What can I expect to happen in an assessment for my child?
Summary
The assessment process is a thoughtful, structured beginning to our work together. Over the course of four sessions, I aim to co-construct an understanding of your child’s internal world and family context, providing a clear foundation for any future therapeutic intervention.
The Initial Meeting: A Family Perspective
In our first appointment, I usually meet with you and your child together. While assessment sessions have more structure than ongoing therapy, the pace is designed to be respectful of your child’s comfort.
The focus is on gaining a detailed perspective from each person present. As children often struggle to verbalize complex emotions, I pay close attention to their non-verbal expressions. Through the symbolism of play or drawing—such as a child describing a “lonely” toy car—I can begin to understand feelings that are initially too difficult to acknowledge directly.
Exploring the Parental Context
The second session is held with parents alone. This provides a private space to discuss thoughts and feelings that are best shared without your child present.
I explore your family history, childhood experiences, and your own journey as a parent. Understanding how emotions are managed in your family of origin helps us build a picture of the current family dynamic and how your experiences may influence your interactions today. With your consent, I may also seek a report from your child’s school to gain a fuller picture of their social and academic functioning.
The Child’s Internal World
The third session is typically child-centred and play-based. I provide toys and art materials, allowing your child the freedom to express themselves in the medium they find most comfortable. This offers a preliminary insight into how they view their internal world.
- Children under five: These sessions usually involve one parent. This prevents the child from feeling overwhelmed by too many adults and allows us to observe the interactions and impact you have upon one another.
- The “Floor-Level” Approach: I often work on the floor to be physically at your child’s level, demonstrating our direct interest in their expression.
Collaborative Feedback and Formulation
In our final assessment session, I meet with you to share our clinical understanding. If a report has been requested, I review it together first. This document is “co-constructed”—a factual summary grounded in our shared conversations.
I provide a formulation, which is an initial hypothesis explaining the reasons you may have sought help. From this shared understanding, I discuss potential interventions, which may include:
- Individual therapy for the child.
- Joint parent-child sessions.
- Support for the parental couple or co-parenting work.
- Individual therapy for yourself.
Keywords: Child Psychological Assessment, What to expect in therapy, Child therapy process, Parenting support and consultation, Psychological formulation for children.
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