Sample interview questions: Can you describe a situation where you had to handle a client’s crisis outside of regular therapy hours?
Sample answer:
Certainly! As a professional psychotherapist, I have encountered various situations where I had to handle a client’s crisis outside of regular therapy hours. One such situation that comes to mind involved a client who was struggling with severe anxiety and panic attacks.
One evening, outside of our scheduled therapy session, I received an urgent phone call from the client in a state of extreme distress. They were experiencing a debilitating panic attack and felt overwhelmed and frightened. Understanding the urgency of the situation, I immediately reassured the client that I was there to support them and offered to talk them through the crisis.
I began by encouraging the client to focus on their breathing and guided them through a grounding exercise to help alleviate some of their anxiety. I employed deep breathing techniques and encouraged them to count their breaths, gradually helping them regain a sense of control over their physical sensations. Throughout this process, I maintained a calm and empathetic tone, ensuring that the client felt safe and supported.
Simultaneously, I explored the triggers that led to the panic attack, asking open-ended questions to get a better understanding of the underlying causes. By actively listening and providing a non-judgmental space, I aimed to help the client gain insight into the root causes of their anxiety.
As the crisis began to subside, I discussed coping strategies and relaxation techniques that the client could use in fu… Read full answer