Reflection on Therapist Development

Most Impactful Topic or Discussion

Throughout my journey as a developing therapist, the most impactful topic for me has been

learning about family systems and how unresolved loss can shape communication patterns within

families. Watching the video series on "The Legacy of Unresolved Loss: A Family Systems

Approach" by Monica McGoldrick and reviewing the material on emotional communication

styles helped me understand how deeply past experiences and emotions affect present

interactions (McGoldrick, 2022). The idea that communication within a family is not just about

what is said, but also how it is received, decoded, and processed, was an eye-opener. This

framework is particularly valuable in therapeutic settings, where understanding each family

member's communication style and emotional needs is critical for helping them heal.

Takeaways from the Past 8 Weeks:

Over the past 8 weeks, I’ve learned how to recognize the complex dynamics within family

systems and how various forms of miscommunication or unresolved issues can impede healthy

interactions (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2014). I’ve also gained a deeper

understanding of the importance of listening skills in therapy, and how key concepts like trust,

empathy, and active listening must be cultivated to foster successful therapeutic alliances.

Additionally, the importance of identifying nonverbal communication, such as body language

and tone of voice, has become clearer to me in understanding the full scope of communication

between clients.

Case Study of Julia (Haley & Perusse, 2019)

Initial Concerns about Julia and Her Family:

After reviewing the case study of Julia, I am concerned about the underlying family dynamics

that could be contributing to her behavioral and emotional struggles. Julia appears to be facing a

crisis related to sexuality issues, which might stem from a lack of communication,

understanding, or support from her family. From the materials, it seems that Julia’s family has

difficulty addressing sensitive issues like sexuality in a healthy, open manner (Haley & Perusse,

2019). Her family may be unaware of the impact their lack of emotional communication has on

her development. These concerns highlight the importance of establishing trust within the family

and creating an open environment for discussing difficult topics without judgment. Unresolved

issues in family communication can leave Julia feeling isolated and misunderstood, further

contributing to her struggles. This issue might also influence how Julia perceives herself and her

relationships.
Part 2: Building Trust and Communication Tools

1. Components of Building Trust:

Three key components of building trust that resonate with me are:

o Consistency: Being consistent in my actions, words, and treatment of the client

helps build a predictable environment where the client knows what to expect. This

is important because clients, especially those dealing with trauma or emotional

issues, need to feel safe and know they can rely on their therapist to be stable and

supportive.

o Empathy: Actively listening and showing understanding of the client’s emotions

is crucial in establishing trust. When clients feel heard and understood, it creates a

foundation of mutual respect, which helps strengthen the therapeutic relationship

(Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2014).

o Confidentiality: Assuring clients that what they share in therapy is private and

protected encourages openness. Trust can be quickly undermined if clients feel

their privacy is not respected.

Problems with Building Trust: Problems may arise if the therapist is inconsistent in

their responses or doesn't create a safe environment. For example, if the therapist

inadvertently violates confidentiality or fails to show empathy in critical moments, trust

can be severely damaged (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2014).

2. Communication Tools as a Therapist:

Three communication tools that I find particularly important are:

 o Open-ended Questions: These encourage clients to explore their feelings and

thoughts more deeply. They promote a sense of agency and encourage clients to

talk freely without feeling pressured.

o Reflective Listening: This tool helps clarify the client’s message and ensures

they feel heard. It’s important because it encourages validation, which can help

the client feel more comfortable and understood (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-

Flanagan, 2014).

o Paraphrasing: By paraphrasing what the client says, I can confirm their feelings

and show them I’m actively engaged in the conversation. This ensures there are

no misunderstandings.

Problems with These Tools: If not used properly, these tools can lead to

misunderstandings. For instance, open-ended questions might overwhelm a client if they

are not ready to discuss certain topics. Similarly, if reflective listening or paraphrasing is

done in a way that feels disingenuous or forced, it can create distance instead of building

rapport. Therefore, it's crucial to use these tools with sensitivity to the client’s emotional

state and readiness for deep exploration (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan,

2014).
 References

Haley, M., & Perusse, C. M. (2019). A future in jeopardy: Sexuality issues in adolescence. In D.

Capuzzi & D. R. Gross (Eds.), Youth at risk: A prevention resource for counselors,

teachers, and parents (7th ed., pp. 255-279). American Counseling Association.

McGoldrick, M. (2022, April 8). The legacy of unresolved loss: A family systems approach

[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzZ5yqKRFOg

Sommers-Flanagan, J., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2014). Clinical interviewing: Intake,

assessment, and therapeutic alliance. John Wiley & Sons.