psychology
Self-Evaluation Paper
Summer 2023
Assignment Description and Guidance:
o 8-page minimum and 15-page limit
o Word document
o Write in first-person
o Give examples
o I will be the only one reading it due to its personal content
o Double-spaced in 12-point font, with 1-inch margins, no cover page necessary
o E-mail your completed self-evaluation paper prior our last class
The following questions/areas should be addressed in your self-evaluation paper:
ü Reflect on your progress and growth as a therapist this semester.
ü What are/were your challenges this semester? What did you do to overcome/work on
these challenges?
ü What are some important things you've learned about yourself this semester?
ü What have you noticed about yourself when you're with clients?
ü How are you doing with your learning contract goals? What are your goals for the next
semester?
ü How do you feel you accept feedback from your supervisors, colleagues, peers, and
practicum professor?
ü How are you managing working and forming healthy boundaries and relationships with
your clients, supervisors, and colleagues at your practicum site?
ü What is going well at your practicum site and in your practicum class?
ü What do you need that you're not getting at your practicum site and in your practicum
class?
ü What has been the most meaningful thing you've learned this semester?
ü How are you doing with self-care?
ü How do you feel about your future as a therapist?
ü Review the GSPP Personal Characteristics list (see next page) and discuss how you're
developing each of these attributes in your practicum site and practicum class.
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UST GRADUATE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: ASSUMPTIONS AND EXPECTATIONS
1. OPENNESS
A. Demonstrate ability and willingness to share self in interaction with others
B. Exhibits an open-minded, non-dogmatic style of communication
C. Accepts criticism and feedback in a positive, constructive manner
D. Is aware of, and is willing to share, limitations and weaknesses, as well as
strengths
2. FLEXIBILITY
A. Demonstrates ability to understand issues from a variety of perspectives
B. Can helpfully shift roles as needed to facilitate interactions with others
C. Is willing to change perspective based on new evidence or experience
3. HONESTY
A. Verbal and non-verbal expressions are authentic
B. Interaction with others is direct, honest, and respectful
C. Actions are consistent with stated attitudes, values, and goals
D. Verbal and non-verbal expressions are consistent with one another
4. RESPONSIBILITY TO SELF AND OTHERS
A. Assumes responsibility for your own learning and personal growth, despite prevailing
circumstances
B. Both gives and receives in interaction with others
C. Meets personal commitments and completes assignments appropriately
D. Assumes responsibility for own actions and feelings
5. ABILITY TO RISK
A. Evidences appropriate trust of self and others
B. Seeks and supports honest, direct communication with others
C. Accepts nurturance and criticism alike
D. Freely expresses ideas, beliefs, opinions, and feelings
6. INTELLECTUAL CAPABILITY
A. Evidences sufficient intellectual capacity to complete program requirements
B. Can effectively utilize subjective and objective ways of knowing
7. RESPECT
A. Demonstrates genuine respect for other persons, despite personal differences
B. Refrains from statements or actions which are inappropriately offensive or
hurtful
C. Maintains appropriate emotional distance and healthy boundaries with others
D. Maintains personal well-being as a requisite to helping others
E. Responds directly to persons with whom there are conflicts, differences, or
difficulties
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8. SELF-ASSUREDNESS
A. Receives information and feedback from others without distortion
B. Demonstrates positive regard for self, despite mistakes and failures
C. Acknowledges feelings of inadequacy or limitations
D. Openly seeks support and affirmation when needed
9. SELF-KNOWLEDGE
A. Demonstrates awareness of own strengths and weaknesses, abilities, and limits
B. Recognizes and labels personal biases
C. Demonstrates knowledge of own needs, wants, and expectations
D. Seeks and welcomes input which might correct blind spots
E. Recognizes that the self is the counselor's professional instrument and finds ways to
develop it for optimal effectiveness
10. APPROPRIATE BOUNDARIES
A. Conforms to professional standards regarding boundary issues
B. Demonstrates realistic awareness of implications of power differentials
C. Maintains constructive professional distance
11. ASSERTIVENESS
A. Learns without being pushed to learn
B. Is alert to potential new sources of learning
C. Continually seeks more effective ways to work with people
D. Demonstrates proactive instead of reactive behavior
12. EMPATHY
A. Shows evidence of enjoyment of interpersonal interaction
B. Demonstrates the ability and desire to understand the verbal and non-verbal,
explicit and implicit, expressions of others
C. Responds to affective, as well as cognitive, expressions of others
D. Communicates concern for others
13. WARMTH AND EMOTIVITY
A. Expresses feelings clearly and with ease
B. Can laugh at self and others without hostility or hurtfulness
C. Conveys an attitude of caring and compassion
D. Helps others feel valued and affirmed
14. VALUES
A. Acts in accordance with a well-defined system of values, beliefs, and goals
B. Is actively involved in shaping his/her environment in ways which meet human
needs
C. Evidences commitment to personal and professional growth
D. Evidences commitment to helping others, particularly those who are underserved
E. Evidences appreciation of individual and cultural diversity