Strengths and Weaknesses as a Helper

Should be written in APA style, using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th edition,
2009). All papers should be in Times New Roman font size 12 with standard 1-inch margins. I expect all assignments to
utilize proper grammar and spelling and reflect the writing level of a college student. Assignments that are illegible,
poorly written, have spelling or grammatical errors, utilize improper font or margins and are not in APA style will receive
lower grades regardless of content. For this 3- to 5-page paper, you will write a brief autobiography of who you are
(including culture),what kind of person you are, what leads you to want to be a helper, and what strengths and
weaknesses and biases you bring to the helping situation.
TITLE PAGE should include your name, course (with section), assignment and date.
PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS THROUGHOUT YOUR PAPER (in BOLD)
Self-Description
Use at least three words or phrases to describe yourself (please bold) as a person and elaborate on each (12 pts)
Patterns of Relating
Identify and describe at least 2 positive & 2 negative patterns of relating to others (please bold) that are typical for you
(e.g., how do you typically disagree/fight or how do you get/give support- how do these feel for you?) (16 pts)
Life Experiences
Describe at least 2 significant life experiences & discuss how they have affected how you think, feel, live your life (16 pts)
Important Messages
Describe at least 2 important messages you have learned about life from your family or culture and discuss how they
have affected your life (8 pts)
Helping Definition
Give your personal definition of helping and discuss what it is that draws you to learn helping skills or to become a
helper (4 pts)
Strengths and Weaknesses as a Helper
Discuss in detail at least 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses (please bold) that you bring to the helping situation (16 pts)
Challenging Topics
Identify/explain at least 2 biases or hot buttons t(please bold) hat might interfere with learning to become an effective
helper (8 pts)
Challenging Clients
Discuss the types of clients (please bold) that you anticipate might be difficult to work with and why they would be
difficult for you (identify at least two – 8 pts)
APA style, grammar, punctuation, writing quality (12 pts)
***In this paper (as in any other assignment or in any part of this course), if you choose to disclose past or present
physical, sexual, or emotional child abuse, or an intent to harm yourself or another person, the instructor may be
required by Virginia State law to report this information to the appropriate authorities