As a Clinical Psychologist, I am skilled in conducting comprehensive assessments and diagnosing mental health disorders. My approach integrates knowledge of psychiatric diagnostic classification systems with theoretical underpinnings of various conditions.
The assessment process typically begins in the first session but is thread throughout the therapeutic process.
Information gathered includes understanding presenting issues, such as the frequency and duration, and impact of problems, and relevant developmental and family history. Additionally, I employ psychometric measures to help quantify and analyse difficulties.
For some clients, forming a diagnosis or diagnoses is essential in explaining and treating their difficulties. Diagnoses can paradoxically help normalise one’s experiences. However, it is important to recognise that diagnoses do not always provide insight into why a person may be struggling. Diagnoses are descriptive labels used to identify clusters of emotional, cognitive, and behavioural experiences, but they don’t necessarily always explain the root cause of a condition.
Rather than focusing solely on diagnosis, I prioritise understanding the context in which a person’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns have developed. This allows me to adopt a more compassionate perspective, appreciating the unique experiences that have shaped an individual’s life. In turn, this understanding helps explain the function of problematic behaviours and coping strategies.
Psychological models, such as attachment theory, developmental psychology, and cognitive-behavioral theories, aid in explaining the development and maintenance of mental health conditions. These models provide a framework for understanding complex and dynamic presentations, as it is not uncommon for individuals to experience more than one mental health condition. For instance, depression often co-occurs with anxiety issues. Mental health conditions frequently involve cyclical interactions between triggers, thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and ways of coping.
Formulating an assessment is both a science and an art, much like composing music. While having a strong foundation in musical theory and techniques is helpful, some of the most inspiring art comes from the freedom to improvise and follow intuition. Balancing the scientific and creative aspects of assessment enables me to provide a well-rounded and individualised understanding of each client’s unique experiences and needs.
DASS-21 Questionnaire
All new patients are encouraged to complete the DASS-21 psychological test. This quick and easy online questionnaire assesses depression, anxiety, and stress levels, providing valuable insights into your mental health.
Take the online quiz