Running head: REFLECTIVE REPORT: BREAKING BAD NEWS 1
Reflective Report: Breaking Bad News
Mandy Roosendaal, 2663488
Psychological Interview Skills 2: Professional Skills
Paula Francisca Cortés Montenegro, Group 33
Word count: 963
31-01-2021
, REFLECTIVE REPORT: BREAKING BAD NEWS 2
Breaking Bad News
I opened the interview and then immediately told Sharon the bad news. She was very
disappointed to hear that we would not be continuing our sessions. I showed understanding by
reflecting Sharon’s emotions. Then, I asked Sharon if she was ready to talk about possible
solutions and she said yes. She explained that she did still want help, even though she would
have to find someone else. We agreed to find a specialist together. Sharon expressed that it was
very important to her to find someone with whom she has a good match and who does not have a
long waiting list. I agreed that I would try to help her find someone who meets these
requirements. I ended the conversation with a summary.
Based on the feedback from the simulation, I created two learning goals. The first is to
avoid using lengthy explanations. The second is to avoid expressing guilt.
https://youtu.be/7g-nEDz61OM
Observations
At 0.29, I started explaining why Sharon and I would not be continuing our sessions.
Looking back, I think this explanation should have been shorter. It could have ended at 0.45,
after I said: “you have talked to me, last time, about your issues with food and weight, and it
appeared to me that you have quite some severe problems. I think it would be better for you to go
to a specialist than to stay with me.” After that, I went on to explain why I made this decision,
and Sharon responded with: “oh my god, yeah, well, I am just really disappointed.” Her response
indicated that she did not really know what to do with all the information I just gave her. I could
have waited with this explanation until Sharon asked for it. This way, it might have been easier
for her to take in the information, and she could have decided for herself when she was ready for
more information. In future interviews, I would like to remind myself to not give all the reasons
for a decision straight away. If I notice that I am about to say the word “because”, I know that is
where I should stop and wait for the interviewee to respond and ask further questions.
I did achieve my second learning goal. In the simulation, I tended to choose the answer
options in which I apologised and expressed feelings of guilt. This way, I shifted the focus
towards my own feelings instead of the feelings of the receiver of bad news. However, I did not
do this at all during the interview with Sharon and instead focused on her feelings by reflecting
them and showing understanding. Afterwards, she told me that I made her feel heard. This
Reflective Report: Breaking Bad News
Mandy Roosendaal, 2663488
Psychological Interview Skills 2: Professional Skills
Paula Francisca Cortés Montenegro, Group 33
Word count: 963
31-01-2021
, REFLECTIVE REPORT: BREAKING BAD NEWS 2
Breaking Bad News
I opened the interview and then immediately told Sharon the bad news. She was very
disappointed to hear that we would not be continuing our sessions. I showed understanding by
reflecting Sharon’s emotions. Then, I asked Sharon if she was ready to talk about possible
solutions and she said yes. She explained that she did still want help, even though she would
have to find someone else. We agreed to find a specialist together. Sharon expressed that it was
very important to her to find someone with whom she has a good match and who does not have a
long waiting list. I agreed that I would try to help her find someone who meets these
requirements. I ended the conversation with a summary.
Based on the feedback from the simulation, I created two learning goals. The first is to
avoid using lengthy explanations. The second is to avoid expressing guilt.
https://youtu.be/7g-nEDz61OM
Observations
At 0.29, I started explaining why Sharon and I would not be continuing our sessions.
Looking back, I think this explanation should have been shorter. It could have ended at 0.45,
after I said: “you have talked to me, last time, about your issues with food and weight, and it
appeared to me that you have quite some severe problems. I think it would be better for you to go
to a specialist than to stay with me.” After that, I went on to explain why I made this decision,
and Sharon responded with: “oh my god, yeah, well, I am just really disappointed.” Her response
indicated that she did not really know what to do with all the information I just gave her. I could
have waited with this explanation until Sharon asked for it. This way, it might have been easier
for her to take in the information, and she could have decided for herself when she was ready for
more information. In future interviews, I would like to remind myself to not give all the reasons
for a decision straight away. If I notice that I am about to say the word “because”, I know that is
where I should stop and wait for the interviewee to respond and ask further questions.
I did achieve my second learning goal. In the simulation, I tended to choose the answer
options in which I apologised and expressed feelings of guilt. This way, I shifted the focus
towards my own feelings instead of the feelings of the receiver of bad news. However, I did not
do this at all during the interview with Sharon and instead focused on her feelings by reflecting
them and showing understanding. Afterwards, she told me that I made her feel heard. This
