Conducting an Initial Assessment: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Psychologists

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the purpose of an initial psychological assessment.

• Structure an assessment from beginning to end.

• Take a comprehensive psychosocial history.

• Build rapport while gathering clinically relevant information.

• Ask sensitive questions confidently.

• Recognise potential areas of risk.

• Identify when further assessment or supervision is required.

• Begin thinking in a psychologically informed way rather than simply asking questions.

Workshop Outline

Part 1: What is an Initial Assessment?

Part 2: Structuring an Assessment

Part 3: Taking a Psychosocial History

Why is this workshop helpful?

Most psychology graduates leave university with a strong understanding of psychological theory but relatively little practical experience in conducting an initial assessment. Whether working in the HSE, NHS, private practice or charitable organisations, Assistant Psychologists are often involved in gathering information, conducting assessments under supervision and contributing to formulations. This workshop aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and clinical practice.

By attending this workshop, participants will:

• Develop confidence in conducting an initial assessment. .

• Learn how to take a comprehensive psychosocial history.

• Strengthen their clinical reasoning.

• Improve their communication skills.

• Understand the purpose of an assessment.

• Recognise the limits of their role.

• Feel better prepared for Assistant Psychologist roles and interviews.

  
  

What makes this workshop different?

This workshop is designed to focus on practical clinical skills rather than theory alone.