PYC3715 Assignment 1 S2 Portfolio
Solutions 2026
UNISA SEMESTER 2
Opened: Wednesday, 1 July 2026,
8:00 AM
Due: Tuesday, 1 September 2026,
6:00 PM
Semester 2
PYC3715 ASSIGNMENT PORTFOLIO
,PYC3715 Assignment 02
Counselling Interview Report
Student Name: ___________________________
Student Number: ___________________________
Module: PYC3715
Assignment: Assignment 02
Date: July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Question 1: The Interviewee's Story
3. Question 2: Creating the Interview Context
4. Question 3: Contextual Analysis and Reflexivity
o 3.1 Life Story and Reflexivity
o 3.2 Social Context Impact
o 3.3 Holding the Cracks (The Counselling Relationship)
o 3.4 Application of Theory
5. Question 4: Personal Experience as a Counsellor
6. Conclusion
7. References
Introduction
Counselling is a collaborative process that enables individuals to explore personal
difficulties within a supportive, respectful and non-judgemental environment. Effective
counselling requires the counsellor to demonstrate empathy, active listening, ethical
awareness and sensitivity to the client's personal and social circumstances. Rather than
providing advice or solving problems on behalf of clients, counsellors assist individuals
to understand their experiences, recognise their strengths and consider appropriate
ways of coping with life's challenges (Corey, 2021).
The purpose of this interview was to apply foundational counselling skills learned in
PYC3715 during a one-to-one interview with a member of the community who was
experiencing a significant personal challenge. To protect the interviewee's privacy, a
pseudonym is used throughout this report. The report reflects on the interview process,
examines the contextual factors influencing the interviewee's experiences,
, demonstrates the application of counselling theories and microskills, and critically
evaluates my own development as an ethical beginner counsellor.
Question 1: The Interviewee's Story
The interviewee, referred to by the pseudonym Ms. Naledi, is a 39-year-old
unemployed single mother living in my community. She explained that she lost her
permanent job approximately eight months ago following staff retrenchments at the
company where she had worked for several years. Since then, she has struggled to
provide financially for herself and her two school-going children. The ongoing
unemployment has caused considerable emotional distress, including persistent
anxiety, feelings of helplessness, difficulty sleeping and reduced self-confidence. She
expressed feelings of guilt because she is unable to meet all of her children's
educational and daily living needs. Although she occasionally receives emotional
support from relatives and members of her church, she often avoids asking for
assistance because she fears being judged or becoming a burden to others. She
described feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future and worried that
prolonged unemployment might negatively affect both her own mental wellbeing and her
children's development. Throughout the interview, it became evident that the core of her
difficulty was not only financial hardship but also the emotional consequences of
unemployment, including diminished self-worth, chronic stress and fear of an uncertain
future. These challenges have affected her relationships, emotional health and overall
quality of life.
Question 2: Creating the Interview Context
Before conducting the interview, I approached the interviewee respectfully and
explained the purpose of the activity as part of my counselling skills training for
PYC3715. I informed her that participation was entirely voluntary and that she had the
right to decline or withdraw from the interview at any stage without any negative
consequences. I also explained that the discussion would remain confidential, that no
identifying information would appear in my assignment, and that I would use a
pseudonym to protect her identity. After ensuring that she understood the purpose of
the interview and her rights as a participant, I obtained her informed consent before
proceeding.
A mutually convenient date and time were arranged to minimise interruptions and
ensure that neither of us felt rushed. The interview took place in a quiet meeting room at
a local community centre. This location was selected because it offered privacy, minimal
distractions and a calm atmosphere that would encourage open communication. Before
beginning the interview, I arranged the seating so that we sat facing each other at a
comfortable distance without a desk acting as a barrier between us. This arrangement
promoted equality, openness and a sense of collaboration rather than creating a formal
or intimidating environment. I ensured that mobile phones were switched off and that
the room remained free from unnecessary interruptions throughout the session.
Solutions 2026
UNISA SEMESTER 2
Opened: Wednesday, 1 July 2026,
8:00 AM
Due: Tuesday, 1 September 2026,
6:00 PM
Semester 2
PYC3715 ASSIGNMENT PORTFOLIO
,PYC3715 Assignment 02
Counselling Interview Report
Student Name: ___________________________
Student Number: ___________________________
Module: PYC3715
Assignment: Assignment 02
Date: July 2026
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Question 1: The Interviewee's Story
3. Question 2: Creating the Interview Context
4. Question 3: Contextual Analysis and Reflexivity
o 3.1 Life Story and Reflexivity
o 3.2 Social Context Impact
o 3.3 Holding the Cracks (The Counselling Relationship)
o 3.4 Application of Theory
5. Question 4: Personal Experience as a Counsellor
6. Conclusion
7. References
Introduction
Counselling is a collaborative process that enables individuals to explore personal
difficulties within a supportive, respectful and non-judgemental environment. Effective
counselling requires the counsellor to demonstrate empathy, active listening, ethical
awareness and sensitivity to the client's personal and social circumstances. Rather than
providing advice or solving problems on behalf of clients, counsellors assist individuals
to understand their experiences, recognise their strengths and consider appropriate
ways of coping with life's challenges (Corey, 2021).
The purpose of this interview was to apply foundational counselling skills learned in
PYC3715 during a one-to-one interview with a member of the community who was
experiencing a significant personal challenge. To protect the interviewee's privacy, a
pseudonym is used throughout this report. The report reflects on the interview process,
examines the contextual factors influencing the interviewee's experiences,
, demonstrates the application of counselling theories and microskills, and critically
evaluates my own development as an ethical beginner counsellor.
Question 1: The Interviewee's Story
The interviewee, referred to by the pseudonym Ms. Naledi, is a 39-year-old
unemployed single mother living in my community. She explained that she lost her
permanent job approximately eight months ago following staff retrenchments at the
company where she had worked for several years. Since then, she has struggled to
provide financially for herself and her two school-going children. The ongoing
unemployment has caused considerable emotional distress, including persistent
anxiety, feelings of helplessness, difficulty sleeping and reduced self-confidence. She
expressed feelings of guilt because she is unable to meet all of her children's
educational and daily living needs. Although she occasionally receives emotional
support from relatives and members of her church, she often avoids asking for
assistance because she fears being judged or becoming a burden to others. She
described feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty about the future and worried that
prolonged unemployment might negatively affect both her own mental wellbeing and her
children's development. Throughout the interview, it became evident that the core of her
difficulty was not only financial hardship but also the emotional consequences of
unemployment, including diminished self-worth, chronic stress and fear of an uncertain
future. These challenges have affected her relationships, emotional health and overall
quality of life.
Question 2: Creating the Interview Context
Before conducting the interview, I approached the interviewee respectfully and
explained the purpose of the activity as part of my counselling skills training for
PYC3715. I informed her that participation was entirely voluntary and that she had the
right to decline or withdraw from the interview at any stage without any negative
consequences. I also explained that the discussion would remain confidential, that no
identifying information would appear in my assignment, and that I would use a
pseudonym to protect her identity. After ensuring that she understood the purpose of
the interview and her rights as a participant, I obtained her informed consent before
proceeding.
A mutually convenient date and time were arranged to minimise interruptions and
ensure that neither of us felt rushed. The interview took place in a quiet meeting room at
a local community centre. This location was selected because it offered privacy, minimal
distractions and a calm atmosphere that would encourage open communication. Before
beginning the interview, I arranged the seating so that we sat facing each other at a
comfortable distance without a desk acting as a barrier between us. This arrangement
promoted equality, openness and a sense of collaboration rather than creating a formal
or intimidating environment. I ensured that mobile phones were switched off and that
the room remained free from unnecessary interruptions throughout the session.
