Assessment
For me, assessment is an ongoing and integral part of the therapeutic process. That said, when you commence therapy, a thorough assessment would take place over one or more initial consultations. The assessment sessions are usually conducted both with yourself and, where applicable, collaboratively with family members, partners and friends.
For individuals, assessment is undertaken to explore:
- Presenting issues
- The context in which these issues have arisen
- Relevant developmental and family history
- A feedback session to discuss treatment aims and any concerns or questions you may have
For couples, the assessment process entails
- Couple interview
- Online assessments
- Individual sessions
- Feedback session
Rest assured, consultations are treated with the professional confidentiality appropriate to the Code of Ethics of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Further, it is important that you know that it is mandatory to report any present episodes of child abuse, or any incidences involving serious harm to yourself or another individual.