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Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Question 25 of 40 for our Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Mental Health Counselor was updated by on June 26th, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 25 of 40

Have you ever had a counselling client who failed to progress? If so, how did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

In reality, some clients may take longer to progress, or they may not be able to move forward with you at all. The interviewer would like to know how you would handle a situation where your client failed to make progress. Perhaps you would redirect your client to another counselor, or maybe you would begin to explore a new counseling approach. The way that you handle this type of situation will tell the hiring authority a lot about your client relationships and your confidence as a Mental Health Counselor. Explain how you would address this situation with a client once you noticed the signs of non-progression.

If you have faced this situation in the past, be sure to give a specific story-based example. You can form this story-based example using the STAR framework. Star is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method will allow you to organize a clear and engaging response.

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How to Answer: Have you ever had a counselling client who failed to progress? If so, how did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Mental Health Counselor job interview.

  • 25. Have you ever had a counselling client who failed to progress? If so, how did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?

      How to Answer

      In reality, some clients may take longer to progress, or they may not be able to move forward with you at all. The interviewer would like to know how you would handle a situation where your client failed to make progress. Perhaps you would redirect your client to another counselor, or maybe you would begin to explore a new counseling approach. The way that you handle this type of situation will tell the hiring authority a lot about your client relationships and your confidence as a Mental Health Counselor. Explain how you would address this situation with a client once you noticed the signs of non-progression.

      If you have faced this situation in the past, be sure to give a specific story-based example. You can form this story-based example using the STAR framework. Star is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This method will allow you to organize a clear and engaging response.

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Entry Level Example

      "While earning my degree as a Mental Health Counselor, we were taught that there might be times when the synergy is not good with a client. I learned that it is important to take note of these circumstances and be transparent with a client when progress is lacking. If I notice that a client is not progressing, I will take time to reassess their treatment plan, and the therapy modalities I use. I will also entertain the idea that I may not be the right counselor for them. I will ask the client various discovery questions to see if we need to set different goals. From there, I would work together with the client to identify the best way for them to reach those goals."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on August 15th, 2020

      Answer Example

      "Yes, I have had clients who have failed to progress, and it's always a difficult reality to face. (Situation) In one case, there was a missing trust factor between myself and the clients. (Task) As a responsible Mental Health Counselor, I want to see my clients succeed; however, I may not always be the right counselor for the job. The connection was not there, and, after three sessions, I had to be transparent with the client. (Action) I told her that I felt another therapist in our office would be a better fit for her. I explained that this individual was more versed in psychodynamic therapy, where they had a heavier focus on how the clients' past experiences impacted their current problems. This counselor would take more of an expert role and less of a client-driven approach. Since this client has already gone through a few therapists, I felt that this therapy method would be more helpful. (Result) In the end, I was thankful to be right. Although I was not privy to the details of their sessions, I would see the client come in for her appointments now and then, and she seemed to be happier and more lighthearted."

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I had a client who presented feelings of depression. On completing Beck's anxiety inventory, it indicated that he was experiencing mild depression. Based on the client's intake it seemed as though his depression was situational. He was a full-time student who had lost his job. The counselor gave him links for job opportunities and he applied for a few of the jobs but stopped when no one responded to his application. It seemed as though the client hadn't the inner drive to move forward during challenging times. Also, he did not complete assigned homework during sessions. I discussed with the client my concerns about our sessions and recommended a male counselor for which he agreed. His case was discussed with my supervisor and his case was transferred to the male counselor in the very counseling center."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      Good response--it feels like you really understood your own limitations and when someone else would be a better match for this particular client. This shows a lot of self-awareness and reflection.