Monthly Post: September

Extra Blog On Research :

Throughout my research on my senior project I have found various articles and other informational text with vast knowledge on marriage and family therapy. One of the most fascinating and informative piece of text however was the "John Gottman on Couples Therapy" Interview. John Gottman is a famous Professor of psychology widely popular for his contribution and progress in successful marriage and family therapy.

(John Gottman)

In this interview I was able to understand a professional and really analyze his answers and connect the dots with past knowledge to fully understand the meanings of his answers. He is very wise and sage. John Gottman shed the truth on active listening/ responding. I learned about how compromise can also lead to further problems if you compromise to soon or often. I also learned that Gottman himself had marital problems! However he solved them and is currently happily married after.

(This is John Gottman and his wife Julie)

 My view on that is that no matter who you are (even if you are the Great John Gottman) that problems will arise. Its not the end of the world, there is always a way out. After reading through the rest of the interview I decided to further research John Gottman and I was impressed by his amazing record and achievements in his field. No doubt this interview contributed to my perspective of my senior project, and it also made me eager to learn more!

Here is the link to the interview as well: http://www.psychotherapy.net/interview/john-gottman

Blog 6: Second Interview Questions

Content:
1. Who is your mentor and where do they work?

My Mentor is Karla Vallejo Rodriguez. She is a Marriage and family therapist who works for a company called Pacific Clinics however she is currently finishing up a certain amount of hours as a marriage and family therapist at a high school named Bassett. Afterwards she will be able to apply elsewhere and even open up her private practice if she wished to.

 2. What five questions will you ask them about their background?

-When you were in college, what did you think your career was going to be? What was your undergraduate major field of study?
-What kinds of prior experience were essential in helping you prepare yourself for this work?
-Describe how you occupy your time during a typical work week?
-What obligations does your work place upon you, outside of the ordinary work week? Do you enjoy these obligations?
-What are the toughest problems you must deal with, and how do you solve these problems?
-What do you find most rewarding about the work itself, apart from external motivators, such as salary, fringe benefits, travel, etc?
-If you were to leave this kind of work, what would drive you away from it?

Blog 5 Project Reflection and Working EQ

Content:

The Pentagon: 
(1) Positive Statement: What positive thing happen as a result of what you have completed so far?
One of the most positive things that has occurred as a result of what I've completed so far involves gaining vital information that I will never forget. For example I learned from my mentor Karla what courses she took and what steps she took in order to become a Marriage and Family therapist. She has been a very informative source and reliable mentor. She has given me a chance to be her intern, and every moment of being with her is positive because she guides me and teaches me everything about her job.

(2) EQ Content:  Pick a piece of research or your interview.  How has it helped you improve your understanding of your topic? 
The piece that has helped me the most has actually came through my interview with my mentor. One of the most vital parts of the interview was when she got a paper and actually drew out the steps to becoming a marriage and family therapist. She drew a timeline from high school to a successful MFT (Marriage and Family Therapist) and she would draw lines in order and describe each step. I still have that paper and it made everything much clearer and understandable to me because I was able to hear her speak about the steps as well as see them in corresponding order with the timeline she drew for me. 

(3) What has worked for you so far in the senior project?
I believe that my mentor has worked for me perfectly. Her office location is 5 minutes away. She gives me great resources, information, guidance, practice, contacts, and many opportunities for me to get hands on experience with group therapy sessions. She is also reliable and I have not had any problems with her, I am thankful to have found such a cooperative mentor. 

(4) What hasn't worked so far?   
I don't believe that the research checks have helped as much as they should. Maybe they work for my fellow peers, however I like to learn hands on. I don't like to learn through mere words, I like to participate when I learn. Maybe that is why my mentor is what has worked for me so well, and the same reason why not the research checks have helped to my best ability. Its nothing personal, it's just not my preference of learning; that's all.

(5) Finding Value: 
-Potential EQ: What is the most effective strategy to conducting a group therapy session?
-Plans for Mentorship:
I have already found my mentor. Her name is Karla Vallejo Rodriguez and she is a Marriage and Family therapist. I have already discussed the mentorship project to her and we have already set up dates. I will be seeing her four times a week. She is going to start conducting 2 separate group sessions starting in October and will run till July. The first group will consist of high school females and focus on relationships (family/ bfs). The second group will consist of high school males and focus on anger management. I will meet her twice a week to prep for the group sessions by collecting info and worksheets to make packets to hand out to the patients of the group sessions. The other 2 days that I will be meeting with her will be to actually sit beside her and co-assist in the leading of her 2 group therapy sessions. Thus with the 2 days of prep, and 2 days of assisting in group therapy sessions i will be seeing her 4 times a week. We have also discussed my "final product" and that will be me leading a group therapy session all by myself! I am so excited for that! Till then I will be learning from Karla and assist her at all times possible to better benefit my knowledge.