Running head: INTERVENTIONS INT.

Interventions Interview Reflection

Anthony Perez

Western Michigan University

INTERVENTIONS INT. 2

For this assignment I interviewed Leslie. The topic of the discussion was a conflict that

she is having with her sister Cindy. Previously, Leslie and Cindy have had a good relationship,

but recently the relationship has been a little rough. Cindy recently moved back to Missouri after

having lived in California for a few years. During the winter break Leslie wanted to spend time

with Cindy but was unable to because Cindy did not want to leave her children home alone.

Leslie was unable to stay with Cindy and her mom because she is severely allergic to the pets in

the household.

In the beginning stage of the interview I was able to establish the relationship as helper

and client with Leslie. I started the “session” with welcoming her into the session and

summarizing the topic of discussion. Once Leslie began talking in more detail about the situation

with her sister, I was able to assist her in her thought process of critically thinking through the

situation and allowing her the opportunity to explore the situation in depth. This first half of the

interview was primarily focused on the insight stage of the issue. With the use of guiding and

probing questions I was able to get more information about the situation from Leslie.

Throughout the insight stage I was mindful that my body position, while not the most

comfortable, was the best option for me to present an open-body position to Leslie so she did not

feel closed off from me. However, there were moments when watching the interview and during

the interview that I consciously felt my feet crossed and I was tapping my foot on the floor.

Although Leslie did not seem to notice this, I did and tried my best to actively correct the posture

and be conscientious of it.

The second part of the interview was the exploration stage. I continued to use probing

questions to guide the conversation and thought processes for the both of us. At the same time, it

was my goal to use the exploration stage to get a better understanding of what could have been
INTERVENTIONS INT. 3

the trigger for the conflict in the relationship while also assisting Leslie in considering the

potential course of action that she believes would be beneficial. Throughout the process, amongst

the probing questions, because there was so much information that was being presented, I would

paraphraser what Leslie was saying to me to ensure that I had the right idea and information to

proceed with.

The final part of the interview was the action stage. I wanted to use this part of the

interview to work with Leslie on putting together a strategy that would help her rekindle the

relationship between her and Cindy. However, I did not want to tell Leslie what action she

should take, rather I approached this part of the interview with a collaborative lens and wanted to

work with Leslie to be formulate the best suited intervention. One of the key components to the

successful collaboration, I believe was the use of silence. Based on Leslie’s body language and

facial expressions I was able to deduce that she had more to say, but did not quite know how to

say it; as a result, I remained quiet for a period of time that allowed her to sit with her thoughts

and she continued talking about what she wanted the outcome to be and ways that she could

reach that.

Overall, this was a great way to practice the intervention and helping skills that were

discussed throughout the course and in the readings. There are some definite areas of growth

with body language and making sure that I am conscious of the things I am doing with my legs

or hands. Aside from those things, I enjoyed the experience and being able to assist Leslie with

the situation between her and her sister.