Psychological
Assessment
“The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled”
–Plutarch-
What is Psychological Assessment?
Psychological Assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help arrive at some hypotheses about a person and their behaviour, personality and capabilities. Psychological assessment is done by means of clinical and collateral interviews, and the use of standardised or projective assessment techniques.
As a Clinical Psychologist this allows me not only to identifying the difficulties that a person may be struggling with but also the strengths and skills at their disposal that they may use to negotiate these difficulties.
The psychological assessment may focus on identifying an emotional difficulty that a person might be struggling with, assisting in the formulation of an accurate psychiatric diagnosis, and /or determining a person’s current level of intellectual functioning or neurocognitive skills.
The findings may then be used to make decisions regarding their school, work or family life and assist in formulating the most effective manner in which to address the areas for growth identified. The findings of the psychological assessment may then be used to guide occupational or scholastic interventions.
It is of utmost importance that the purpose of the assessment be clarified to the psychologist before the process is undertaken.