Minimal Encouragers Tone of Voice

Sample Solution

In this self-critique, I will analyze my skills and identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth in the following areas:

• Body language
• Eye contact
• Minimal encouragers
• Tone of voice
• Verbal following
• Open questions
• Paraphrase
• Reflection of feeling
• Summarizing

Body Language

Overall, I believe that my body language was generally open and inviting during the counseling session. I sat in a comfortable position, facing the client, and I maintained eye contact throughout the session. I also used gestures and facial expressions to show that I was engaged and listening.

Full Answer Section

However, there were a few instances where my body language could have been improved. For example, at one point, I crossed my arms when the client was talking about a difficult topic. This may have made me seem closed off or defensive. I am also aware that I sometimes fidget with my hands when I am feeling nervous. I need to be more mindful of my body language and make sure that it is always conveying openness and acceptance.

Eye Contact

I maintained good eye contact with the client throughout the session. I made eye contact when the client was speaking, and I also made eye contact when I was speaking. I believe that eye contact is important for building rapport and trust with the client.

Minimal Encouragers

I used minimal encouragers throughout the session. I would say things like "uh-huh," "mm-hmm," and "go on." I also nodded my head and made eye contact to show that I was listening. I believe that minimal encouragers are important for letting the client know that I am interested in what they have to say and that I am encouraging them to continue talking.

Tone of Voice

My tone of voice was generally warm and empathetic during the session. I spoke slowly and clearly, and I avoided using judgmental language. I believe that it is important to use a tone of voice that conveys empathy and understanding.

However, there were a few instances where my tone of voice could have been improved. For example, at one point, I sounded a bit rushed when the client was talking about a sensitive topic. I need to be more mindful of my tone of voice and make sure that it always conveys empathy and understanding.

Verbal Following

I used verbal following throughout the session. I would repeat back what the client had said to show that I was listening and to clarify their meaning. I believe that verbal following is an important skill for counselors to have, as it helps to ensure that they understand the client's perspective.

Open Questions

I asked open questions throughout the session. I avoided asking yes/no questions and instead asked questions that required the client to elaborate on their thoughts and feelings. I believe that open questions are important for getting to know the client and for helping them to explore their issues more deeply.

Paraphrase

I used paraphrase throughout the session. I would summarize what the client had said in my own words to show that I was listening and to check for understanding. I believe that paraphrase is an important skill for counselors to have, as it helps to ensure that they are on the same page as the client.

Reflection of Feeling

I used reflection of feeling throughout the session. I would identify the client's emotions and reflect them back to them to show that I understood and accepted their feelings. I believe that reflection of feeling is an important skill for counselors to have, as it helps clients to feel validated and accepted.

Summarizing

I summarized at the end of the session to review the main points that the client had made and to identify any next steps. I believe that summarizing is an important skill for counselors to have, as it helps clients to integrate the information that they have learned during the session.

Overall, I believe that my skills were relatively strong during the counseling session. However, there are a few areas where I have opportunities for growth. For example, I need to be more mindful of my body language and tone of voice. I also need to be more consistent in using paraphrase and reflection of feeling. I am committed to continuing to develop my skills as a counselor, and I believe that these areas of growth will help me to become a more effective therapist.

Specific Areas of Strength

• I was able to maintain good eye contact with the client throughout the session.
• I used minimal encouragers to show that I was listening and to encourage the client to continue talking.
• I asked open questions to get to know the client and to help them explore their issues more deeply.
• I paraphrased and reflected feeling to show that I was listening and to check for understanding.
• I summarized at the end of the session to review the main points that the client had made and to identify any next steps.