Understanding the extent of the impact of a trauma-causing event on a survivor is critical. The use of assessment measures can greatly inform the counseling process as it provides rich information related to the level of emotional response a survivor may be experiencing. As a counselor, you can use the knowledge obtained from these assessments to inform your selection of counseling intervention strategies and approaches.
Selecting the appropriate assessment and assessment method for a client is an important first step in the assessment process, and there are many resources from which to choose. Some assessments focus on children, adolescents, adults (at various stages of adulthood), couples, or families. Some assessments focus on the impact of trauma, while others address adaptation to trauma. There are also assessments for primary survivors as well as secondary survivors. It would benefit you as a counselor to have a “toolbox” of resources and an understanding of a variety of assessments from which to draw when providing services to survivors.
The “official estimates” of students who have been affected by trauma vary but the consensus is that most school-aged children, at some point in their academic career, will experience a traumatic event. This even can be global, such as a school shooting; school specific, such as the death of a beloved teacher, principal, or peer; or individual events, such as domestic violence, abuse, and accidents.
For this Assignment, read the case study “Jessie” located in this week’s resources. Consider what method or assessment tool you would use to assess the impact of such an effect. Also, consider how the tool aligns with a school counselor’s role specifically.
Select a method or particular instrument you would use to assess the client in the case study.
Briefly describe why you chose that method or instrument, and explain how you would integrate the use of this assessment into your personal counseling style.
Conceptualize this client’s case based on the crisis assessment. Include any ethical strategies for selecting, administering, and interpreting assessment and evaluation instruments and techniques in counseling.
Sample Solution
