Sociological Observation

This assignment requires you formulate and write a reflection essay that incorporates an analysis and synthesis of information that you have received from class discussion, presentations, required and independent readings, and personal experience and exposure. This essay should be a reflection on your journey to discover a personal theoretical orientation toward counseling. What does it look like? What theorist's do you see yourself aligned with? In disagreement with? How have your personal life experiences impacted your thoughts and beliefs as they relate to counseling others?

As I reflect, on my academic and personal journey in this classroom, I can’t help but think of the first day of class. I recall the group being told by Dr. Oz, to form a circle with our chairs. Then, he promptly and stoically asked the following question, “What do you need?” My immediate reaction was to tense up. I felt uncomfortable being asked such a personal question by a complete stranger (in front of other complete strangers). I also felt upset at myself for not being able to come up with an answer (in my head) right away. As I saw my turn to answer the question quickly approaching, I battled with how I would answer the question. I asked myself; “Should I be completely honest, or should I give a safe and generic answer?” I can’t remember my response to the question. In retrospect, I do not think the response mattered. I learned so much about where I was in my life from the simple question. I realized that I had become so busy and overwhelmed with work and home responsibilities that I had forgotten about myself. It was time to get reconnected for my benefit and the benefit of my future clients. I realized this when Dr. Oz stated, “As a counselor, your needs can affect your job.” What are our needs? The areas of needs are as follows: unfinished business, defenses, vulnerabilities, and personal conflict. At the time of the discussion about our needs, I