Client: Yes! My family is usually easy going but recently I find it difficult to connect or be
myself around them. I feel Like there is so much they don’t know about me, is not easy you
know
Counselor: I am hearing you say you don’t feel yourself around them. Why is that
Client: Well am very stressed and overwhelmed around them, I feel like they want me to be
somebody I am not.
Counselor: Hmm, describe those feelings to me,
Client: I really love music and am pursing a career in music as a Music therapist but no one in
my family knows about it.
Counselor: you mentioned your passion for music, and it sounds like you made some career or
educational changes?
Client: my parents believe that I am in school for medicine which is their preferred career for me.
Counselor: why is that a preferred career for you?
Client: almost everybody in my family is either a doctor or nurse, but I don’t want to do that. I
want to share my passion of music with my family.
Counselor: I notice you display a lot of happy emotions when you talk about music, have you
ever imagined talking/sharing this passion with your
Client: Yes! I have many times, I’ve imagined both the positive and the negative outcomes of
telling them.
Counselor: it is goo that you have pictured taking to your parents. Do you think talking to them
about you’re your passion for music and your decision to change your career would help
decrease your stress.
Client: I think it would and I would like to do that.
Counselor: I would like to try an exercise with you. Would that be ok?
Client: yea sure
Counselor: okay! Close your eyes and imagine yourself siting in front of your parents, now I
want you to start sharing a happy memory (focused on an event where music was played) with
them, as you do that I want you to gradually tell them what is on your mind, focusing on the
reason you are sitting with them speak to their understanding in a way they would relate to you.
Counselor: what do you think of this activity? Is there something you would like to try?
Client: I think so.
Counselor: how about you try this, and we will talk about it more next time I see you.
Client: okay thank you.
