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Starting therapy is an important step towards developing a better understanding of yourself, improving your mental health, healing past traumas, and increasing overall well-being.
If you’re considering therapy for the first time, you might be wondering what to expect from your initial assessment. Given each person has unique needs and experiences, no two assessments are the same. However, most psychological therapy assessments tend to follow a similar structure, which is briefly summarised here:
Introduction
The assessment begins with your psychologist taking the time to welcome you to the therapy room, introducing themselves, and to providing some information about the therapy process and outlining what you can expect from the assessment.
Discussion of Current Experiences and Goals
You’ll have the opportunity to discuss the reasons why you’re considering beginning therapy and to speak openly about any specific concerns or challenges you’re experiencing, such as anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. You will also be asked to discuss what you hope to achieve through attending therapy.
Personal History and Background
Your psychologist is likely to ask questions about your personal history, including family dynamics, significant life events, and past experiences. This helps them develop of a more thorough picture of you and gain a deeper understanding of your background and how it may be influencing your current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. Sometimes your psychologist would not discuss this during the first appointment if you do not feel ready yet. It’s important to remember this is YOUR assessment, and you have a voice in it too.
Collaborative Exploration
Therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist will work with you to explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. They may ask questions or offer reflections to help you gain clarity and self-awareness.
Discussion of Treatment Options
Based on the information gathered during the assessment, your psychologist will discuss potential treatment options and recommend a personalised plan tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
Addressing Any Concerns
Throughout the assessment, feel free to ask any questions or raise any concerns you may have about the therapy process. Your psychologist is there to support you and address any uncertainties or doubts you may be experiencing.
Confidentiality and Trust
It’s important to note that therapy sessions are confidential, and your therapist will prioritise your privacy and trust. You can feel confident that your personal information will be handled with the utmost respect, care, and confidentiality.
Therapeutic relationship
Arguably the most important part of an assessment is your opportunity to get a sense of how your psychologist works, the type of character they have, how they will ask questions and if this works for you. If you are not feeling fully comfortable, it is worth talking about this openly if you can.
In therapy, a strong therapeutic relationship between the psychologist and the client is vital. This bond serves as the foundation upon which healing and growth can occur. A trusting and supportive therapeutic relationship creates a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment. It fosters open communication, allowing clients to express themselves freely and authentically. If you feel you do not click with your psychologist, we recommend speaking to them about this if you can. It might be that you are better to meet a different psychologist who you feel more comfortable with.
Conclusion
Overall, a psychological therapy assessment is a collaborative and empowering process designed to lay the foundation for effective therapy. By openly sharing your current experiences, concerns, and hopes, you’re taking an important step towards positive change and personal growth. Therapy can be both challenging and invigorating, and your psychologist will be there to support and guide you every step of the way.
If you would like to speak to one of our team about an assessment, get in touch today for a free 15-minute telephone consultation.
