While critically reflecting on the session with “Stephanie”, it is important to note how the client’s social location differs from my own, the privileges I hold and how I felt these structures affected the interview. Also, it is important to recognize how the power difference may be affecting the client’s experience. Harms and Pierce (2011), explain developing a conscious awareness about inequality allows us to manage it and to ensure it will not negatively effect the helping relationship. Societal structures have imposed certain ideals in regards to the way one identifies. Individual’s race, sex, gender, culture, ability level, etc., can influence whether they are privileged or oppressed. In the context of gender, my identity (cisgender) is privileged. Where as, Stephanie, who identifies as transgender is oppressed. During the initial stage of the interview I was worried about unconsciously demonstrating the assumption; I knew exactly what the client was experiencing. I believed, this would place more power onto myself. So, I asked open ended questions and paraphrased with the intentions of having the client express her experiences as a transgendered female. It appeared the client was able to openly discuss her concerns as a result. As I was refraining from imposing my ideals onto Stephanie and allowing Stephanie to share her thoughts it felt power was distributed equally. In a sense, I felt she was teaching me and we were exploring together. Also, Stephanie appeared comfortable as she seemed to confidently express herself. In addition, I recognized my non-verbal cues made a difference. By mirroring the client’s non-verbal cues, I felt a sense of equality. I believe this would have been different if I displayed a serious tone, appearing authoritative and judgmental. This is especially important because the client is coming from a position of oppression; thus, it may be more likely for her to experience judgment from those who are privileged. However, I made a mistake stating, “I have never worked with a transgendered individual before. I would like to work together to help find solutions.” Afterwards, I immediately felt tense. My privilege blinded me from being able to recognize, stating, “I have never” was segregating the client. Being privileged, I rarely have to think about being ‘the only one’. On the other hand, Stephanie may feel isolated often because her identity is oppressed. Thus, by me stating she is the only transgendered individual I have worked with, I am reinforcing the idea that she is ‘different’. It appeared I had emotionally hurt Stephanie as she displayed a disgusted face and then immediately stopped making eye contact. I would assume, this may prevent Stephanie from visiting again. Stephanie may have felt judged and discriminated against. My goal was to negotiate the idea of ‘working together’ in order to help balance power in the relationship.
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Harms and Pierce (2011) note, negotiation is “the process of worker’s developing an agreement with client to define the relationship” (p.49). This, can ensure a more equal distribution of power. In future, I need to be thoughtful prior to self disclosure (Barnhart, M., communication skills, October 5, 2017). Also, I could ask for supervision to help guide my course of action. In addition, I could research how gender discrimination can effect an individual on an emotional and psychological level prior to meeting with Stephanie. Fortunately, the client and I were able to move forward after I apologized and explained, my intention was to acknowledge the importance of working together. There was a time I realized my experiences as a cisgender individual may alter how I perceive certain situations. Stephanie was expressing difficulty feeling connected to the trans youth group she attends. My suggestion to Stephanie was to give it time. I explained, try to pretend you are someone entering a new school. The students might feel the need to get to know you better before they can open up. Stephanie identified, it was nothing like how I perceived it, as she quickly stated, “that may be the case, but this is different.” By imposing my assumptions based on past experiences, I belittled her concern. As I am a cisgender individual who has rarely felt feelings of rejection I assume feeling excluded occasionally is tolerable because of my privilege. However, as Stephanie is transgendered, feelings of rejection may be an everyday
Harms and Pierce (2011) note, negotiation is “the process of worker’s developing an agreement with client to define the relationship” (p.49). This, can ensure a more equal distribution of power. In future, I need to be thoughtful prior to self disclosure (Barnhart, M., communication skills, October 5, 2017). Also, I could ask for supervision to help guide my course of action. In addition, I could research how gender discrimination can effect an individual on an emotional and psychological level prior to meeting with Stephanie. Fortunately, the client and I were able to move forward after I apologized and explained, my intention was to acknowledge the importance of working together. There was a time I realized my experiences as a cisgender individual may alter how I perceive certain situations. Stephanie was expressing difficulty feeling connected to the trans youth group she attends. My suggestion to Stephanie was to give it time. I explained, try to pretend you are someone entering a new school. The students might feel the need to get to know you better before they can open up. Stephanie identified, it was nothing like how I perceived it, as she quickly stated, “that may be the case, but this is different.” By imposing my assumptions based on past experiences, I belittled her concern. As I am a cisgender individual who has rarely felt feelings of rejection I assume feeling excluded occasionally is tolerable because of my privilege. However, as Stephanie is transgendered, feelings of rejection may be an everyday