Developing Clinical Assessment Skills - 3-day Event for Therapists

WORKSHOP DATES:

• Day 1: Saturday 5th July 2025
• Day 2: Saturday 12th July 2025
• Day 3: Saturday 26th July 2025

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Getting to know a client begins long before therapy starts—it starts with assessment. This phase often sets the tone for what follows, shaping both the client’s experience and the therapist’s approach.

In this hands-on, three-day workshop, we explore the essential elements of clinical assessment. This isn’t just about checklists and paperwork; it’s about learning to listen beneath the surface, make informed decisions, and remain relational even while evaluating. Whether you’re working in private practice or a service setting, sound assessment skills can support better outcomes and clearer boundaries.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why thoughtful assessment matters—beyond form-filling
• How to stay grounded and curious in the face of complex clinical presentations
• Ways to consider risk and safety without becoming rigid or reactive
• Approaches to formulating what’s happening emotionally and systemically in early encounters
• How to shape and structure an assessment report with clarity and care

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This workshop is suitable for therapists currently in practice (qualified or in placement) who are either conducting assessments or preparing to take on this role. The course welcomes practitioners from across modalities and backgrounds.

Participants will be invited to take an active role in discussions and exercises. On the final day, there will be an opportunity for selected participants to present a real-world assessment for live supervision and group reflection. If you're interested in presenting, please let us know upon booking.

WORKSHOP BREAKDOWN

Day 1 – Rethinking Assessment
An introduction to the emotional and clinical dimensions of assessment. We’ll explore the role of first impressions, clinical attitude, and the art of beginning well.

Day 2 – Deepening Skills
A day dedicated to practical tools—handling risk, holding structure, making recommendations, and developing written assessments that are both meaningful and boundaried.

Day 3 – Reflective Practice in Action
An experiential day of shared learning, where volunteers present real-life assessments for supervision and reflective group dialogue. This helps bring together everything explored across the course.