Psychological testing and assessment is also known as personality assessment.
Assessment helps the psychologist and client identify and better understand problems the client faces in his or her life. In addition, assessment helps to clarify how to address and work through these problems as quickly as possible.
My Approach to Psychological Testing and Assessment
I involve clients at every stage of the assessment process. I believe in the value of understanding the client’s unique perspectives. This helps me to learn more about the client’s challenges, choose appropriate psychological tests and accurately make sense of test results. In addition to identifying and working with areas of difficulty, I focus on the client’s strengths. With problems and strengths understood, solutions become more visible.
What I Offer
In my practice, comprehensive assessment is offered for children and teenagers. A comprehensive assessment includes a broad range of tests. This type of assessment offers an in-depth picture of what is troubling youth and/or their parents.
Targeted assessment is offered for people of all ages. A targeted assessment includes fewer tests than a comprehensive assessment and takes a shorter amount of time to complete. I use this type of assessment to gain a better understanding of the most pressing problems for the client.
The Process
My ultimate goal in the testing and assessment process is to find meaningful solutions for emotional challenges.
I begin by gathering information from the client about his or her life experiences, current problems and personal strengths. I encourage client curiosity as we develop questions to be answered through the assessment process. I choose appropriate tests to best answer the client’s questions and address his or her needs.
Assessment findings are typically shared with the client through verbal discussion(s) and a written summary. Easy-to-understand language is used to describe concerns, challenges, strengths and specific steps to take to address problems. This process helps the client better understand:
- His or her problems and strengths
- Ways that he or she usually deals with problems
- More effective coping skills and tools for dealing with difficulties
Psychological Testing and Assessment for Children and Teenagers
My approach with children/teenagers and adults is similar. However, there are three main differences.
- Unlike the one-to-one process I use with adults, information about child and teenage clients is gathered from the parents and the young person. They both develop their own questions. Together the parent(s), client and I discover meaning from assessment findings.
- The parent(s) and I explore whether there are other important people in the child’s or teenager’s life who could provide additional information that would be helpful for the assessment.
- I sometimes create stories for children and teenagers to communicate assessment findings in ways that youth can more easily relate to and understand.
Please contact me for further information.
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Notice of Privacy Practices