Evaluation. Yuck. Such a clinical, dry term, much like diagnosis, prognosis, and so on. But because evaluations are so integral to effective psychotherapy, I feel it’s important to briefly describe the process here.
When you go to a doctor (or a mechanic or even an accountant), the first thing he or she does is collect data—pieces of information—about you (or your car, or your tax situation). In therapy, this information is collected by a process called the evaluation. By asking directly asking you questions, observing you, and perhaps reading or speaking to others about your mental and physical health history a therapist can learn what he or she needs to know in order to begin working with you.
A mental health evaluation (like a medical evaluation) in part employs a process of elimination in order to arrive at a diagnosis. For example in medical treatment if you don’t have certain symptoms, but you do have others, proven treatments will be prescribed and employed for whatever your problem may be, whether it is acne, flu or gout.
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Poo
12:35 am on
January 18th, 2010Richard, thank you for your article. Is there a chance I can ask you a question privately on the subject of evaluations? I would not want to spill all of my beans on a public forum.
Richard Zwolinksi, LMHC, CASAC
4:34 pm on
January 19th, 2010Several people have emailed me directly. I am available to answer emails confidentially: info@richardzwolinski.com.
If you feel your comments or questions could be of import to others and you are comfortable with this, can you eliminate any identifying information and post your questions and comments?
Either way, I will be happy to help if I am able.
Thanks!
Your outline of the evaluation process is acurate and helpful. I’ve found that …”A good decision is born from a good assessment…” (see my case summary at http://www.dr-joseph.com/Familiy-help.html) and your article is a great help to boost my ability in this important skill.
Regards,
Joseph
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