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Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

Question 38 of 40 for our Mental Health Counselor Mock Interview

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Question 38 of 40

Tell me about a time when you witnessed a significant improvement in a clients' situation through counselling.

"(Situation) While completing my internship, I was assisting the lead counselor with a client diagnosed with dysthymic disorder. (Task) As an intern, I primarily observed the client and took notes while helping the counselor to document the session afterward. (Action) When the client first came in for therapy, he demonstrated suicidal ideation. In each session, the counselor gave him room to talk and share the difficulties he had been experiencing. They set attainable short term goals, often targets that were for the following day or just a few days in advance. This approach allowed the client to have moments to look forward to without feeling overwhelmed by looking too far into the future. (Result) Within only four months, he was feeling more in control of his feelings, and his self-esteem improved. He stopped having thoughts of harming himself and instead was much more accepting of the possibilities for his future. It was remarkable to see this turnaround, and this experience further supported my desire to become a Mental Health Counselor."

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How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you witnessed a significant improvement in a clients' situation through counselling.

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

  • 38. Tell me about a time when you witnessed a significant improvement in a clients' situation through counselling.

      How to Answer

      The interviewer wants to discuss a significant time in your counseling career when you noticed a significant shift and change in your client. Think of a time when you made a positive impact on your client by offering a helpful counseling method.

      Since this question is a 'tell me about a time...' query, try to give a 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

      "(Situation) While completing my internship, I was assisting the lead counselor with a client diagnosed with dysthymic disorder. (Task) As an intern, I primarily observed the client and took notes while helping the counselor to document the session afterward. (Action) When the client first came in for therapy, he demonstrated suicidal ideation. In each session, the counselor gave him room to talk and share the difficulties he had been experiencing. They set attainable short term goals, often targets that were for the following day or just a few days in advance. This approach allowed the client to have moments to look forward to without feeling overwhelmed by looking too far into the future. (Result) Within only four months, he was feeling more in control of his feelings, and his self-esteem improved. He stopped having thoughts of harming himself and instead was much more accepting of the possibilities for his future. It was remarkable to see this turnaround, and this experience further supported my desire to become a Mental Health Counselor."

      Written by Rachelle Enns on August 15th, 2020

      Answer Example

      "In most cases, I see considerable differences in my clients even after the first few sessions. (Situation) Last year I took on a new client who seemed to have all of the answers for herself. She disclosed early on that she simply needed room to vent and process the everyday stresses in her life. (Task) As her counselor, it was my job to respect the fact that she wanted to have a safe place where she could talk through her issues and make good day-to-day decisions after outputting her negative emotions. (Action) I recognized early on that this client did not want to dig deep into her psyche. What this client needed from me was to listen, encourage, and affirm her. She took great satisfaction in simply being heard and supported. She would arrive at my office wound up and would leave looking as though she had a weight lifted off of her shoulders. Most of the time, I just sat and nodded and listened. (Result) This client would end each session with a huge sigh of relief and a smile on her face. I felt that we accomplished a significant improvement each time she completed a session because she felt empowered and free. Although this client did not have a dramatic made-for-tv style reformation, she had a significant shift in her approach to processing stress, which then created a positive ripple in her work life, parenting style, and her marriage."

      Written by Ryan Brown on August 11th, 2014

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I treated a client who was referred to me for anxiety. The client could not sit still, she shook her legs and swallowed often. She said that she could not avoid doing so. She told me that she was sexually abused as a child by her mom's boyfriend but it stopped as she grew older but at the time she had a sister at home who was her age when she was abused and that she was very scared that her sister may have the same experience. I counseled her using Cognitive Behavior Therapy as well as I introduced several calming techniques. After about two to three weeks the shaking and swallowing stopped and normalcy was restored to the client. This client's experience really impacted her life and she continued her education in Counseling Psychology. Presently, she is serving as a mental health therapist. ( I must say that the incident was also reported)."

      Stephanie's Feedback

      This is an impactful specific example--it sounds like you were able to really support this client in seeking positive change for her life.

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