How do you respond to a patient that is trying to manipulate you?
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"If I identified that a patient was trying to manipulate me I would review the treatment plan that we set together and remind them of their boundaries."
"As an Addiction Therapist, I know that addicts have a way of sweet talking people to get what they want. My years of experience and training alert me to when a patient is trying to manipulate me."
As an Addiction Therapist , you can handle the some of the most aggressive and abusive patients through one thing: Communication. You have all the tricks up your sleeve to effectively communicate with your patient and help them choose a safer way of interacting their those around them. If the patient is an adult or someone that can hurt you, relay to the interviewer that you would take the appropriate steps to have someone on standby to assist you if needed.
Here is a sample question: "If I identified that a patient was trying to manipulate me I would review the treatment plan that we set together and remind them of their boundaries."
"I've just finished my internship and earned my licensure. I'd like to work with this company because I can grow with it. Start in an entry level position and work towards a leadership position over time."
Don't be fooled by this trick question. The interviewer isn't interested in your cheesy statement that you are the best person for the job. They have an idea you probably are, the chose to interview you. The interviewer wants to know why you chose this line of work, your education and how your past employment directly supports the position you are applying to. Answer this question with your rehearsed and memorized elevator speech. Make it unique and convincing or they will move to the next candidate.
"If I'm facing a stressful situation I'll call in the reinforcements. I ask for help when appropriate to avoid situations getting out of control."
Addiction Therapy can be an emotionally draining job. How do you get away from it all and relax? Do you do yoga or go to the gym? Spend time with your family at the beach? Don't tell the interviewer that you don't have work stress because we all have a little. Instead, tell the interviewer that you welcome and thrive on a little bit of work stress. Work stress can motivate us and make our day more interesting.
"I feel that my leadership skills could be stronger and I am currently working to improve them."
"One of my weaknesses is working through my breaks and lunch hour. Sometimes I have to tell myself to walk away and take a break so I can come back refreshed."
Anticipate this question in the Medical Career field. Strength and weakness questions are the most challenging interview questions for anyone. Because we all have weaknesses you'll need to have one identified and rehearsed for this answer. Choose a weakness that can be improved upon. Let the interviewer know that you've identified it and you are working at it to make it one of your strengths.
Addiction therapists (also known as substance abuse counselors) have the necessary clinical skills and experience needed to help their patients overcome substance abuse issues. You apply your skills to counsel those who have been diagnosed with substance abuse disorders. You develop treatment plans and help your patients find ways of coping with their destructive urges. You are knowledgeable about the different kinds of addiction, such as alcohol, drug dependency, gambling and eating disorders.
As an Addiction Therapist you may hold a bachelor's degree in a behavioral or social science with additional coursework and experience in addiction counseling. Graduate degrees may increase job opportunities and usually include supervised experience, which employers often require. Licensing requirements vary by state.
To prepare for your interview you'll want to do your homework on the facility. Research what they specialize in, patient population and skills that are needed to be successful within the particular role you are interviewing for. If you are a new graduate and new to the field be able to speak to your college experience and projects. Consider volunteering to gain valuable work experience to show the interviewer that not only are you are committed to the field but want to help others around you.