Journal Exercises for Week 2

Exercise 5.2 Personal Values

I value my freedom. This personal value guides me in the right direction. This value was challenged when I was out with my friend and her cousin. We were out shopping. We passed by a store that had a Pandora bracelet I been wanting. My friend’s cousin tried to talk me into taking the bracelet without paying for it. This is when the value of my freedom came into play. I knew if I took the bracelet, I would lose my freedom and wind up in jail.

My personal value of religion changed. I was baptized Catholic. I grew up believing that it is not okay to visit a church of a different religion. As I got older, my value changed. I now believe it is okay to visit other churches, but not okay to become an active member of a different faith.

I held a position with a company where I was forced to stretch the truth to potential customers about our services. What we told them is not a lie, but exaggerated. I did not feel this is right, and that it is taking advantage of people, but I had to go along with it because it is my job. I now realize that I would rather be unemployed than exaggerate the truth just for a sale.

Exercise 5.3 Clients I might find hard to accept

1. Husband who is abusing his wife—When a man puts his hands on a woman it makes me so angry. To me, he has underlying issues that needs to be addressed.
2. Man who makes racist statements—No one is better than the other. It would be hard to sit there and listen to these comments and still be productive.
3. person who is a bully—A bully is nothing but a coward. I think back to all these suicides because of bullies.
4. woman having an abortion—There are people out there who would be happy to raise this child.
5. mother who is drug addicted—help is available and should be taken advantage of.
6. client who hates professionals—This client feels all professionals are out for personal gain.
7. client who yells—This client is angry on the inside. Yelling never solve anything.
8. religious zealot—This client should keep his beliefs to himself or herself. That is not important.
9. clergyperson sexually involved—This is supposed to be a person of god and a fellow professional.
10. transsexual female—This client is trying to be something he is not.
11. Adolescent male who is gay—This client may be confused and need help resolving underlying issues that led to this discovery.
12. Person who is very critical—This is a painful situation. A person who knows that he or she is at the end of their life can be heartbreaking.

Exercise 5.4 Clinical Repose

I have found myself using more of the information that I have learned throughout my studies and applying them to everyday life. It is easier for me to relate to others and to provide sound advice. I have also learned not to judge a person before hearing them out.

Exercise 5.5 Experiencing Empathy

A few years ago my brother was murdered. I went to see a grief therapist that I felt did not help. My sister-in-law called one day and told me she would stop by. We talked for a few hours. She knew exactly what I was feeling and going through. She knew my pain and grief because she had lost her brother years before and could relate.

Exercise 5.8 Expanding your capacity for empathy

I read this story about a family whose father was molesting his children. I chose this story because I think this is so hurtful to see these children going through this, and what thoughts is going through this man’s mind to do these things. The youngest was a four year old girl. If was the mother in this situation, I would hate to think I would do to my husband. I will assure you it would not be anything good.

The most important thing I learned this week is the importance of keeping my personal feelings out of the sessions. The question that remains upmost in my mind is if the client should always express his concerns before lending any information. The muddiest point in the discussion topic is the clients who would be the most difficult for me to help. I can use the information that I have learned this week to have better interactions with my clients and also use these same techniques in the future to make sure my clients are getting the best help possible.