Client Assessment and Initial Consultation Training 2027

CLIENT ASSESSMENT AND INITIAL CONSULTATION TRAINING

This two-day training course is ideal for experienced counsellors, or those just starting out in private practice.

Your clients’ decision to seek therapy can be a momentous one, which makes that initial meeting so important. Assessment can be continuous and at times complex, requiring critical awareness and sensitivity. Sound assessment skills are therefore crucial to effective clinical practice.

This two-day course has been designed to give sufficient time and focus to developing an understanding of the assessment process and its execution. Practitioners will examine the theory and practice of this process, developing skills in initial consultation techniques and report writing.

The course is structured to be collaborative and provides a deep understanding of the assessment process.

What will I learn?

Day One (Sat 27 Feb 2027):

You will gain an understanding of what assessment is and indeed what it is not. You will explore a range of assessment skills including what to look out for, and how to structure the initial consultation.

• We explore the medical model in contrast to the analytic model while noticing how they differ and why. The emphasis within the client assessment is achieved through awareness of the relational process.
• We examine the therapeutic model and consider how we would refer clients to other appropriate modalities that we do not offer.
• We will share ideas around what we consider are the elements of assessment. You will be invited to walk through what we imagine is a good assessment structure and reflect on what information you collect, and why, at the start of the counselling process.
• We will spend time reviewing why and how we assess, including the techniques and skills required as well as what information you need to capture. We will look at the process of carrying out these tasks and how you will hold this information.

All of these processes will be examined through the lens of the unconscious.

Day Two (Sun 28 Feb 2027):

We will be reviewing how you will manage risk and what needs to be considered when working in private practice. There will be time to reflect on what framework you will put in place in order to provide holding and containment for yourself as a practitioner including thinking about signposting prospective clients when you may not be the right fit for them.

During the course of the second day of training, there will also be an opportunity to attend a practice initial consultation which will be followed by a brief supervision of the trial client material.

Who is my tutor?

Catherine Butler PGDip, PGCert, HNDip MBACP 
Catherine Butler, trained psychodynamically, is a clinical supervisor and trainer. She has been part of Basingstoke Counselling Service for over ten years, where she teaches across its counselling training programmes and has previously carried out clinical assessments and initial consultations on behalf of the service.

Alongside her teaching, Catherine works in private practice with individuals and couples and provides clinical supervision to counsellors and trainees from a range of training backgrounds. She brings extensive experience of assessment, training and clinical practice to this workshop, with a particular interest in helping practitioners approach clinical assessments and initial consultations with confidence, curiosity and careful clinical thinking. She is known for her thoughtful, relational approach and for creating a learning environment that is both supportive and engaging.

Dates: 

Day One: Saturday 27 Feb 2027
Day Two: Sunday 28 Feb 2027

Times: 10am to 4pm
Location: Basingstoke Counselling Service, Goldings, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AN

Cost: 

£225 early bird rate if booked by 30th November 2026
£250 thereafter

This course has, in the past, proved very popular therefore to avoid disappointment we recommend early booking.

Payment Plans:

We are happy to arrange payment by instalments, please email events@basingstokecounselling.org.uk so that we can set up a payment schedule for you and reserve your place.

There is a £25 admin fee for setting up the instalments as we do incur costs and unfortunately as a small charity, we do need to pass this on.

BCS Staff & Counsellors Discount:

There is a 50% discount available on the full price (not the early bird price) for BCS Staff & Counsellors. This is limited to a maximum of two people, and they must be working with the organisation for the duration of the course.

Why choose Basingstoke Counselling Service?
At BCS, we are known for providing robust, high-quality training. Choosing our Client Assessment and Initial Consultation course means you will benefit from a focus on the relational process, a small group environment that allows for deep clinical reflection, and the high professional standards for which BCS is known.

Requirements for our Client Assessment and Initial Consultation training:

• You must hold a formal, recognised qualification in counselling or psychotherapy at diploma level or above.
• You must be a full member of a professional body (e.g., BACP, UKCP, etc.) and work within their ethical framework.

Terms and Conditions:

Please note that in order to receive the BCS discounted rate, you must remain a BCS staff member or counsellor for the entire duration of the course. Full course fees will be payable if you leave the organisation during the course.

In the unlikely event that unforeseen circumstances arise and BCS has to cancel the CPD course, you will receive a full refund. In the event of cancellation by you, the participant, BCS reserves the right to charge a cancellation fee as indicated by the table below. All requests for cancellations must be received in writing, with changes becoming effective on the date written confirmation is received.

Please ensure you meet the entry requirements prior to booking your place. If you do not meet the entry requirements, you will be unable to attend the course and your withdrawal will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the above cancellation policy.

Contact:

If you have any questions about the course then please email events@basingstokecounselling.org.uk or call us on 01256 843125.

CPD for Counsellors:

We run various CPD courses for counsellors throughout the year. Take a look at all our upcoming courses or join our mailing list to be the first to hear about our CPD opportunities.