· When do we refer clients for an assessment?
There are factors we need to consider before referring our clients, if our clients’ needs are more than what you can give or beyond our expertise, it is one reason for us to refer them for assessment. After our clients understand what the problem is from the assessment and they agreed to be counseled, it is when we refer them for counseling.
· What do we consider in selecting for assessment tools to be used?
We must first consider if the tools are reliable and practical for the needs of our client, we must ensure its validity to secure the well-being of our client. The duration and interval of the tools, whether it is fit for our client. We rely our decision on our client’s condition, it all depends on their situation, but as I’ve said before, it’s our job to ensure that the tools we are going to use are specially fit for them.
· Do you think it is proper to release the test results if he/she requests them?
For me, the results must be disclosed to the client and psychologist only. Unless it is really needed, like for example is the court. It is our job to protect our clients and their information. If the clients request the results for good and valid reasons, I think there is nothing wrong with giving the summarized results or brief results of the client’s tests, just don’t give the raw or the actual test results.
· Explain in your own words the difference between testing and assessment.
Testing is under the Assessment; testing is where we give instructions and tasks to clients that will produce results from written exams. There are examples from Personality Tests, Intelligent Tests, and Projective Tests, where everything is following a standard rule in terms of marking or giving results. While Assessment is broader than Testing; assessment is where we give instructions and tasks but it does not include formal tests, assessment can include interviews from the client, as well as the people who are close to the clients. Assessment can include observations and everything that the results can not vary from the standard ways that the testing have.
· What factors you should consider in doing a clinical interview with each type of client?
a. Manic-depressive type.
In doing a clinical interview with a manic-depressive type of client, try not to ask questions that will trigger their episodes like asking questions that will cause them stress or questions that will put pressure on them. Free association is a good approach with this kind of client, just let them open up to you by being interested in everything that they are trying to convey. Same with letting them know the things they must know in a way that is very suitable for their situation.
b. a client who has a known criminal record.
A client who has a known criminal record does not equate to their ability to change, there is hope for everyone, as a psychologist, we must let our clients know this. If it’s okay with our clients to talk about their past, I think it’s a good sign. But guiding them to a goal-oriented conversation is much better because we’ll know if the clients have plans and goals, and if we know those things, we’ll be able to figure out what approach or how are we going to help our client.
c. a sexually abused child.
All cases of our every client are sensitive, but I personally think that this one is one of the most sensitive case because it involves a child who’s sexually abused. It is very vital for the child this therapy is because her future will depend on this. As a professional, we must consider asking questions that are appropriate for her age. We must be careful not to add to the trauma that the child currently has, so similar to the rest of our clients, we must not force them to recall the abuse. We must make her feel relaxed and everything we’re doing is according to her comfortability, of course, same with all of our clients.
d. client who has an obvious infectious disease.
Given in our current situation, we, as Frontliners, must be educated by our clients about their situation and at the same time we must also educate our clients of the harm that may inflict on us, but we must do it in a very professional way so that our client will not be offended. We must let them know of the possible ways on how we can help them. For example, a covid-19 positive patient asks for mental assistance or counseling while being quarantined, we cannot reject them so we will proceed to a method where we can still give our clients their needed service while both of us are staying safe, like video conference. Although this method has disadvantages, it is important for us that our clients are receiving the help that they need and we, as professionals, must provide it for them.