HECOL 315 Course Reflection - Paper, Presentation, and Feedback

In the daunting nature of HECOL 315 (Interviewing and Counseling), my journey was marked by a venture into an unfamiliar terrain deeply rooted in my Filipino upbringing, where counselling remained taboo. The course became a catalyst for a transformative shift in my perception of mental health within the context of Filipino culture, witnessing the gradual evolution of associated stigmas.

Despite not envisioning a dedicated career in counselling, the recognition of the skills' transferable nature became apparent. Upon introspection into my helping journey, substantial progress emerged in crucial areas like building rapport, active listening, and using curiosity to guide conversations.

While my strengths were evident in understanding and relating skills, acknowledgment of areas for improvement followed suit. The focal points shifted toward enhancing skills in reflecting on feelings and employing intentional silence. The need for a more extensive emotional vocabulary and increased confidence in interpreting emotions became pronounced, as did the refinement of hand gestures. At the time, managing resistance and maintaining mental presence becomes challenging when I am frequently distracted by my other commitments. By incorporating self-care techniques like breathing and meditation, I have improved my ability to employ my helping skills effectively.

My experience provided a nuanced perspective on my career aspirations. Although I acknowledged the value of counselling skills in any future role, a realization surfaced regarding the demanding nature of the profession. At this moment, pursuing a career solely focused on counselling may necessitate further rounds of self-reflection and personal growth. Given my commitment to lifelong learning, I am enthusiastic about embracing such a transformative practice. Nevertheless, the course gifted me invaluable interpersonal skills that transcended counselling, fostering confidence in navigating difficult discussions.

My introspection aligns with my mission of supporting individuals through collaborative learning for holistic well-being and social equity. The acquired skills now amplify my ability to engage in meaningful conversations and navigate sensitive topics, aligning with my career aspirations in healthcare. Whether as a future family physician or health policy analyst, these skills promise to contribute to fostering holistic well-being in diverse settings, even if counselling takes a back seat in my primary focus.