Dealing With Stress Video Analysis

My reflection video of helping client deal with stress
Shamso Yusuf
The Ohio State University

I do not know where to start this reflection, however I clearly recall how long it took me to start to find a place in the house to sit in order to videotape. I basically procrastinated the videotaping itself, I have no idea why I was so against being in front of the camera, but something about it was making me uncomfortable. So at the time gotten closer I started calling one of my friends in this course to assist me with videoing, and so I can also return the favor, which worked out perfectly fine. On the other hand, the feeling I got from another person videoing me was weird and I felt insecure, especially under the eye of the camera was surreal. I mean, I am used to using the popular social media of snap-chatting, but when I put my head that this is a professional work, I automatically felt
nauseated. Suddenly, I felt agitated, unsure, and discombobulate. Yet, I did not stop to take breaks, or to rerecord, I realize I need to keep going in order to reach a successful level in this field one day. Before I viewed the video, I did my best to make my mind plank of any negative thoughts of myself for what I would see, yet I knew it would be a nervous and awkward student who was clueless about dealing with clients.
I prepared and took out of my bag, my notebook and pen to commence to notate the abundance of mistakes that I would see, and somewhere in my mind, hoping to acknowledge the positive things that I liked to add to my crappie hand written notes. After a while of observing and evaluating the video, I comprehended that perhaps the whole requirement of this video is not to observe a perfect interview between client and social worker, but rather to observe to understand the mistakes that could be fixed in order to achieve a better rapport, and to learn to get information from clients quickly and efficiently. After that I started noting all the positive things on one side, and the negative ones the other side, at this point I did not care which side the notes took place, but understanding the value they hold for me: to learn more and to do better next
time.
I was amazed and astonished to note several things right away that was very important, even though I never thought of it being valuable before videotaping this video. I understand that I needed to know the issues and presenting problem of the client's so I asked my client for a brief summary before the interview started. It made me feel relaxed, and know what I am supposed to do ahead of time. Since I wanted to seem professional to my client, I did my best to do the interview in a neat area that appears to be an office. Perhaps, an unkempt appearance or messy meeting room is not only preventing concentration or diverting attention, but can also give my client the intuition that I am not professional, and that would automatically give a bad impression to the whole agency I am representing. Also, remember how I said I requested a friend to help me record the video, well I did not meet the friend at my house. I met her at a local community mosque, so I made sure I treated this situation like meeting a client so I was punctual and got there a few minutes earlier. Now let’s focus on my body language, first of all, I right away extended my hand and stated my name and my profession. Then, I recalled the clients name and asked what she was here for, making sure I was listening to her very attentively. All the while I was constantly making eye contact with the client trying to encourage her to deeply explain to me what the occurring problem was. To show some empathy I nodded where it was appropriate so the client understand I needed for her to keep going and I was right there beside here in this journey of rejuvenation and revivification. I also, offered the client any information that could assist her go the right direction, and made sure Sharifa did not feel insecure by disclosing that this agency is well experienced of helping people who deal with the same issues in this particular population as the client. I felt great personal pride when I connected with client and everything was flowing and smooth like they should profess. Besides, I was very respectful, which is why the client was working collaboratively with me, and building a healthy rapport as well.
On the other hand, I forgot my client could be worried and depressed, so after I introduced myself, I did not even crack a smile so that properly did not help Sharifa feel less anxious. Worse than that, I did not have a small talk with her, basically I was about business so I right away started grueling the client, how awful of me. Not to mention, I never explained any legal documentation or forms to be completed before interviewing the client. On top of that, I never made sure to tell Sharifa that everything she shared with me was confidential, nor did I explain the rules and regulation of the agency. What I failed attempt of the interview, I know. Perhaps the lowest of them all is asking the client multiple questions at the same time, which of course highlights the lack of experience I have with clients. Equally important, I did not like my tone of voice, and how I kept saying the interjection word of “umm” it made me seem an unorganized and confused professional.
Overall, I believe I will feel more comfortable next time I videotape myself doing the interview, and probably my performance would be boosted by how I assist the client. Let’s just say, I have view things I need to improve on before the final week comes around. Other than that I am happy and satisfied by completing around one without passing out. Not to contradict, but honestly, I was glad to do this assignment, it helps me see myself in my own eyes in a slower, and repeatable way, which highlighted my weaknesses and strengths. One final question professor, how did you feel when you first recorded yourself, do we have any similarities?