Assessment of Counselling Process

The practice of assessment entails the collection of information in order to identify, analyse, evaluate, and address the problems, issues, and circumstances of clients in the counselling relationship. Assessment is used as a basis for identifying problems, planning interventions, evaluating and/or diagnosing clients, and informing clients and stakeholders. Many novice counsellors may make the mistake of identifying assessment as a means to an end, such as providing a label or diagnosis to a client. In this text , assessment will be viewed as a process essential to all elements of counselling. Whether practicing in a school, private practice, agency, or other health care setting, assessment plays an integral role. Assessment moves beyond the administration of measures.

Assessment involves identifying statements, actions, and procedures to help individuals, groups, couples, and families make progress in the counselling environment. Although counsellors have the opportunity to limit their scope of practice with respect to modalities, theories, and types of clients, a counsellor cannot function without an understanding of the processes and procedures of assessment in counselling.