Give an example of a time when you had to be flexible in your therapeutic planning.

One example of a time when I had to be flexible in my therapeutic planning was when I was working with a child who had a fear of needles. Initially, I had planned to use a therapeutic play technique involving a pretend doctor's kit to familiarize the child with medical tools. However, when I noticed that the child became more anxious at the sight of the play needles, I quickly adjusted my approach. Instead, I introduced the concept of a bravery jar, where the child would receive a small reward each time they were able to face their fear of needles. This approach allowed the child to feel empowered and motivated to overcome their fear. Ultimately, the child was able to successfully receive vaccinations without extreme anxiety.

One example of a time when I had to be flexible in my therapeutic planning was when I was working with a 7-year-old child who had recently been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Initially, I had planned to use a visual schedule to help the child understand and manage their daily insulin injections. However, after observing the child's anxiety during our first session, I quickly realized that a different approach was needed. I shifted my focus to providing emotional support and empathy, as I understood that the child was struggling to accept their diagnosis and the daily injections. I spent time building a rapport with the child, discussing their fears and concerns, and providing reassurance that they were not alone in their journey. I also collaborated with the child's parents to develop a personalized coping plan that included relaxation techniques and rewards for their bravery during injections. This approach allowed the child to feel supported and empowered, leading to a decrease in their anxiety and an increase in their willingness to participate in their therapeutic plan.

The solid answer provides a more comprehensive example of a time when the candidate had to be flexible in their therapeutic planning. It includes specific details about how the candidate provided emotional support and utilized their knowledge of child development and family systems. However, it could benefit from additional details about the specific creative techniques used in the therapeutic planning process.

One example of a time when I had to be flexible in my therapeutic planning was when I was working with a 10-year-old child who was diagnosed with cancer and required frequent hospitalizations. Initially, I had planned to use art therapy as a means of emotional expression and coping. However, during our first session, I noticed that the child was hesitant to engage in any form of creative expression due to their low energy levels and overall fatigue. Recognizing the need to adapt, I shifted my focus to providing supportive presence and engaging the child in therapeutic conversations. I would sit by the child's bedside and discuss their favorite books, movies, and hobbies, allowing them to momentarily escape from the hospital environment. By connecting with the child on a personal level, I was able to establish trust and a safe space for them to express their emotions. As the child's energy levels improved, I gradually introduced low-energy creative activities, such as coloring books or simple crafts, which they found enjoyable. This personalized approach allowed the child to feel heard, supported, and engaged in their therapy, enhancing their overall well-being amidst the challenges of their cancer treatment.

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive example of a time when the candidate had to be flexible in their therapeutic planning. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to adapt their approach based on the specific needs of the child and the challenges they were facing. The answer includes specific details about how the candidate provided emotional support, utilized their knowledge of child development and family systems, and implemented creative techniques in the therapeutic planning process.