I totally messed up a feedback session last week, and it reminded me how going through the psychological testing process can be extremely vulnerable for clients. For one thing, they really don’t know what to expect other than, “Someone is going to analyze me/my child.” The representation of assessment in the media is pretty much limited to contrived inkblot scenes and vague discussions of the insanity defense. Not exactly doing us any favors there when it comes to evaluations for your typical family or adult.

This episode is all about recognizing and honoring that vulnerability in clients, and translating that to a solid evaluation. I talk through how to honor clients’ vulnerability at these stages:

* Initial phone call

* Intake interview

* Testing/assessment day

* Feedback

* Report writing

* Follow up and referrals

Cool Things Mentioned in This Episode

* Feedback that Sticks: The Art of Effectively Communicating Neuropsychological Assessment Results (affiliate link)

About Dr. Jeremy Sharp

Jeremy Sharp, PhD is a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that he founded in 2009 and has grown to include five other clinicians. He earned his undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting his Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, Jeremy specializes in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.

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