Practicum and Internship Handbook: Suggestions for Audio and Video Recording

It is the responsibility of counselor trainees enrolled in practicum and internship to supply appropriate equipment for recording counseling sessions. In most cases, this means audio recordings or video recordings. DVDs are acceptable if your instructor/supervisor agrees to that format.

These recordings are the basis of individual supervision, group supervision, and evaluation leading to the final course grade. Some field site placements will have recording equipment, especially video recording equipment, but many will not. Video recording is always preferable since it allows for visual review; however, some field placement sites will only allow audio recording. Whatever format you use, remember that all recordings must be clearly audible.

THERE ARE SOME STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO INSURE YOU HAVE THE BEST RECORDINGS POSSIBLE:

1. DO NOT use the handheld, mini-recorders since they do not have the power and range necessary. Video recorders, captured on a computer and transferred to a USB, or other media are acceptable as long as your instructor or supervisor is willing to accept them. Just make sure you follow guidelines to protect confidentiality in recording and transferring client protected information, by encrypted or password protected means.
2. The purchase the separate external microphone may be needed. The microphone embedded in your recording device may not pick up all voices and/or allows too much interference (e.g., recording itself, recording the air conditioner). An “omni-directional” microphone is highly recommended since it picks up sounds coming from different directions. Please check ahead of time for quality of recordings.
3. Always check your equipment before a session to be sure it is working adequately. Place the external microphone, if using, away from air conditioning/heating vents, clocks, and fluorescent lights. Sometimes it helps to place the recording device on a book or towel to reduce table vibrations that can impair sound quality. Video cameras should be aimed so as to include both counselor trainee and the client, not just the client. Remember that the further away a video camera is, the less effective the microphone mounted in the camera will be (therefore, it is best to attach an external microphone).
4. All consent forms for recording must be signed before you ever turn on a recorder. Never record a session if you do not have signed permission to do so. Provide copies of the consent forms to your supervisor/ instructor when they receive a recording from you.
5. Label and store recordings/disks securely. Never use a client name to label a recordings; instead use some sort of code. The only people who should ever hear/see a counseling session recordings are: you, your course instructor, your site supervisor, your doctoral student supervisor, your class. Do not review recordings where family members or friends can hear or see them. Do not carry your recordings around everywhere you go – keep them secure, encrypted or password protected is needed for these.
6. You MUST dispose of all recordings by the end of the semester. There is no reason to save recordings. Once you have reviewed them or used them for supervision/grade, dispose of them. Remember: You are required to delete them by the end of the semester