Walk me through the range of emotional and behavioural challenges you have helped clients to overcome in the past.
The interviewer would like to know more about your background and the type of client cases you are accustomed to managing. Your range of experience will help the hiring authority to understand if your knowledge is a good match for the needs of their organization and clients.
Talk about the range of cases and challenges you have faced as a Mental Health Counselor. As you share your experiences, the interviewer should feel confident in your abilities as a Mental Health Counselor. If there are specific mental health issues that this organization specializes in treating, be sure to make the connection between their needs and your experience. This answer approach will require ample research before your interview.
"I have worked with clients who have anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, mood disorders, addiction issues, eating disorders, cognitive impairments, and physical disabilities. My background is primarily in emergency response, and I have ten years of experience working with trauma victims and frontline workers who have PTSD after a traumatic event. With Counseling Clinic ABC, I worked on a team of field-counselors who went to the scene of extreme accidents and events, where counselors had to be on hand to work with victims performing debrief counseling and trauma therapy. It was a fast-paced and intense environment, and I gained incredibly strong skills in CBT, reality, and narrative therapy. This first-hand knowledge will help me to make an impact with your clients since I have a solid understanding of ways to connect with people, meet them on their level, and quickly assess their condition."
"I understand that your clinic works with our area's low-income population dealing with mental health and substance abuse. During my internship, I worked at a drop-in center. The clients were often addicted to drugs and alcohol. Here, I learned a great deal about comorbidities and substance abuse. I witnessed a lot of self-destructive and self-injurious behavior. I certainly broadened my therapeutic skill set during this time, and I am eager to take these new skills to assist your clients facing similar concerns."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Over the past nine years working as a mental health therapist I have worked with clients on Anger Management, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Bipolar, and Trauma. I have helped clients in managing or overcoming their emotional and behavioral challenges through Cognitive Behavior Therapy and coping skills. My first experience working with someone with Bipolar was challenging, the client was angry with someone but I was able to calm him to the point where he could communicate without raising his voice. That experience created a great therapeutic relationship.
Stephanie's Feedback
You provide a meaningful overview of your skills and professional experiences here. If you've worked with clients with substance abuse issues and/or personality disorders, I suggest including that as well.
Unlock all 40 Mental Health Counselor questions
Unlock expert responses to sensitive clinical and ethical interview questions.
Get Started