Self Reflective Analysis

As I write this journal, I sit in a coffee shop and feel that sitting in a coffee shop to reflect on my week is so soothing. I find that moments like this are what helps me keep sain. Moments like this are helpful to me,as I get to sit in a coffee shop and listen to my favorite music, after a long day. I admit continuing to write journals is not easy for me, as reflecting on my week can be challenging. An example, this week was good and no concerns arise. In comparison to other difficult weeks I previously had. This week I even had a hard time thinking of what to write but I push myself to complete it. I feel that this week was very calm for me, which I am so thankful for. As the past weeks were so stressful, due to having several crises
and personal stressors. I admit I learn from the stressful weeks that crises and personal stressors do affect me emotionally . I also realized that I need to find strategies to help me when I do encounter other crisis situations. Also, that despite of telling myself I am ok during the crises, in reality I do not feel emotionally prepare. My field instructor told me this week that with time I will feel more confident when handling crises. Also, that the feelings I presented were very appropriate given the circumstances. She helped me reflect on how conducting therapy and handling crises are all new to me. Therefore, it can can be difficult now to feel confident, but with time I will get better,as well, learn from each circumstance. I truly appreciate her words, as she made me feel supported and helped me realize that I am not perfect. Also, that I am a student learning how to be a clinician and a social worker, therefore, need to enjoy this process.

As mentioned previously, this week I had a overall calm week and feel so happy.
I am currently working with clients and conducting a social skills group. This week I reflected on how much I have been helping my clients both individually and in group. An example, is clients in group supporting a peer that was not able to earn his points due to having difficulties following direcitosn. Thus, the group member told client that during next group he can try again. For me this was amazing, as I am seeing positive changes in a child. In another example, a client that I have met for individual therapy sessions for months, has started initiating conversations in session with me. Furthermore, for the past three weeks he has talked about things he likes and giving me tips on video games to use. Moments like this are so rewarding to see as I can see how much I am indeed helping client feel secure. As a MSW intern student I have so much going on that I do not realize how much I am doing for the clients I work with. I know I have a lot to learn but moments like this for me are so crucial and feel so bless for the opportunity. I also feel so bless as I am helping in making a difference in an individual life. Furthermore, reminds me of what my field instructor explained to me such as with time I will get
better.

Reflecting on my week and discussion, has helped me look back to how much I have achieved in the past year. Again, I am so thankful for this experience despite of moments where I have felt frustrated, overwhelmed, and stressed. I feel that this experience is like a roller coaster, more like an emotional roller coaster. Thus, this is a roller coaster I will continue to ride till the end, as my journey is filled with wonders. I feel tha this journey has taught me to be patient with myself and the process. It has taught me to be resilient too. An example, today depite of feeling lethargic I am pushing myself to work on my reflection papers. I also feel proud too that I am no longer having thoughts to wanting to quit school as I am not a quitter. My friend even developed a goal for me, which was to increase positive thoughts. A year now since this goal was developed and started as a joke, this was the best thing my friends could have done for me. Now I feel more confident and no longer scared to continue pushing myself to work harder for what I want. An example of this, me telling myself I did not think that I was good when writing papers but now I feel I am getting better. It has been a journey and I still need to work a lot on my writing skills, thus, I know that I am trying my best. Trying my best, even if it takes three to four times to check my paper. I know that with time I will get better and I am getting better. Also, I know that my perseverance will help me continue to push myself to challenge myself to not give up.