Students are required to record their sessions (either audio or video). Obtain a consent form for recording from the site supervisor. Audio/Video recordings will be reviewed during university supervision. A minimum of two recorded sessions will be analyzed by the practicum student and submitted for supervision feedback. Additionally, the practicum student will write a session review form, a self-critique, and a reflective evaluation paper. The accompanying paper should be submitted to D2L.
Self-Critique/Reflective Evaluation Paper:
Write a brief summary and evaluation of your work in this session (3-4 paragraphs). Describe your strengths and limitations in the session, a description of the skills you used in working with this client, and what you learned about your counseling style from this particular session. Explore the ways in which your client’s interpersonal process was demonstrated within the session, as well as any transference or countertransference that emerged. Include your personal thoughts, feelings, and perceptions related to the counseling session and the overall counseling process. Provide an assessment of how the session went and what changes you would make in order to better meet the client’s needs.
The recorded sessions will be evaluated based on your ability to 1) demonstrate basic counseling skills, including process/immediacy responses 2) begin and end a session successfully, 3) incorporate feedback, 4) show improvement, 5) evaluate yourself accurately, 6) demonstrate insight and self-awareness into how your own issues, values, thoughts, and feelings impact the counseling relationship, and 6) reflect upon your clients’ interpersonal process dynamics, including any transference or countertransference.
If an adequate level of skill is not exhibited on the first two recordings and self-critique/reflective evaluation, you may be required to submit additional recordings/self-critiques until your skills are at an acceptable beginning level.
Your counseling sessions will be evaluated using the following criteria:
1. Demonstration of developing skills:
- Are you incorporating what you’re learning in class/supervision into your session?
- Do you have a growing level of understanding of basic skills such as paraphrasing, summarizing, reflecting feelings, and using open, non-directive questioning and a beginning level of skills such as immediacy, self-involving statements, and emphasis on interpersonal process throughout the session?
- Can you communicate your understanding to your client and develop a working alliance?
2. Self-Critique:
- Are you able to accurately assess your developing skills as a counselor?
- Do you have an understanding of your strengths and areas for growth?
- Does your critique incorporate what you’re learning in class with your personal experiences, thoughts, feelings, and reactions?
- Does your paper demonstrate self-awareness through self-reflective writing?