Motivational Interview Reflection

Throughout my schooling, the scariest part to date was the dreaded Motivational Interviewing class for my AAS in Alcohol and Drug Studies. Each week we would have to meet as a group and do tapes, transcribe the tapes, code the responses accordingly, and then present them to the class and the instructor. The most nerve wracking and most rewarding experience of my education. Without those tapes I would never have gained the skills that I feel I carry today. Fast forward, to yet another taped counseling session, I was ready. I felt extremely comfortable with sitting down with Lillie and talking about some of her challenges as of recently. I find that I have the ability to be with someone, be empathetic with someone and present myself in

Trying to make sure you do everything right the first time to avoid a second taping. Nodding right, responding right, including reflection of feelings, and content with meaning. The list goes on and on. The hardest thing about taped sessions is that you are concentrating so hard on yourself that you forget you’re actually in a session; listening to respond, rather than listening to hear. The thing that stood out the most, even though I could tell I was breathing heavy with nerves, is that I am really good and hearing the cues and narrowing end on those, with open ended questions. Inviting for further exploration and seeking self-efficacy- “what do you have control over?” I feel like client’s have the ability to make decisions when they are able to break down the issues. Another aspect of the counseling session is my ability to be present with the client and be aware of my facial expressions and body posture. We are taught to not cross our arms and to sit with our hands in our lap, and nod occasionally so your client feels heard. After awhile, it just comes natural and you no longer have to remember all the while trying to stay with the client in hopes that you didn’t just miss half of what they are saying. Counseling is a skill and it takes time to feel comfortable doing it and there will always be those days you miss all the cues and your responses are way off. As a good clinician, you are able to say – “you know what, I seem