The Vital Skill of Clinical Assessment
Master the Art of Professional Client Assessment in Counselling and Psychotherapy
Why This Course Matters
Are you confident in your ability to assess clients effectively?
Client assessment is the critical foundation of successful therapy. When done skilfully, it builds trust and provides crucial insights. When done poorly, it can damage the therapeutic relationship before it even begins.
Many practitioners find themselves struggling with difficult questions: How do I ask about suicidal thoughts without increasing risk? When should I refer a client elsewhere? How do I balance formal assessment with therapeutic presence?
This engaging one-day online workshop equips you with the practical skills to conduct professional, empathic assessments that enhance rather than hinder the therapeutic relationship.
What You'll Learn
By the end of this comprehensive workshop, you'll be able to:
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Structure effective assessments that gather critical information whilst maintaining rapport
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Confidently address sensitive topics, including suicide risk, self-harm, and safeguarding concerns
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Evaluate leading assessment tools (GAD-7, PHQ-9, etc.) and make informed decisions about their use
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Recognise red flags that indicate when a client needs additional support or referral
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Balance formal assessment requirements with therapeutic responsiveness
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Document assessments professionally to support clinical decision-making and meet ethical standards
Workshop Format
This highly interactive online experience includes:
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Expert-led instruction on current best practices in clinical assessment
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Small-group practice sessions to develop and refine your assessment skills
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Case studies and demonstrations showing assessment techniques in action
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Practical templates and frameworks you can implement immediately
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Collaborative discussions to learn from colleagues' experiences and perspectives
Who should attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
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Therapists new to private practice seeking to establish professional assessment protocols
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Organisational gatekeepers responsible for client screening and allocation
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Experienced practitioners wanting to refresh and enhance their assessment skills
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Students and trainees preparing to work directly with clients
No prior experience with formal assessment is required—just a willingness to engage with this essential aspect of therapeutic practice.
Your Professional Development
Participants receive:
- All resources used on the day
- Connexus Institute Certificate of Completion
- 6 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
What Sets This Workshop Apart
This workshop focuses on the human skill of conducting assessments that feel supportive rather than intrusive. You'll learn not just what questions to ask, but how to ask them in ways that deepen trust and therapeutic connection.
Date: Sat 26th July 2025
Length: 1 day
Times: 9:30am to 4:30pm
Mode: Online
Cost: £125
More Information
Let us know if you have any questions
Meet your course leaders
Nancy Dalton
Nancy Dalton has a thriving counselling and psychotherapy practice in Tunbridge Wells and online, and many years of experience working at a senior level in the healthcare sector. She is passionate about extending the knowledge and experience of professionals in the field of mental health, and about improving the therapeutic experience of clients.