SCRIPT

Client: Rhodora Y. Bayona

Counselor: Franklin Dave Caones

PREPARATORY STAGE

(The counselor is sitting inside his office)

(A client knocked the door of his office and entered)

Counselor: Oh good morning, ma'am. Have a seat. (Offering a seat)

(The client sits on the chair, front of counselor's table)

Counselor: By the way I’m Franklin, you can call me Frank.(warm smile)(the client nodded) How
about you? What do you want me to call you?

Client: I'd be okay to call you as "Frank". You can call me Dors.

Counselor: Alright, noted Dors. Anyway, before we start to talk about your reason of why you're
here, I want you to know that everything that you'll be sharing here will be safe and keep
confidential, unless that we need to ask help to other professionals and agencies. I encourage
you to be open on sharing about your problem. Is that okay with you, Dors?

Client: Yeah sure, thank you, Frank.

Counselor: We also have rules here to remember, Dors. It is to ensure that we can focus on this
matter, such as, no using of mobile phone while the session started, everything you say is private,
and we respect each other. (Warm smile)

Client: I see, alright.

Counselor: To be clear, is that okay?

Client: Yes.

(Counselor nodded)
EXPLORATORY:

Counselor: So, how are you feeling today, Dors?

Client: I'm not really okay, Frank.

Counselor: What's your problem, Dors?

Client: I'm struggling to control myself on using mobile phone. I'm worrying.

Counselor: Why? May I know?

Client: Because I can't control myself anymore to stop using phone, I even had sleepless nights
due to excessive phone use..

Counselor: When did it start before you become addicted in using mobile phone, Dors? Do you
still remember it?

Client: Uhmm, yes Frank. It started when I installed an online game.

Counselor: What game? And how old are you during that time?

Client: Mobile Legends, Frank. I was 18 years old that time and I played that game repeatedly and
everyday, until it became my escape of stress. It's been 3 years since I get addicted to use mobile
phone.

Counselor: Oh I see, that's a long period of time, Dors. Playing mobile legends become your
coping mechanism to stress. May I know if why you feel stress before you engaged in playing
mobile legends?

Client: I feel stressed because of academic pressure in school. There are so many things to do and
I feel like my head will explode if I think about the things be done before deadlines. But when I
tried to play mobile legends, it made me feel less stress.

Counselor: I understand you, Dors. Academic pressure is really tough to handle and makes us
stressful especially when we need to rush on finishing academic tasks in school.

Client: (nodding) Yes Frank, it's really hard to me.

Counselor: So, Dors, how do you spend your phone during the day? Starting from when you wake
up until you sleep?
Client: When I woke up, the first thing I really grab is my phone, scrolling up and down in tiktok
and playing mobile legends during classes, meals, even when I’m supposed to study lessons. I
spend a lot of using phone too during at night by playing mobile legends again.

Counselor: (Nodding) I see that you really like using mobile phone, watching videos in tiktok and
play game. But for you, when do you likely used your phone the most?

Client: Definitely at night. I usually stayed up late from 10pm until 3am,

Counselor: And what do you do that time?

Client: Just by playing mobile legends.

Counselor: Do you feel sleepy during that time too?

Client: Yes, Frank, but I force myself to stay awake to finish my game and for next play. For me, it
became disturbing because I feel like I don't know myself anymore. I want to stop the use of
phone but no matter how hard I try, my hands really grab that thing and use excessively. From
the moment I felt sleepy, I want to sleep but my addiction to mobile phone always win.

Counselor: That sounds really tough, Dors. I can feel that it is difficult for you to handle the
addiction, especially you already used to play games and became your coping mechanism.
However, excessive use of mobile phone could also negative effect on a person's mental health.

Client: I can say that it really affect me as student.

Counselor: Why, Dors? May I know?

Client: Yes, Frank. It's because my grades are getting low, even my parents were mad at me. They
say I'm always on my phone instead of helping them or studying. I badly want to recover myself
from this addiction.

Counselor: You know, noticing that and being aware of that is a progress towards change. By the
way, what do you think is the hardest part about putting your phone down?

Client: I think the hardest part is that I feel bored and lonely without my phone. When I’m not
using it, I don’t know what else to do.

Counselor: It sounds like you've become dependent on your phone knowing that it helps you
cope with also boredom aside from stress, and that makes a lot of sense. Many people feel the
same way. Maybe we can explore some other things that also help you relax or feel less alone,
little by little.

Client: Okay, Frank. I'm willing to learn.

Counselor: First, what are some things you enjoy doing, even just a little, when you’re not on
your phone?
Client: I like music, Frank, and sometimes drawing, or just talking with my friends. But I don’t
always feel like doing those things, especially when I’m tired or stressed. Using my phone just
feels easier.

Counselor: Wow, that’s really helpful to hear, Dors. I understand that your phone is the easiest
way to unwind, especially when you’re tired or stressed, but it’s also great that you mentioned
things like music, drawing, and talking with friends. Those are all really healthy ways to relax too.
Maybe we can explore how to slowly bring more of those into your day, in a way that feels
natural and not forced.

How would you feel about that?

Client: That sounds fine to me, Frank. However I don't know how to start, but I’d like to try doing
other things, even just a little. I guess I just need help figuring out how to make it part of my
routine.

Planning Stage

Counselor: Let’s think of a small step you can try this week. If you could change one thing about
how you use your phone, what would it be?

Client: Maybe turning off my phone an hour before I go to bed.

Counselor: That’s a good idea. Some people find it helpful to put their phone far from their bed,
like on a table or in another room. Do you think that would help you too?

Client: Yes, I think that can help.

Counselor: That’s good! It’s a small step, but it can make a big difference. And it’s okay if you
don’t do it perfectly just trying is already a good start.

Action Stage

Counselor: Alright, Dors. You’ve made a plan, and now you’re ready to try it out. How are you
feeling about starting?

Client: I feel a bit unsure, but I really want to do it. I'm willing.

Counselor: Willingness is a good start to step forward and change for the better, making the best
version of yourself without relying on mobile phones. Feeling unsure is normal, but the most
important part is you’re taking action. What will you try first?

Client: I’ll start turning off my phone one hour before bed. I’ll set an alarm for 9 p.m. to remind
me.

Counselor: Great step! Setting that alarm is a simple way to help you remember and know your
limitations. What will you do during that hour instead?

Client: I think I’ll try reading book again. I used to enjoy that before bed.

Counselor: That sounds like a healthy and relaxing choice. It can also help you in coping stress.
But if you forget about that, one night, what will you do?

Client: I’ll just try not to forget again the next day. I know it won’t be perfect but for sure I'll do as
best as I can.

Counselor: Exactly! Mistakes are part of the process. You don’t have to be perfect you just have
to keep trying. What else might help you stick with your plan?

Client: Maybe I’ll track it on a calendar. Just put a checkmark each night I follow through.

Counselor: That’s a great idea. It will help you see your progress and stay motivated. You’ve
already made the decision. Now you’re taking real steps and that’s what matters most.

Client: Thanks, Franklin. I’m ready to give it a real try this week.

Counselor: That’s awesome and glad to hear that, Dors. Be patient with yourself and remember
every small step counts. You’ve got this!

Closing Stage

Counselor: Before we end this, I want to ask; what’s one thing you’ll remember from our session
today?
Client: I learned that there are more ways to cope stress and be wise on using phone, setting
limitations.

Counselor: That’s right. You are stronger than you think, Dors. Thank you for all you've shared
today. Take it one step at a time and always be kind to yourself. Take care, Dors. You’ve got this!