Video: Emotional Management

Practical Tips: Emotional Management

The dynamic between the characters in "Emotional Management" display the importance of being present with your clients. Pay close attention to circumstances involving separation of personal and professional matters. Professionalism, including cell phone use during therapy and relationships with coworkers, is the a significant focus in this vignette.

Small Group Discussions

Individuals can break up into small groups and discuss the topics and issues addressed in this video.

Discussion Questions

1. Was Therapist Carl able to manage his emotions in a professional manner? Why or why not? Please provide specific examples that helped you form your conclusion.
2. As a clinician, do you feel there is a difference between being physically present and mentally present?
3. What are some effective methods for separating personal issues from professional duties?
4. How could Therapist Carl's behavior affect his relationship with his co-workers?
5. Therapist Carl briefly used his cell phone during the therapy session when Client Jim was engaged in an activity. Do you feel this was wrong? Are there any instances when cell phone use in a therapy session should be excusable?
6. Client Jim said he felt that Therapist Carl was agitated. What are some examples of non-verbal communication that could have influenced Client Jim's opinion?
7. What are some soft skills that could have enhanced Therapist Carl's interaction with Client Jim?
8. What do you think is meant by the term "therapeutic use of self"? Do you feel that it is an essential component to therapy or not? Do you feel that "therapeutic use of self" was portrayed in this vignette? Why or why not? Use specific examples from the vignette to support your conclusion.
9. Based on Client Jim's impression of Therapist Carl's attitude and behavior, how do you think the client-therapist relationship will be affected in the future?

Role Play

Students can role play this scenario in order to facilitate an understanding of the characters, emotions, and ethical challenges demonstrated in this video.

Video Disclaimer:

These videos contain dramatized content used for educational purposes that do not represent the viewpoints or opinions of the actors, students, the Downstate Occupational Therapy Department, nor SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University.