Reference no: EM133878677

Assignment:

Assessment in the counselling process is broader than simply involving only formal instruments and a separate activating distinct form the counselling process (Whiston, 2017). A broader view of assessment involves applying assessment skills in gathering information holistically and using different assessment tools throughout four broad steps in the counselling process: 1) problem assessment, 2) case conceptualisation and problem definition, 3) selection and implementation of effective treatment and 4) evaluation of counselling.

The following is an elaboration of the second stage of Case conceptualisation and problem definition:

• During conceptualisation, the counsellor needs to continually assess the client to ensure they understand the client's needs and problems well. Assessment skills are required for conceptualising the client's concerns, identifying contextual factors contributing to the problem and identifying factors that may be helpful in treatment.
• The counsellor needs to distinguish between simple and complex problems in order to select the appropriate treatment for effective counselling. Mohr (1995, as cited in Whiston, 2017) found that negative outcomes in counselling are more likely to occur when a clinician underestimates the severity of the client's problems
• The counsellor should recognise that they may not always be objective when perceiving and analysing client issues. Spengler et al. (1995, as cited in Whiston 2017) suggested that counsellors have a tendency toward confirmatory bias - the tendency to look for evidence that aligns with the counsellor's preferred hypothesis (for example, if the counsellor believes that substance abuse is prevalent, the counsellor may have the tendency to perceive client problems as being related to substance abuse). Separately, Egisdottir et al., found that predictions from statistical methods are more effective than the clinical decisions made by mental health clinicians.
• Fredman and Sherman (1987, as cited in Whiston, 2017) proposed that formal assessments are often beneficial for clients as they provide counsellors different data about the client's issues. Counsellors should not rely exclusively on auditory assessments and include visual, kinesthetic and tactile assessment methods. Testing can provide the visual experience that increases confidence in the information than do spoken words, and motivates clients to take action about their problem.

Using a case example, describe how a counsellor's inability to conduct assessment in the case conceptualisation and problem definition stage leads to a negative consequence for a client.