Prior Learning Assessment Instructions:

Prior learning allows you to earn credit for the skills and experience you already have.

If you have prior professional experience in coaching, psychology, or related work, you may be eligible to earn academic credit through a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). This process allows us to formally evaluate your existing skills and reduce your required coursework.

What You Need to Submit

To apply for credit through the PLA process, please submit the following:

1. Two Recorded Coaching Sessions

Each session should be at least 45 minutes in length.
Sessions must be with real clients (not roleplays), recorded within the last 2 years.
Choose sessions that best demonstrate your skill, ideally aligning with topics we cover in our coursework (e.g., somatic work, trauma-informed approaches, nervous system regulation, emotional attunement, etc.).

2. Written Reflections (One per Session)

For each session, submit a written reflection of at least 750 words.
This reflection should explain your clinical or coaching decision-making process and provide insight into your observations. Address the following questions in your write-up:

Required Reflection Questions

1. How did you assess this client’s needs or goals before and during the session?
2. Describe the framework you used to understand what the client was presenting and how that informed your approach.
3. What were you observing in the client during the session—emotionally, physically, or behaviorally?
Include any body language, tone, or nervous system cues you were tracking.
4. Why did you choose the particular interventions or approaches you used? Explain the rationale behind your choices and how they align with best practices or your theoretical orientation.
5. If you could go back and do anything differently, what would you adjust or refine in this session?
6. Demonstrate your capacity for self-evaluation and growth as a practitioner.

Evaluation & Credit

Once submitted, your sessions and reflections will be reviewed by a qualified faculty member. If approved, your prior experience may count toward specific course credit, reducing both your tuition and workload.