While we don’t track closed and open questions as such in the MICA, we consider the kinds of questions the practitioner asks as we decide how to rate the conversation. Fact finding or history gathering kinds of questions do not usually help the client describe their point of view or perspective.… read more

It can be hard to hear the difference between affirmation (which we don’t “count” but take into account with our overall ratings) and reflections (which we count). If we too often mistake reflections and affirmations, it can influence the accuracy of our ratings.… read more

The MICA allows us to calculate a total or aggregate score. This is a sum of the average of the two strategies and the average of the five intentions. An aggregate, total or composite score helps the learner and any key administrators see at a glance where the conversation landed, with some nuance not available from scoring with other coding instruments.… read more

The Expressing Empathy scale measures the practitioner’s Intention to actively listen without judgment; grasp the client’s thoughts, feelings, experiences, and perspective; and to convey that understanding to the client. Strategies include reflective listening, validation of the client’s reality, and all of the efforts the practitioner makes to accurately understand the client’s inner experience and effectively communicate that to the client.… read more