A psychologist is someone who has expertise in understanding how peoples’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours are shaped and develop over the lifespan. A clinical psychologist specialises in applying this psychological knowledge to difficulties that people can face at different points in their lives.
Younger children might like to be reassured that a psychologist is not the kind of doctor who gives injections!
Anyone can refer themselves to us. We also accept referrals from GPs, schools, psychiatrists and social workers and solicitors.
A psychological assessment is an investigation that seeks to clarify concerns that someone might have about a child, another person, or themselves. Before any testing is done, we will agree with you what are the exact questions you want answers or the concerns you want addressed.
Some common types of assessments are evaluating whether a child or adult is autistic, or an assessment to check a person’s cognitive ability and level of educational attainment.
An assessment will involve three main things:
- A detailed history of your of the person. In the case of a child, details of their development will be gathered. This may involve contacting other people who know your child, such as their teacher
- Meeting with the person being assessed.
- Psychological testing using standardised instruments.
In most cases, the assessment can take place in the clinic. If circumstances arise, it can be arranged for all or part of the assessment to be done at another location, such as your home or the child’s school.
Whether your child gets a diagnosis will depend on what questions or concerns you are looking to have answered by an assessment.
Whatever the concern is, the assessment will seek to provide an understanding of the difficulties your child is experiencing, how the difficulties came about and what is maintaining them, and recommendations about how to relieve those difficulties.
Yes, a final report will be written and provided to you.
The final report will be addressed to you, and you have the freedom to choose with whom you share it. We can discuss together who might benefit from seeing a copy of the report. If you request, the psychologist can arrange to meet with anyone you feel may benefit, such as school staff.
The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) is the professional body of psychologists in the Republic of Ireland. Psychologists work to a high degree of professionalism under the PSI’s Code of Ethics. If you have any concerns about the conduct of a psychologist, you can contact www.psychologicalsociety.ie