Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Communication is the foundation of mental health care. Understanding the importance of engaging with all types of populations is fundamental to cultural competency which fosters trust. Clients endure a lot of stigma associated with mental health and need reassurance that they can trust the practitioners. Effective communication coupled with the skill of showing empathy can be the difference in the client accepting help and getting on the path of a better quality of life. I will engage in continuous education by reviewing evidence-based practices and strategies when engaging with individuals, their families or collaborating with professionals. I will recognized best practices and use ethical decision making when selecting interventions.
6.1 – Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across systems.
Course Evidence:
During my Advanced Clinical Practice Psychotherapy class, we practiced using various skills such as conflict resolution, matching the mood of the room, effective communication skills and showing empathy. My group and I wrote a script for a mock group therapy session using evidenced-based practices. Click Mock Group Intervention Script to view this script.
In my mental health emphasis course, I wrote a comprehensive treatment plan for a family using the systems theory.
Click Comprehensive Treatment Plan to view this assignment.
Field Evidence:
At the Crisis Center, I saw the importance of effective communication. When communication is given with respect and empathy, the client becomes more open and willing to reveal what they are dealing with. I examined evidenced- based practices as I conducted assessments and their efficiency such as motivational interviewing, strengths based perspective, DBT and CBT. I tried cold water DBT and opposite action DBT on myself and shared my experience with my clients to encourage them to utilize these tools. I applied knowledge of policy and theories with diverse populations.
My practicum supervisor assigned me the task of reading Viktor Franks’s book A Man’s Search for Meaning and write a case conceptualization on what therapy modalities I would use as a therapist for a client I assessed in the walk in center.
Click case conceptualization to view this assignment.
6.2 – Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies
Course Evidence:
During my Assessment and Diagnostics class, I wrote an assessment of a mock client experiencing anxiety.
Click here to view this assignment.
In my Advanced Practice Psychotherapy course, I recorded a video demonstration showcasing my skills in CBT.
Click here to view this video.
Field Evidence:
At the Crisis Center, I observed clinicians using CBT skills during assessments. I engaged with law enforcement and hospitals while modeling the utilization of above practices. I used empathy, self-reflection, interpersonal skills and inter-professional collaboration with a diverse population to facilitate social justice and change.
I wrote a case conceptualization based on a client I assessed in the walk in center.
Click here to view this assignment.
Knowledge: Knowledge of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs aided my understanding that not having basic needs impacts the client mental health to establish empathy. I used knowledge of evidence based practice in guiding me through the process of discerning best treatment options for clients.
Values: I implemented social justice, service, and the importance of human relationships by building trust with a client and rapport.
Skills: I exercised collaboration with family members of clients and various healthcare agencies and law enforcement. I exercised interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, understanding of human relationships, active listening, networking for collaboration of care and establishing a good reputation for myself and the company I intern for.
Cognitive: I used critical thinking to determine the best course of action with clients and their families as well as other organizations involved in the clients’ care. I validated feelings while listening to clients. I made decisions on clients need for a higher level of care and made referrals to inpatient hospitals.
Affective: I exercised empathy, self-care discern symptoms to determine if the client meets criteria for diagnosis. As I heard many tragedies while using active listening during assessments, I used self-awareness to monitor myself for secondary trauma and the impact this has on my emotions. I attended therapy for my mental health.
Theoretical foundations: I used systems theory to understand what impacts the clients behavior. I used Eriksons’ psychosocial theory to understand how the client’s environment has impacted their life. I used social learning theory to understand that the clients’ behavior could be a result of what was modeled to them in life. I utilized Freud’s psychodynamic theory to understand biological forces to a client’s behavior.