May 28, 2026

577. The Five Most Common Report-Writing Mistakes from My Practice (and How to Fix Them!)

49 minutes

Would you rather read the transcript? Click here.

In this episode, I share a review of evaluation reports from my own practice to identify the five most common writing mistakes that we’re making. Report writing is an ongoing, evolving process, and even experienced practitioners frequently fall into patterns that hinder readability and utility for clients, parents, and educators. By breaking down issues such as over-utilizing clinical jargon, structuring reports around specific test names rather than functional domains, and overwhelming readers with an untriaged avalanche of recommendations, I provide concrete strategies to transform your reports into clear, actionable documents. I also discuss the impact of pathologizing language and defensive hedging, offering practical shifts to help you establish clinical authority while remaining affirming and accessible.

00:03: Introduction to report writing as an ongoing work in progress

01:40: Mistake 1: The jargon avalanche and the “so what?” test

04:55: Mistake 2: Reporting test names versus functional skills and abilities

08:55: Mistake 3: The recommendation avalanche and how to triage effectively

13:45: Mistake 4: Shifting away from deficit-first and pathologizing language

17:28: Mistake 5: Overcoming defensive hedging and passive voice

22:14: Overview of the Craft membership community and upcoming enrollment

Cool Things Mentioned

Craft: the premier membership community for testing psychologists

Crafted Practice: the only in-person business retreat for testing psychologists

Reverb: the premier AI-powered report-writing platform for testing psychologists

Featured Resources

TherapyNotes is the leading EHR system for mental health practitioners. I’ve used TherapyNotes for over 10 years, and it just keeps getting better. Use this link and the promo code “testing” to get two free months and try it for yourself! www.therapynotes.com/testing

NovoPsych brings 150+ standardized measures into one platform. If you’re interested in high quality measures for personality, disability, ADHD or Autism, try NovoPsych with a 15-day free trial via this link: https://novopsych.com/testingpsychologist

The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!hase from At Health!

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.

Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to get on the waitlist!

Join the Waitlist

...more