Mickinzie Lopez

Fundamentals of Counseling
Final Paper
Throughout the quarter we have studied the microskills hierarchy model, identifying
specific skills and applications of each tier of the pyramid in order to best apply them to practice.
The two microskills I believe I have developed the most are derived from the second tier of the
hierarchy model, the Basic Listening Sequence: Open and Closed Questions and Reflection
of Feeling. My ability to use these skills was best demonstrated in the mock interview
assignment. My client was very energetic and willing to talk, but his dialogue lacked focus. I
used open and closed questions to structure the conversation in a way that led to insight and the
generation of new information. For example, I used closed questions to encourage the client to
provide specific details to unclear descriptions of scenarios. Open questions were used to
withdraw more detail about specific feelings he had regarding a situation. Structuring the
conversation in this way provided opportunity for the client to identify underlying feelings
associated with the many stressful events occurring in his life at the time. I oftentimes used this
skill in conjunction with Reflection of Feeling, in order to clarify his emotions throughout the
conversation and to provide him with a mirrored response of his feelings, in hopes that he may
further identify with them. Doing so may have helped him identify and accept his emotions,
especially if they had not yet been realized.
In the future, I will work with patients in order to develop diets that are individualized,
sustainable, and reasonable for the client. In order to successfully do so, I will need to utilize
these skills to gain a better understanding for clients histories, emotions, preferences, and
reasons for making the choices they do regarding food. Food is intensely tied to emotions, and
the relationships people have with their food are unique and constantly evolving. Successful

Mickinzie Lopez
communication and listening on my part is essential to developing relationships and providing
foundation for change in the clients lifestyles. Asking open and closed questions during intake
appointments will aid me in fully understanding the client and his or her motivations and needs. I
can use this skill to structure the conversation to provide me with the information needed to best
advise the client. Furthermore, I can use these types of questions to accurately follow up with the
client about their progress and feelings regarding their successes or challenges. Additionally,
reflecting clients feelings may become especially pertinent when identifying emotional-eating
habits. Helping the client realize their emotions tied to food choices can be a great step toward
changing those patterns.
A personal area of growth for me is appropriate paraphrasing. I have practiced this skill,
but oftentimes I feel as though my summary is not as helpful as anticipated, and can sometimes
feel awkward, or forced. During these times, I feel that I may be overthinking the situation and
feel the need to incorporate a skill, rather than simply relying on my instincts and responding in a
more natural way. Another area of difficulty for me is in relation to maintaining a professional or
authoritative role throughout the counseling process, especially when counseling peers. I faced
this challenge during my video, and constantly fought the urge to engage in friendly
conversation, and am therefore grateful for the lessons learned through that practice. In the end, I
was a better counselor for it and my client received a valuable session, but it was definitely a
struggle on my part. I presume that this situation is most difficult when counseling peers that I
can identify withthose who are my age and are facing similar challenges that I am. In the
future, I will be working with people of all age and maturity ranges, including those in my own
range, so it is important that I master this skill in order to provide the best service to my clients.