Psychological Assessment and Formulation

Service Description

Psychological assessment is the corner stone of Clinical Psychology. The assessment involves gathering information about you, interpreting this within a broader theoretical framework to develop a formulation, which is an explanation about how an issue developed and been maintained over time. The goal of psychological assessment is to gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual's psychological profile, often to inform on clinical disorders, treatment planning, or educational and vocational decisions. Here are some key components involved in psychological assessment. Here are some common elements of a psychological assessment. However, it is important to note that the specific elements differ. Psychologists gather information about an individual's background, history, presenting concerns, and current functioning. This may involve questions about developmental history, family background, medical history, and current stressors. Psychologists use a variety of standardised tests and assessments to measure specific aspects of an individual's functioning. Individuals may be asked to complete questionnaires or surveys to provide information about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. These self-report measures can offer additional perspectives on the individual's subjective experience. Behavioural assessment involves observing and recording specific behaviours, often in real-life situations. This can provide valuable information about how an individual responds to different environmental stimuli and stressors. Information from collateral sources, such as family members, teachers, or colleagues, may be gathered to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the individual's functioning. This can be particularly useful in cases where the individual may have difficulty accurately reporting their experiences. The psychologist integrates information from various sources to form a comprehensive understanding of the individual's strengths, challenges, and areas of concern. Interpretation involves making sense of the assessment data in the context of the individual's unique background and circumstances. The psychologist provides feedback to the individual or relevant stakeholders, discussing assessment findings, recommendations, and implications. A written report summarising the assessment process, results, and recommendations is often provided. Psychological assessment sessions are £100 per hour. To book, navigate to the contact page.