Assessments

Before starting therapeutic work together, we offer a thorough assessment appointment. This is a space where we can think together about what difficulties have bought you to therapy, how or why these difficulties might have started, and what is keeping them going. We will also talk about your hopes for therapy, and any goals you would like to achieve. This information is gathered to create an individualised understanding, or formulation, of your difficulties which can help to establish which therapy will be most effective.

 

An assessment appointment lasts for 90 minutes and can be completed remotely or in person at our St Albans base. We ask that family members also attend assessment appointments for children and adolescents. Young adults aged 18-25 may also wish to bring family members with them to their initial assessment appointment, although this is not essential. We can discuss together whether family members are present for all of, or part of the assessment. We usually divide the time so that everybody has a chance to discuss difficulties individually, as well as all together.

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Following your assessment appointment, we will discuss possible treatment plans and arrange your first therapy appointment. You can find out more information about the therapeutic support we offer by clicking here.

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In some cases we may agree that Heads in Herts is not the right service to support you or your child with their difficulties, in these instances we will recommend and signpost you to an alternative, or additional service to better meet your needs.