Assessment
We offer an initial telephone assessment to give clients the opportunity to talk about presenting issues and give information to the assessing counsellor about the clients current situation. This is an opportunity to discover if SAGE Counselling will be able to meet the clients’ needs and their eligibility for counselling with us. The questions below will help the counsellor understand your presenting issues and start providing appropriate counselling. Sometimes the assessment can be carried out in the home if the client has hearing difficulties.
Questions likely to be asked during assessment
Have you ever had counselling before? If yes, what was it for?
What has brought you to want counselling now?
What do you hope for from these counselling sessions?
What support network do you have; i.e. partner, relatives, social services?
Is anyone dependent on you; i.e. elderly, family?
How is your health?
Are you on any medication? If yes, are there any side effects?
Do you drink alcohol or take any non-prescriptive drugs?
Have you ever been linked to mental health services?
Have you ever hurt yourself or attempted suicide?
Is there anything else that you would like me to know?