This self-assessment assignment is designed to allow you to…… Transcribe a 20-minute section of a counseling session conducted by you.

The assignment contains three sections and should be submitted in one Microsoft Word document as follows:

Section 1 – Introduction.
Section 2 – Transcription and Analysis.
Section 3 – Self-Reflection and Summary.
Requirements
1. Content: Prepare a comprehensive paper that includes all three sections described in the Content Format section below.
2. Components: The paper must include a title page and a reference list. Appendices are optional.
3. Number of Pages: The body of the paper must be 10–12 pages, double-spaced.
4. Written Communication: Develop accurate written communication and thoughts that convey the overall goals of the assignment and do not detract from the overall message.
5. References: The paper must include a reference list. Include at least five current references, in addition to your textbooks. You must use proper, current APA style and formatting in listing your references.
Formatting:
1. Use current APA formatting, including correct in-text citations, proper punctuation, double-spacing throughout, proper headings and subheadings, no skipped lines before headings and subheadings, proper paragraph and block indentation, no bolding, and no bullets. Refer to the APA Style and Format Campus page, linked in the Resources, for more information.
2. Write your paper using Microsoft Word, not Works or Word Perfect.
3. Content Format: The assignment includes three sections. Each section is completed individually:

Section 1 – Introduction (2–3 paragraphs):
1. Provide a general description of your selected case, identification of the client(s), a legend for the speakers (for example, CL=client, CO=counselor), and any other presenting information that sets a context for the session.
2. Be sure to describe the client and conceptualize the presenting problem in language that indicates your understanding of the client. Frame your conceptualization from a specific theoretical perspective.

Section 2 – Transcription and Analysis (5–7 pages):
1. Use the transcription form provided in the Resources to present the session transcription and your reflection.
2. Transcription column: Use a different row for each speaker’s words.
3. Clinical Competencies column (“What I did”): Identify clinical competencies. Competencies can include application of core counseling skills, assessment questions, diagnosis, and theory-based interventions, depending on what is demonstrated in your segment of the counseling session. Examples:
Reflecting on feeling, minimal simple encourager, simple empathic statement (core counseling skills).
Assessing level of alcohol use (assessment question).
Identifying, acknowledging, reviewing symptoms (link to diagnosis).
Pointing out the client is displaying irrational thoughts (identifying CBT as a theoretical reference point).
4. Analysis of Clinical Thinking column (“What I was thinking”): Analyze your reasoning for the exchange; provide a rationale based on a hypothesis that prompted either the client response or your response as the counselor. Identify the theoretical approach, as applicable. Example:
“I see CL’s difficulty with social situations in part as being due to learned behavior (link to theory), and her tendency to generalize her shyness to all areas of her life keeps her from making any progress.”
5. Evaluation of Response column (“How effective was my response?”): Evaluate the effectiveness of the competency applied. Example:
“I think pointing out CL’s irrational thinking is important, but I believe I may be speeding the process a bit too quickly. I think more empathic understanding is what CL needs right now. I am basing this on how CL responded after I pointed out her irrational beliefs.”
6. Alternative Response column (“What I would do differently now”): Provide the responses you could have used. Example:
“I could have said _________.”

Section 3 – Self-Reflection and Summary (1–2 pages):
1. Write a conclusion summarizing what you learned about your strengths and discuss areas for growth. Consider the following:
What have you discovered about yourself as a clinician, as a result of completing this self-assessment assignment?
What are some areas you now recognize as strengths? What do you see as challenges?
What are the specific clinical skills that you need to identify to work on?
What model do you recognize as informing your work, based on this assignment?
2. Be sure to provide references. In particular, if you are being informed by a particular theoretical model, it is important to justify and provide a frame of reference for your points.

Refer to the grading criteria for this assignment in the Counseling Skills Self-Assessment Scoring Guide, linked in the Resources.