Mock counselling session number 1- Mena Practical

Summary

In this counseling session, a first-time client discusses the overwhelming pressures she faces due to her relationship, her mother's illness, and work stress. The counselor explains confidentiality, session logistics, and the collaborative approach to counseling. The client, feeling nervous, is reassured about the process and encouraged to focus on resolving key concerns, particularly with her partner, while also managing her caregiving responsibilities. The counselor emphasizes ongoing support and flexibility with the number of sessions, addressing the client's concerns about costs and session duration. The conversation sets the foundation for a supportive therapeutic relationship.

Takeaways

• 😀 Confidentiality is emphasized in counseling, but there are exceptions like risk of harm or subpoenaed case notes.
• 😀 Counseling sessions are initially free for the first six visits, with a cost of $70 for each session thereafter.
• 😀 The client can cancel sessions with a 24-hour notice, ensuring flexibility.
• 😀 This is the client's first time in counseling, and they expressed nervousness about the process.
• 😀 The counseling process is collaborative, with the counselor and client working together to find solutions to the client's issues.
• 😀 Referrals to external services or specialists may be made with the client's consent if necessary.
• 😀 The client is currently facing pressure from personal relationships, family health issues, and work, which are contributing to stress.
• 😀 The client prioritizes addressing issues with their partner and the health of their mother as the most pressing concerns.
• 😀 The counselor provides clear explanations about the referral process and how it might be used in future sessions.
• 😀 The counselor is empathetic and reassures the client that counseling is a safe space where they can openly share concerns.
• 😀 The counselor and client agree to focus on the relationship issue in future sessions, with an option to extend counseling as needed.

Q & A

What is the counselor's role in maintaining confidentiality during sessions?

The counselor ensures that all discussions are kept confidential unless there is a risk of harm to the client or others, or if the case notes are subpoenaed by court. Additionally, some information may be shared with the counselor's supervisor, but the client's identity is kept anonymous in such cases.

What are the conditions that might require breaching confidentiality?

Confidentiality might be breached if the counselor believes the client is at risk of harming themselves or others, if the counselor's case notes are subpoenaed by a court, or if the counselor needs to discuss certain matters with a supervisor for guidance.

How many sessions are free for clients, and what happens after that?

The first six counseling sessions are free, covered by Medicare. After the first six sessions, the client is required to pay $70 per session.

Can a client cancel a session, and are there any requirements for cancellations?

Yes, a client can cancel a session at any time. However, they are required to provide at least 24 hours' notice if they cannot attend a session.

What was Annabelle's main concern during the session?

Annabelle's main concern was the tension in her relationship with her partner, particularly because they are not on the same page about marriage. She also expressed the challenge of caring for her sick mother and managing work pressure.

How does the counselor help Annabelle manage her concerns?

The counselor reassures Annabelle that the counseling process is collaborative, aiming to build a relationship where they can work together to address her concerns. They suggest starting with her relationship issues as the top priority.

How does Annabelle feel about attending counseling for the first time?

Annabelle feels nervous and uncertain about what to expect. This is her first time attending counseling, and she doesn't have anyone else to turn to for support.

Why does Annabelle prioritize her relationship concerns over work pressure?

Annabelle prioritizes her relationship issues because she feels the most pressure from her partner, especially due to the added stress of caring for her sick mother. She feels like the relationship is suffering as a result.

What did the counselor explain about referrals in counseling?

The counselor explained that referrals may be necessary if, at any point, both the client and counselor agree that the client needs additional support from external services or specialists. The counselor will discuss these options with the client and seek their consent before making a referral.

What expectation did Annabelle have regarding counseling sessions?

Annabelle expected that the counselor would help her by offering solutions to her problems, but the counselor clarified that counseling involves working together to explore options and find solutions collaboratively, rather than providing immediate answers.