November 15, 2019
I think, despite the overwhelming anxiety I felt throughout the simulation, the encounter went well. Apart from making eye contact, empathic listening is something that comes a little more naturally so that allowed more room for me to think about the content I actually had to communicate and my choice of words.
I didn't remember this instance until I looked back at the video - After I recommended a weighted blanket as a form of deep pressure, the client mentioned how expensive they can be and asked if there was a way to makeshift one. I was forced to use quick, creative, conflict-resolution thinking which isn't something that always comes easily because I prefer to take time to think through things. So to my surprise, I was able to give a couple spontaneous recommendations on the spot.
Overall, although there are improvements that can be made, the simulation encounter generally went well, and as a result, I was able to practice, reflect and learn from the experience.
If given the opportunity to re-do the SIM lab, I would drink less coffee beforehand - hands down. I was able to calm myself before walking into the room but since I can't just "smell the flowers and blow out the candles" repeatedly in front of the client, I felt the effects of caffeine gradually making its way back throughout the simulation. The coffee I usually drink doesn't exacerbate such strong physical signs and symptoms of anxiety. Treating myself to Starbucks on a Friday morning did not turn out to be as nice as expected (it was just a normal holiday latte!). I digress. ☺ As a result, there were times I noticed in the video, and never realized in the moment, that I appeared visibly nervous, and I don't expect that to be very comforting to any client. Also, I consider myself to be and feel like a happy person but looking at myself from an outside perspective, I realized that I don't smile as much as I think I do. It was nice whenever I did so it will be something to be mindful of in the future.
There are various ways to communicate empathy and caring to a client. As a concerned client, parent or caregiver, his/her input and feelings should always be taken into consideration. Validation of others' emotions allows them to feel understood and helps to build meaningful rapport. Then, as a therapist, it will be easier to meet the client's needs and work toward reaching goals together. Another subtle but effective way of showing to the client that he/she is cared for is active listening. When you're not the one speaking, non-verbal body language communicates for you when others are expressing themselves. Making eye contact, nodding, responding through appropriate facial expressions, repeating what they just said back to them, and more will help to assure the client that they are being heard, understood and cared for.
In future experiences, I'll make a conscious effort to smile more. The people we come across that are always smiling and appear to be happy are contagious and feel like a breath of fresh air. If that is something that helps me feel comfortable when others, I imagine it is to others, too. I will also ask the client for their input and interpretation of certain information they may not be as familiar with. This will give them not only the opportunity to express themselves, but also an opportunity for me to see their level of knowledge, meet them at that level, make mutual connections, and go from there. Finally, now that I know how it impacts my ability to interact with others, I will be more aware of my caffeine intake prior to those personal exchanges.
