Sample interview questions: Can you describe a time when you had to work with a client who was experiencing a crisis due to a natural disaster or emergency situation?
Sample answer:
In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, I was deployed to support a community in crisis. A cluster of portable cabins served as our makeshift counseling center, a stark contrast to the shattered buildings surrounding us.
One particularly poignant case involved a young woman, Amelia. She had lost her entire family in the quake, and her home was reduced to rubble. The weight of her grief threatened to consume her.
I met Amelia in a small, crowded cabin. The air was thick with a mix of dust and emotion. Amelia sat trembling, her eyes vacant. As I introduced myself, her body convulsed with silent sobs.
Empathy and active listening were crucial at that moment. I held her hand and spoke softly, validating her pain and acknowledging the magnitude of her loss. Gradually, she began to share her story, her voice trembling with anguish.
Using a trauma-informed approach, I helped Amelia regulate her emotions through breathing exercises and grounding techniques. She … Read full answer