PYC3715
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
,Transformative Counselling Encounters - PYC3715
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 2
2. QUESTION 1: THE INTERVIEWEE’S STORY ........................................................ 2
3. QUESTION 2: CREATING THE INTERVIEW CONTEXT ....................................... 2
4. QUESTION 3: CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS AND REFLEXIVITY ............................. 3
3.1 Life Story and Reflexivity ................................................................................. 3
3.2 Social Context Impact ...................................................................................... 3
3.3 Holding the Cracks: The Counselling Relationship ....................................... 4
3.4 Application of Theory ....................................................................................... 4
5. QUESTION 4: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A COUNSELLOR (ETHICS AND
CONFIDENTIALITY) ................................................................................................... 4
(a) Strengths and Weaknesses of PYC3715 Content ........................................... 5
(b) Recommendations to the Teaching Team ...................................................... 5
6. CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................... 5
7. REFERENCE LIST .................................................................................................. 5
, 1. INTRODUCTION
This portfolio documents a real-world counselling interview conducted to apply
foundational counselling skills as outlined in the PYC3715 module. Guided by the
Transformative Counselling Encounters study material, the task aimed to create a safe
and ethical counselling context, explore the interviewee’s lived experience, and apply
counselling micro-skills and theory in practice. The interview was conducted with an
individual from the community (not a friend or family member), and a pseudonym is
used throughout to ensure confidentiality.
2. QUESTION 1: THE INTERVIEWEE’S STORY
The interviewee, referred to as Thandi (pseudonym), is a 34-year-old single mother
experiencing persistent emotional distress related to unemployment and financial
insecurity. She reported feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and diminished self-worth
after losing her job two years ago, which significantly affected her ability to provide for
her child. The ongoing stress has impacted her sleep, emotional wellbeing, and sense
of identity, leaving her feeling “stuck” and disconnected from her previous confidence
and aspirations.
3. QUESTION 2: CREATING THE INTERVIEW CONTEXT
The interview was conducted in a quiet private room at a local community centre to
ensure confidentiality, comfort, and minimal distractions. Chairs were arranged at an
angle to avoid confrontation and to promote openness. Rapport was established
through a warm greeting, clear explanation of the interview purpose, and reassurance
regarding confidentiality and voluntary participation.
Ground rules were discussed, including the interviewee’s right to pause or withdraw at
any time. Active listening and a calm tone were maintained throughout the encounter. A
ASSIGNMENT 1 SEMESTER 1 2026
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 2026
,Transformative Counselling Encounters - PYC3715
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 2
2. QUESTION 1: THE INTERVIEWEE’S STORY ........................................................ 2
3. QUESTION 2: CREATING THE INTERVIEW CONTEXT ....................................... 2
4. QUESTION 3: CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS AND REFLEXIVITY ............................. 3
3.1 Life Story and Reflexivity ................................................................................. 3
3.2 Social Context Impact ...................................................................................... 3
3.3 Holding the Cracks: The Counselling Relationship ....................................... 4
3.4 Application of Theory ....................................................................................... 4
5. QUESTION 4: PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AS A COUNSELLOR (ETHICS AND
CONFIDENTIALITY) ................................................................................................... 4
(a) Strengths and Weaknesses of PYC3715 Content ........................................... 5
(b) Recommendations to the Teaching Team ...................................................... 5
6. CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................... 5
7. REFERENCE LIST .................................................................................................. 5
, 1. INTRODUCTION
This portfolio documents a real-world counselling interview conducted to apply
foundational counselling skills as outlined in the PYC3715 module. Guided by the
Transformative Counselling Encounters study material, the task aimed to create a safe
and ethical counselling context, explore the interviewee’s lived experience, and apply
counselling micro-skills and theory in practice. The interview was conducted with an
individual from the community (not a friend or family member), and a pseudonym is
used throughout to ensure confidentiality.
2. QUESTION 1: THE INTERVIEWEE’S STORY
The interviewee, referred to as Thandi (pseudonym), is a 34-year-old single mother
experiencing persistent emotional distress related to unemployment and financial
insecurity. She reported feelings of hopelessness, anxiety, and diminished self-worth
after losing her job two years ago, which significantly affected her ability to provide for
her child. The ongoing stress has impacted her sleep, emotional wellbeing, and sense
of identity, leaving her feeling “stuck” and disconnected from her previous confidence
and aspirations.
3. QUESTION 2: CREATING THE INTERVIEW CONTEXT
The interview was conducted in a quiet private room at a local community centre to
ensure confidentiality, comfort, and minimal distractions. Chairs were arranged at an
angle to avoid confrontation and to promote openness. Rapport was established
through a warm greeting, clear explanation of the interview purpose, and reassurance
regarding confidentiality and voluntary participation.
Ground rules were discussed, including the interviewee’s right to pause or withdraw at
any time. Active listening and a calm tone were maintained throughout the encounter. A
