness. I used my experience from
previous clients to handle Shirley’s situation. I gave her the courage an the necessary strength
when I told her that I would provide the necessary directions towards her justice and that she
should not let cultural alignment undermine the love she has to her children.
I decided to include a collaborative work experience between me and Shirley to pave way
for the discussion and education on the cultural beliefs of the Aboriginal particularly on the
separation of parents and the effect it has on the couples. Considering the fact that the Aboriginal
value their families a lot, separation causes a heartbreaking experience to the people who are
involved (Cripps & Adams, 2014).

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 13
Understanding that Shirley came from Aboriginal cultural heritage, it was very important
for me to assess the impact of her separation with Con and the damage that the violence she had
with him had caused to her rather than her parent’s death (Drake, 2014).
During the interview, I realized that it was important to give Shirley psychological
support and ensured that I was gentle with her feelings given the fact that she was going through
tough times. The likely and preferred outcome would be to give a follow up regarding her
previous case where Con was not charged with anything even after harassing her. Additionally,
would be important for Shirley to overcome the cultural barrier that believes separation cause
heartbreaks and make sure she is aware of the importance of putting her children first. I believe
it would important for me to carry out more research on how unjust the Aboriginal culture is.
The Feedback from the Field Educators about What Worked Well and What You Have
You Learned and Can Do Differently
It was clear to me that I had to do better throughout the interview to get the best out of
Shirley. I had assumed a lot of virtues regarding cultural heritages and violence in families.
Additionally, remember using my experience to get information from her. At this point, I should
have realized the importance of keeping privacy particularly from the patient and used other
strategies to acquire information.
It is not an easy thing to sit down with client’s ad share painful information. However, I
realized that I had developed a rather pause and silent skills that assisted me to create a good
rapport with Shirley. Through working with this kind of clients I have come to realize it is
important to closely hear all the clients and the issue they raise while helping them to come out
of their hard moments successfully. Moreover, I have learned that despite the differences that lie
between people be it cultural or geographical, we share that hard moment that we all need

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 14
someone to uplift us and back to our feet. Waddell (1989) articulates in her personal reflection
that the only difference that lies between those who give the services and those that receive it as
a ‘standby, “non-action may at times be the most helpful approach not, as has been said, as a
bystander, but somebody who ‘standby.’”
I did find the whole interview experience helpful and a perfect opportunity for employing
different strengths based on the techniques. Having had little experience on the aspect of family
violence and cultural alignments, this was an important chance for me to showcase what I can do
especially since I have been yearning to do something on this topic.
I, therefore, believe that I have developed my skills from the experience I have had
through this interview. Based on the situation of Shirley, I have been in a position to come to
conclusion having used non-judgmental approach. I have an expanded the interest of coming up
with a definite program that would educate people on the cultural issues, family violence, and the
right procedure to make sure they get justice without discrimination.

CRITIQUE OF MOCK INTERVIEWS 15
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