The Initial Counselling Assessment


The Initial Counselling Assessment

Facilitated by Joy Oakley

18th September 2010

 




Wherever we are working as counsellors, we will need to discover why it is that a client is looking for counselling at this point in their lives and consider whether we can offer what they need. In practical and experiential ways, we will explore how to provide a safe and welcoming environment within which we and the client can make a decision. We will explore the ways in which we can come to an appropriate decision and then look at how we conduct the counselling assessment. We will want to answer such questions as -

 

  • How can I assess the needs of clients coming to me?

  • Am I clear about what I am offering?

  • How will I know if I'm working with an appropriate client?

 

  • Am I the right person? Should I refer this client to someone else?

  • Are they suicial? What is their mental state?

  • What information will help me make an assessment?


This workshop will give participants the opportunity to explore themselves as counsellors and the issues involved, by bringing their own unique work and life experiences to the discussions and practical exercises and activities. We will look at the differences between assessment and diagnosis. Assessment is so often the exciting and necessary start to a counselling relationship and deserves due focus.

 

Joy Oakley

Joy has a degree in Psychology, and a Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Person-Centred, TA & Gestalt).  She works as a Hospice Counsellor, and is a tutor on the Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling at Sussex Downs College, and previously on the Diploma course at Wealden College.  She works privately as a counsellor, and as a supervisor for individuals and organisations. She runs workshops including: Inspiration & Intuition, Anger, Facing our own Death, Stress Management, Creative Methods, Sand Tray Work.

 

 



Feedback Comments

"Trainer is excellent. It's been a very worthwhile day".  Gillian in Gillingham

"Excellent teaching by Joy who obviously has a wealth of experience".   Emma in Tunbridge Wells

"Joy is a very holding trainer - her experience shines through".   Hilary from Rye