INTAKE INTERVIEW SELF REFLECTION 2
Abstract
This paper presents a reflective analysis of a mock counseling interview conducted by me and
another clinical counseling student. This analysis focuses on identifying strengths and
weaknesses in the counseling skills demonstrated throughout the interview. Three strengths,
including empathy, active listening, and the use of open-ended questions, are highlighted.
Additionally, three weaknesses, such as the use of jargon, limited exploration of cultural factors,
and incomplete exploration of the client’s emotional responses. An improvement plan is detailed,
incorporating strategies based on my observations of my strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore,
I provide insights into the client’s experience during the interview, emphasizing the significance
of creating a safe environment to share personal information. The findings support the
importance of empathy, rapport-building, and open-ended questions in the interview process.
Lastly, I conclude with a commitment to continue to observe my counseling skills and enhance
my counseling competencies to better serve future clients.
Keywords: intake interview, empathy, client-centered therapy, therapeutic relationship,
reflective listening techniques
INTAKE INTERVIEW SELF REFLECTION 3
Intake Interview: Self-Reflection
The counseling intake interview is an essential aspect of beginning the therapeutic
relationship and gaining a clear picture of the client’s mental health. This initial interview serves
as a foundation for establishing trust between the counselor and the client and understanding the
client’s presenting concerns in the context of their unique background. This reflective analysis
will focus on the strengths and weaknesses I observed in the interview, followed by a plan for
improvement for future sessions. Additionally, I will share insights from my experience as a
client being interviewed.
Strengths
One of the major strengths I portrayed throughout the interview was empathy. By
actively listening to the client, I validated their emotions and showed genuine concern for their
overall well-being. According to Corey (2017), empathy is a foundation aspect of a client-
centered approach, which fosters a supportive environment for the client to share personal details
about themselves. Additionally, I maintained eye contact and used head gestures to show that I
was comprehending the client’s answers. These reflective listening techniques allow the client to
feel heard, understood, and valued.
I adequately used open-ended questions on topics where I observed there was more
information to be shared. This strategy encourages the client to explore their thoughts and
feelings more than if I were to ask closed-ended questions. According to Corey (2017), this
technique helps the client express themselves freely and allows the counselor to understand the
client on a deeper level. Overall, this approach facilitates the client’s self-exploration.
Building a trusting relationship with a client starts at the very first interaction of the
session. I successfully established rapport by warmly welcoming the client at the beginning of
INTAKE INTERVIEW SELF REFLECTION 4
the session and setting expectations for the interview structure. Disclosing client rights and
confidentiality creates a safe environment for the client to share personal information. The client
then seemed comfortable throughout the session, knowing that their information was protected.
Weaknesses
One apparent weakness in the interview was my occasional use of counseling jargon or
terminology, that the client may not fully understand. The use of this language can make the
client feel inferior and that there is a large power differential (Egan, 2013). This can hinder
effective communication between the client and me and leave them feeling confused or
distracted during the session.
Another weakness was a limited exploration of cultural factors, which may make the
client feel as though I do not value their cultural background. Multicultural competence is
essential in counseling, as understanding their worldview is a vital contributor to their outlook on
life (Sue et. al., 2016). I overlooked the opportunity to dive deeper into this area and may have
missed some important information relevant to their cultural background. Cultural backgrounds
can influence choices and even coping strategies, which is pertinent to their mental health status.
A comprehensive understanding of who the client is inclusive of their cultural identity.
A noticeable weakness I observed after watching the interview, was an incomplete
consideration of the client’s emotional responses. Due to the number of questions, I had, and
trying to complete the whole interview in 50 minutes, I did not explore some of the emotions that
came to the surface in the client. There was a missed opportunity to explore these emotions that
could be relevant to their mental health status. Examining the underlying causes of these
emotions can play a significant role in their treatment planning and psychological evaluation.
Plan for Improvement
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To address my lack of initiative to explore the client’s cultural background, I plan to
undertake cultural competence training. I believe this training will help me become more aware
of diverse backgrounds and teach me how to better explore these areas until I feel comfortable.
Cultural diversity and exploration have a large influence on counseling dynamics (Sue et al.,
2016). Therefore, to enhance my cultural sensitivity, I will also actively pursue opportunities to
engage with diverse populations and learn about their beliefs, values, and traditions.
To overcome the weakness of using counseling jargon, I intend to write down plan
language alternatives for concepts I will likely discuss in a counseling session. For example,
instead of using the words ‘cognitive reframing’, I will use ‘challenging and changing thoughts’.
The client needs to understand the language used throughout the session for it to be useful to
them. The only time I will use a technical term is if they have used it in their language or when
there isn’t a congruent alternative to the concept.
To confront the weakness of limited emotional response exploration, I will not hesitate to
include more probing questions. While I must do this carefully, I think it is important to get to
the root of the emotions that are coming to the surface, as this is relevant to their mental health
status. Additionally, there is something that I may have asked or said that was triggering for the
client, and it is vital to note these triggers as well, as they are likely related to past traumatic
experiences. This approach enables a better overall view of the client’s emotional world and aids
me in finding therapeutic interventions that are tailored to the client.
Client Experience
As the client in the mock counseling interview, I had several observations about my
experience, both negative and positive. First, I realized that as the client, it can be very
challenging to share personal issues or tough experiences. This is why it is essential to create a
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safe space for the client to share and to build trust right off the bat. Secondly, I noticed that I
became more comfortable throughout the session. I find this as an opportunity to go back to
topics that I feel the client did not fully disclose information on, as they may feel more inclined
to open up later in the session. Lastly, I experienced the value of empathy firsthand. When I was
sharing something vulnerable, and I felt the counselor was actively listening and engaging with
me, it helped me feel supported and cared for. This experience pushed me to be more open and
honest, even when I was asked difficult questions.
Conclusion
Self-reflection of the counseling interview allowed me to identify what I do well and also
my areas of blindness in my counseling skills. This evaluation provided valuable insights into
areas where I require improvement and highlighted actionable ways to improve these areas. I
realize the significance of empathy, open-ended questions, and rapport-building as valuable
aspects of the counseling process. Moving forward, I am committed to enhancing my own
counseling abilities through continued self-reflection and practice of competent counseling skills.
INTAKE INTERVIEW SELF REFLECTION 7
References
Corey, G. (2017) Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Cengage Learning.
Egan, G. (2013). The skilled helper: A problem-management and opportunity-development
approach to helping. Cengage Learning.
Sue, D. W., Sue, D., Sue, S. (2016). Counseling the culturally diverse: Theory and practice. John
Wiley & Sons.
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