Thinking about the session I understand how valuable it is to be listened to and cared for in moments of deep concern. Some of the concepts that were obvious from the actual conduct of the social worker including the empathy continuously displayed and the active listening that is very central to any rapport. Their questions were not leading and did not seem to follow any structure which gave me the chance to speak or write without apprehension. For instance, there was a time I told them that I was stressed and ashamed, and they did not reciprocate with quick advice. They asked me what I felt at the party and what I did and why I did it which made me think deeply about my behavior. This is in accordance with Rogers’ (1957) assertion that permissive conditions including positive regard, empathy and genuine approach of the therapist remains critical determinants in successful therapeutic relationship and client centered therapy Recent studies also support this, suggesting that the therapist-client relationship significantly influences therapy outcomes (Psychotherapy Relationships that Work: Volume 1: Evidence-Based Therapist Contributions, 2019).

 The pauses used in the course of the session were quite profound. Such pauses were beneficial in moments of thinking about the answer and enabling the interlocutor to ask related questions. These silences and introspective moments seemed to resonate the closest to my feelings because they are the moments given to feeling them through. This technique also showed the social worker’s ability to wait, and her desire to hear everything I have to say, which really can make those being served feel heard – a very important element. Fortunately, such moments of silence and their applied use correlates with the findings of Kahn, where it is stated that silence helps to engage a deeper self-reflection and to enhance therapeutic involvement.