Ryan Rienzo

CNS 736 CG
Assignment 4.1
June 6th, 2016
Administering a Self-Directed Search
1. How did you choose your volunteer client?
The client I chose to administer the assessment to was my mother, Barbara Rienzo. My
mother has been a stay-at-home mom for the past 25 years so I thought she would be an
interesting subject. Now that my youngest sibling is in college, my mother has recently discussed
potentially going back to work. I suggested she take the Self-Directed Search as a way of
narrowing down her career interests and to identify viable options.

2. What was her initial reaction to being asked to take a test?

At first my mother was a little apprehensive. She shared how she had not taken any sort
of assessment in a number of years and was curious about what taking the SDS would entail.
Additionally she was interested in the amount of time it would take to complete. However, after
explaining the SDS in greater detail my mother was not only willing but also excited to complete
the test.

3. How did you prepare for your session?

I prepared for my session a number of different ways. First, I reviewed all course
materials related to the SDS to make certain that I had a comprehensive understanding of the
assessment to ensure I was able to answers any questions my client may have. In addition I also

reevaluated my own SDS report. Next, I reviewed the AACE Multicultural Assessment
Standards to make certain that I took into consideration any multicultural factors. Because I
knew that my client was somewhat nervous about completing a test, I also discussed test anxiety
with her and I assured her that the assessment was straightforward and relatively simple to
complete. Furthermore I reviewed and shared with the client the rules of confidentiality, and how
her assessment report would be completely confidential, sent only to her via email.

4. What was successful about your explanation of the SDS to your client?
I felt that I provided my client with a comprehensive overview of the SDS. Once I was
finished with my initial explanation, my client was familiar with how the test was formatted,
what was to be expected, an estimate for how long it would take to complete, and what would be
provided in the SDS report once the assessment was finished.

5. What were your clients early questions about the instrument?

Before taking the assessment I asked my client if she had any questions pertaining to the
test. She shared that she did not have any questions at this time, but requested that I stay in close
proximity in case she had questions come up while taking the SDS. I felt that I provided my
client with enough background information that she felt comfortable going into the test without
any questions or concerns at that point in time.

6. What would you have changed about your explanation based on your own critique of
yourself?

While I felt that I effectively explained the SDS to my client I feel that there is always
room for improvement. I believe I described the test thoroughly but in retrospect I would have
provided the client with my own results as a sample report. Providing the client with my own
report would not only familiarize her with the assessment but could also have been beneficial for
establishing rapport. Even though I went over each section and explained what was to be
anticipated, I feel that having a tangible report would have further clarified what was to be
expected.

7.What general comments did your client make while taking the test (verbal and
nonverbal)? How did you respond to those comments?
For the most part my client was relatively quiet, focusing on the assessment. I did notice
that several times she paused to ponder a question, particularly in the activities section. She
spoke her answers aloud at various times throughout the assessment saying yes and high
depending on which section she was on. She also used several nonverbals including hmm. Due
to the fact that the client was not asking or directing her comments to me I did not respond to her,
instead I maintained a quiet demeanor for her to complete the assessment interruption free.

8.What were your clients reactions to his/her results (verbal and nonverbal)? How did you
respond to their reactions?
My client was very pleased with her results, and felt that they accurately reflected both
her general career interests and personality. She verbally expressed how she thoroughly enjoyed
completing the assessment and interpreting her results. She felt it was a very good starting point
for further career exploration and thanked me for inviting her to take the SDS. I shared with her

how I was very happy she was pleased with her results and thanked her for taking the time to be
my client.

9. When you processed with your client at the end of the meeting, what did she say about
the overall testing experience?
Upon completion my client was excited about having taken the SDS and found it to be
very beneficial. She discussed how although she was initially apprehensive and somewhat
anxious to complete a test after a number of years, she quickly realized her concerns werent
necessary. She found the test to be clear, easily to complete, and extremely informative. I shared
with my client I was very happy to have aided her in her career self-exploration and assisting her
in determining potential careers/ fields she may enjoy.

10. What insights did you gain, or what previous knowledge was reinforced, by your
administering of the SDS with your client?
What was reinforced most for me was just how effective assessment tools can be. They
provide the counselor with useful information to better address the client unique needs. After
reviewing my clients report I was provided with an abundance of information I was not aware of
prior to her taking the SDS.
In regard to the SDS specifically, I feel that it is very helpful and is a test I plan to utilize
in my work with future clients. I feel that it encourages self-exploration, which can be extremely
beneficial throughout the career exploration process, and empowers the client to examine their
interests and abilities to take further action.

11. What did you learn about the SDS? What was one strength you perceived this
instrument to have? What was one limitation you perceived this instrument to have?
I learned that the SDS is an effective career exploration assessment tool that is user
friendly and extremely informative. I feel that the SDS has many strengths. First and foremost I
like how the client, enabling them to score and interpret their results on their own, completes this
assessment tool. I also appreciate how the test is applicable to relatively anyone curious about
career exploration, and how there are various versions available tailored to meet the needs of
different populations. Furthermore, the SDS takes into consideration not only ones interests but
also their abilities or strengths, making it a more reliable and valid assessment tool for
determining occupations/fields that best suit ones unique personality.
The SDS uses the clients answer to produce a raw score. Based on the raw score the
client is provided with one of Hollands three letter codes. Holland has been criticized for this
approach in that it reinforces sexual stereotypes (Hays, 2013). This made me curious if at times
clients feel pressured to answer different areas of the exam a certain way based on their sex,
ultimately skewing their overall results. With that being said, Holland defended his approach as
reflecting the real world, namely, that men and women are in fact attracted to different types of
activities (Holland, Fritzsche, & Powell, 1994).

Reference
Hays, D. G. (2013). Assessment in counseling: A guide to the use of psychological
assessment procedures.