PYC3715
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: April 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+27 81 278 3372
, PRACTISING FOUNDATIONAL COUNSELLING SKILLS IN A COMMUNITY-
BASED INTERVIEW CONTEXT
INTRODUCTION
This assignment presents a structured report based on a one to one counselling
interview that I conducted with a person from my community who is facing a personal
challenge. The main aim of this task was to apply basic counselling skills in a real life
setting, while remaining objective, ethically aware, and reflective in my practice. The
participant was not a friend or family member, and I used a pseudonym to protect the
person’s identity and ensure confidentiality.
During the interview, I focused on understanding the individual’s lived experience of
the problem and how it affected them emotionally and socially. I applied core
counselling micro skills to build trust and create a safe and respectful space. This
report does not only describe what happened during the session, but also reflects on
my own role as a developing counsellor. I pay attention to reflexivity, social context,
ethical practice such as confidentiality and informed consent, and the use of theory
from PYC3715 and relevant psychological literature. The purpose is to show both
skill development and personal growth as an ethically aware beginner counsellor.
QUESTION 1 – THE INTERVIEWEE’S STORY
I interviewed a woman whom I will call Nomsa to protect her identity. Nomsa is thirty
four years old and a mother of two children. She is currently facing serious financial
and emotional pressure after losing her job six months ago. She was employed as
an administrative assistant before her company retrenched several workers because
of financial problems. Since then, she has applied for many positions but has not
received positive feedback.
Nomsa shared that the financial challenges are only one part of her struggle. She
spoke openly about how unemployment has affected her confidence and sense of
self worth. She feels ashamed and anxious, especially when she compares herself
to others who are working and progressing in their careers. She has started avoiding
social gatherings because she feels uncomfortable discussing her situation. The
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due Date: April 2026
This document includes:
Helpful answers and guidelines
Detailed explanations and/ or calculations
References
Connect with the tutor on
+27 81 278 3372
, PRACTISING FOUNDATIONAL COUNSELLING SKILLS IN A COMMUNITY-
BASED INTERVIEW CONTEXT
INTRODUCTION
This assignment presents a structured report based on a one to one counselling
interview that I conducted with a person from my community who is facing a personal
challenge. The main aim of this task was to apply basic counselling skills in a real life
setting, while remaining objective, ethically aware, and reflective in my practice. The
participant was not a friend or family member, and I used a pseudonym to protect the
person’s identity and ensure confidentiality.
During the interview, I focused on understanding the individual’s lived experience of
the problem and how it affected them emotionally and socially. I applied core
counselling micro skills to build trust and create a safe and respectful space. This
report does not only describe what happened during the session, but also reflects on
my own role as a developing counsellor. I pay attention to reflexivity, social context,
ethical practice such as confidentiality and informed consent, and the use of theory
from PYC3715 and relevant psychological literature. The purpose is to show both
skill development and personal growth as an ethically aware beginner counsellor.
QUESTION 1 – THE INTERVIEWEE’S STORY
I interviewed a woman whom I will call Nomsa to protect her identity. Nomsa is thirty
four years old and a mother of two children. She is currently facing serious financial
and emotional pressure after losing her job six months ago. She was employed as
an administrative assistant before her company retrenched several workers because
of financial problems. Since then, she has applied for many positions but has not
received positive feedback.
Nomsa shared that the financial challenges are only one part of her struggle. She
spoke openly about how unemployment has affected her confidence and sense of
self worth. She feels ashamed and anxious, especially when she compares herself
to others who are working and progressing in their careers. She has started avoiding
social gatherings because she feels uncomfortable discussing her situation. The
© Study Shack 2026. All rights Reserved +27 81 278 3372
