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Role Play Assignment
Paper
Mona Mason
University of Mississippi
Dr .Debra J. Moore, PhD, LCSW
SW436-Social Work Practice II
November 21, 2014
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Interview style
The skills used in relation to my interview style to solicit information from the client
were rephrasing, reflective responding, encouragement, clarification, interpretation,
summarization, eliciting information, providing information, and empowerment. All these skills
were used throughout the assessment with my client and are vital during the interview process.
Rephrasing assisted with clarifying what my client said by using different words. Reflective
responding helped me to understand the client feelings and thoughts by putting them into words.
At the beginning of my interview, I commended my client for coming to the interview. I also
encouraged her to be open and honest. This concept is used to assist in building trust.
Clarification and interpretation are interrelated and linked with active listening. When a client is
discussing their problems, active listening must be applied so that there is a clear understanding
of what issues are present so that they can be addressed. Summarization was used periodically
throughout the interview. It helped to emphasize certain areas that needed to be addressed before
moving on to the next issue. Opened and closed ended questions were used to elicit information
from my client. Based on the information retrieved, it would assist in providing information that
was needed to asses the client’s needs. Using the strength perspective approach, the client
strengths were acknowledged to show her that even though she was going through a rough time,
she displayed resiliency and was ready to make changes in her life. This gave her a sense of
empowerment.
The Use of Verbal and Nonverbal Behavior
During the role play assessment, open body posture was used with my client to create a
warm and friendly demeanor. This helped my client feel more comfortable talking to me. By the
middle of the assessment, the conversation seemed natural. When speaking with my client, a
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positive volume and tone of speech was used. This method was also reflected through my body
language. The use of eye to eye contact varied and when writing down notes of my client
statements. I occasionally nodded my head to reassure that I was actively listening. To reassure
my client that I was listening, reflecting was used to confirm her statements. This displayed some
attentive listening skills. At the appropriate times smiling helped my client feel welcomed. A
slight touch of the hand helped to reassure my client that I was there for her and believe in her.
This showed honesty and sincerity which is very important qualities in genuineness. Having
good nonverbal and verbal skills helps with social skills that are essential when interacting with
clients.
How do you think the person the other person saw you?
