Fish Bowl Therapy Reflective Journal

Words: 997
Pages: 4

This last week it was beneficial for me to see the two demonstrations, but I still found myself struggling with contradicting approaches to take with my peer-counseling partner. I find that I want to slip into how I typically counsel with someone. We discuss her oppression, but I’m still missing something when it comes to technique related to this class. I’ll try and think of more questions to ask during demonstrations - perhaps that will help. I’m assuming the fish bowl demonstration will be useful in helping me gain a better grasp on it. I enjoyed observing the demonstrations that took place last week, but I’m trying to figure out how to incorporate contradicting approaches with my own personal style. I can imagine myself doing the …show more content…
How would you tweak this approach in a counseling session with two people in the room? Also, it seemed that the class was helpful for the approach taken with S. I’m not going to have sessions that involved 9 other people, so I am curious how to do these one-on-one. Both demonstrations were useful to me, but they are approaches that are unfamiliar to me. I have experience working with people who have internalized oppression; however, the approach I used was much different. It involved empowerment and re-writing of personal narratives, but it ultimately got to the same result. During my previous work, I had the great honor to witness several woman regain their voice and power. I’m interested in having more tools in my toolbox, but I just need to get a better grasp on …show more content…
I still have a lot of shame around SES to unpack, but I am putting in the work to get me closer to a more accepting place. Plus, getting over the idea that I am ‘too much’ has been on my mind quite a bit. I know I still have a lot of personal work to do in this area, and it is not easy, but I’m intentional. The fact that I am even actively dating is a risk. It can be considered a risk for anyone, but I have a lot to disclose to a potential partner. Last week, I disclosed me HIV status when I was on a date. It was the first time I have disclosed to someone on a date in several years. It was terrifying. I’ve been positive for 15 years, have disclosed and spoke publicly countless times, but dating & disclosure always leaves me feeling like my heart will literally jump out of my chest. However, I did it last week. Not only that, but the guy I disclosed to ended up calling me the next day to express his interest in seeing me again. I’m casually dating at this point, but I cannot express the weight that is released once I put that information out there. The problem for me is that I end up feeling grateful that my status was accepted. My worth does not depend on whether or not someone accepts my HIV status or not, but I do always feel a sense of gratitude. Rejection is a possible reality for anyone who is dating, but I do have some discomfort