What Is Your Greatest Weakness For Which You Are Criticized
What They are Really Asking
This question seeks to assess your self-awareness, how honest you are about yourself, and your ability to accept criticism. Although the What is your greatest weakness? questions are painful, interviewers still love to ask them, and you need to have a good answer ready. While the interviewer wants you to be honest, dont feel obligated to dig into your dark past or share everything.
Be careful not to offer canned answers such as, Im a perfectionist.
Experience has shown that the optimal way to answer questions regarding weaknesses is, to be honest, positive, and solution-oriented. Carefully select a weakness that wouldnt be a deal-breaker, and then illustrate how you overcame it. Dont say, I dont have any weaknesses. The best strategy is to discuss a weakness that you have been able to transform into a strength.
Best Answer
I have been told time and again that I am too hard on myself. The truth is, that I invest a nice amount of my ego into my work, and am always concerned that the copy I produce might not be good enough. Based on what I have read, this seems to be a pretty common mindset among writers. Given the choice, I would rather aspire to this higher standard than to complacently dash off a lot of text that hasnt been adequately thought through.
Would It Be Possible For You To Walk Me Through Your Clinical Process Before During And After A Session With A Client
Your interviewer must know how you organize your routine to benefit your clients in the most efficient manner possible. Describe your normal tasks and why you prefer to accomplish them in a particular way in your answer.
Example: I review the client notes from the previous session at least 15 minutes before the current session. My notes then lead me to jot down a few points we should cover now. My goal is to not write too much during the session. Instead, I talk to my clients and listen to what they have to say. As to whether theyve improved since the previous meeting, I go over the points from the previous session. I write extensive notes immediately after the session, which I file in my clients folder.
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Teletherapy Appointments With You
There are certainly pluses and minuses to telehealth appointments for both the patient and the provider. It absolutely has logistical benefits, like not having to drive long distances to an appointment or budget out time for parking.
Brown says one of the things she most likes about telehealth is the ability to have her clients practice skills in the safety and security of their own homes. I often experience clients doing great work in the office, then having difficulty maintaining those practices within their home because of the adjustment and environmental cues, she explains. Telehealth has been a great option to mitigate some of these factors to truly engage in experiential, tactile learning. For instance, if youre struggling with eating behaviors, you can literally show your therapist what a typical meal looks like.
But, there are also issues with telehealth that are worth considering. It can be difficult to find quiet, private areas, and patients can end up calling from anywhere from the bathroom to the car. internet connection can also go out and is worth testing beforehand. As Brown puts it, there’s nothing worse than poor connection and buffering during a deep “aha!” moment!
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Get Into Your Interviewers Head To Anticipate Likely Questions And Plan Winning Responses
Whether youre applying to work at a healthcare facility, school, research institution, or clinical practice, youll need initiative and good interview skills to land a top job in psychology. You can learn how to make an impression on prospective employers by studying the most common psychologist interview questions and practicing your responses in advance.
Do You Think I Should Consider Medication
For the majority of mental health disorders, a combination of both therapy and medication can yield the best results.
For example, in the case of depression, medication can help someone lift their mood enough to more effectively engage in the therapeutic process. In other words, the medication actually makes the therapy more effective.
Although medication may not be the right plan for everyone, this is a helpful topic to discuss with your therapist. Even though therapists typically do not prescribe medication, they are trained in recognizing when someone may need to pursue both treatment options.
In order to do so, your therapist will assess the severity of your presenting issues, as well as the extent to which these are interfering with your life. This may also be a conversation that occurs after some time. For example, if someone is not responding to therapy in an ideal way, this might be something that your therapist recommends.
If a therapist believes you could be a good candidate for a medication consultation, they should introduce this topic. If your therapist does not introduce this and you are curious about medication, it is recommended that you inquire about this.
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What Kinds Of Issues Do You Like To Focus On During Therapy Sessions
As a therapist, you will be working with patients to help them overcome a variety of issues. It is important to choose an area that you are skilled in and have experience in so that you can best assist the people you are working with. For example, if you focus on marriage, then you should have a background in marriage counseling. Your answer should be relevant to working with this type of adult.
Example answer: “I believe that one of the most important factors in a happy marriage is communication. Married couples are able to go through the ups and downs of life together if they can communicate, share and commit to each other. That’s why I have focused on communication in my practice.”
Tell Me About A Time When You Helped A Client Open Up
The interview wants to know more about your therapy tactics and how they can benefit his/ her institution.
Tip #1: Include a specific example.
Tip #2: Make sure that you include the technique and results.
Sample Answer
I once dealt with a client who was suffering from social anxiety. It was so bad that no one could encourage her to talk in a crowded room. Instead of forcing her to speak with me, I made her talk to the parent to reduce some stress. I allowed him to illustrate what he was feeling and write them down graphically. He didnt have to speak, but at least he communicated.
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What Was The Hardest Case You Have Worked On And How Did You Handle It
Physical therapy presents many unique challenges that you are likely to face during your employment. This question aims to identify what struggles you may have had in the past and determine how you used your dedication and problem-solving skills to continue. Focus on the solution to the problem and how you worked through it.
Example:The hardest case that I have dealt with was a patient who was in a major car crash and damaged both legs. She had a lot of psychological trauma that she needed to work through but couldnt wait until after physical therapy. I helped the patient by keeping her focused on the positives and setting achievable goals for each session. We adjusted her targets as she made progress so that each session was a challenge but also showed improvement.
I also tried to have her family involved when she was close to a breakthrough. Having them there for her milestones created a chance for both physical healing and psychological healing. By addressing both issues at the same time, we were able to stay on track. That way, she stayed motivated throughout her physical therapy.
Is There A Reason Youre A Psychiatrist/psychologist/social Worker/family Therapist/etc Rather Than Some Other Title
There are a lot of different types of providers in the mental health space, and this can make things pretty confusing when you are looking for someone to see. To start, the term therapist is ambiguous and could refer to any person who is able to provide therapy . This list includes social workers , nurse practitioners , physician assistants , mental health counselors , marriage and family therapists , psychologists , and psychiatrists . While various types of experts can be great options, the right person to see really comes down to what your needs are and what specializations youre looking for in a provider.
So the answer to this question will completely depend on the expert youre asking and their personal reasons for going into a particular field. For instance, a clinical social worker helps people cope with mental health problems and diagnoses and treats mental and behavioral issues in many of the same ways that I do as a psychiatrist. But their career can also reach many other facets that I wouldnt necessarily cover, such as helping a family in need find housing, helping parents navigate the process of adopting a child, and many other situations.
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Why Mental Health Counselor And Not Another Job
You can say that you see the potential in this career, or that you are bothered by the growth of mental health issues in young generation.
You can also say that you feel the need to help people, and basically you should show some good intentions .
Another option is referring to a mental health issue in your family, and saying that you always wanted to know more, to learn how to help the person you love, and therefor decided to pursue this particular career.
Tell Me How You Handled A Challenging Experience With A Patient
With this question, interviewers are hoping to gather insights about how you mitigate risks and perform your duties under pressure. Think about a time when you were working with a patient and it was particularly challenging. In your answer, explain how you developed a solution and what actions you took to resolve the issue. Your answer should show the interviewer how you used your critical thinking skills to develop a relationship with the patient and meet their therapeutic goals through empathy and education.
Example: “During my fieldwork, I had a patient who had lost his vision due to an accident. He felt discouraged over the predicament, and during one session, he became especially frustrated with his situation. I allowed him to express his concerns and then calmly began asking him about ways we could address the issues in new and creative ways. He eventually relaxed, and we were able to devise a plan that gave him more control over his recovery.”
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Additional Interview Tips + Resources
Now that youre familiar with common OT interview questions, consider the following tips:
- Study the interview questions and rehearse your responses with a friend or trusted colleague who can provide honest feedback.
- Prepare professional attire for the interview. You can check with the recruiter about the company dress code to help plan your outfit in advance.
- Arrive at the interview location a half-hour early to compensate for any traffic delays. Try to relax and get adjusted to the environment.
- Send a thank-you email to your interviewer within 24 hours after the interview. Mention insightful talking points and reiterate your interest in the position.
You can also check out career advice websites like the Muse and Indeed for additional tips on interview preparation and job resources.
Occupational therapy is a rewarding profession where you can make a positive impact on patients of all ages. For more information about launching your career in OT, explore our occupational therapy degree programs.
General Art Therapist Interview Questions
The following are general art therapist interview questions that your potential employer may ask you in an interview:
What are the benefits of art therapy?
Why did you choose art therapy over similar mental health professions?
What’s your background in artistry?
How many patients have you worked with simultaneously?
Have you ever led group therapy sessions?
How do you individualise your art therapy sessions for each patient?
What can you learn about your patient by reviewing their artistic creations?
How would you support a patient uninterested in art therapy?
What are your career goals as an art therapist?
What do you know about our art therapy organisation?
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How Many Sessions Do You Anticipate It Will Take To See Noticeable Improvement
This question will largely help to manage your expectations about this process.
Keep in mind that different orientations impact the pace and duration of therapy. For example, motivational interviewing focused on behavior change is a brief intervention that may only require 1-3 appointments. Alternatively, some forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy may require between 12-20 sessions.
That being said, research has demonstrated that clients might experience some benefit after only a single session. Additionally, on average, approximately 50% of people experience significant improvement by the 8th session of cognitive behavioral therapy.
Overall, this question helps to ensure that your therapist is working from a timeline and has a comprehensive plan. If you have concerns about how therapy is progressing, or if you are not seeing improvement, discuss this with your provider.
Explain What Strategy You’d Use To Motivate A Reluctant Patient
Sometimes, you may have a patient who’s resistant to therapy, requiring you to form a connection so that you can improve their engagement. If your interviewer asks this question, they’re likely trying to evaluate your empathy level, interpersonal skills and adaptability. Typically, a good way to motivate someone is by showing an interest in their thoughts and feelings. In your answer, mention how you’d try to make the patient laugh or personalize your conversations so that you could build rapport with them.
Example: “I feel that the best way to get reluctant patients invested in therapy is by not using clinical language or focusing on care plans. Instead, it’s important to connect with them personally. To build trust and develop our relationship, I’d ask them questions about their interests and emotional mindset and do everything I can to make the therapeutic experience enjoyable.”
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Therapeutic Questions For Youth
There is no time more ridden with unanswered questions and throbbing with urgency as in our youth.
As teens grapple with discovering their identities and setting directions for their lives, it is an excellent opportunity to set standards for a self-reflective and inquisitive mind that is open to honest discussions and not afraid to ask questions.
As the saying goes, if we ask good questions, we get better answers. Below is a list of questions most frequently used in therapy with pre-teens to young adults and that anyone might find interesting.
One assessment tool that is particularly useful in work with young people with complex needs is the ecomap. It is a visual representation of current family relationships and also community and social networks where clients are encouraged to identify whether their relationships with their peers, school, social clubs, professionals, are strong, weak, or stressful. See Queensland Government Interview Resource Ecomap.
Therapy Questions Every Therapist Should Be Asking
7 Feb 2020 Beata Souders, MSc., PsyD candidate
Healing conversations are an art form in peril of being lost to our busy lives.
The ultimate goal of talk therapy is to enable the process of psychological and emotional healing along the continuum from the problematic toward a sense of greater mental wellbeing.
Although we often come to therapy with a problem, we also come as people who want to be heard and understood, feel like we matter, wish to learn self-compassion, and want to find partnership in helping us heal and see ourselves and our life situation in a different light.
I would rather have questions that cant be answered than answers that cant be questioned.
Richard Feynman
Progress in a therapeutic relationship cannot be made unless the client feels safe to speak their mind, and it is on the practitioner to create that climate of openness and transparency.
The process also often requires the clinicianâs willingness to work diligently to help clients understand what they want, the patience to help them learn to own all aspects of themselves, including contradictory feelings, and the ability to create a safe space to allow for transformation to occur.
Most of what happens in talk therapy is accomplished through the skillful use of questions, but only second to a lot of active listening.
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What Do You Expect From The Counseling Process
Establishing a mutual agreement and setting expectations for the engagement is crucial to making progress. Clientsâ goals and preferences for the format and level of interaction need to be taken into consideration.
Some clients like to vent and have the counselor listen others want a high level of interaction and a spirited back-and-forth. It is also important to inquire how the client learns best and if they like to receive homework.
Other examples of questions that can point to the tone and flow of future communications can include the following:
