Benefits Of Counseling Assessments

I will soon be beginning my Field Studies; it is during this course that I hope to learn more about the school counselor’s role in administering tests along with utilizing counseling assessments with students. Assessments, including different forms of testing has been connected with the role of the counselor, however, they are not used solely for the purpose of gathering data, as it is also a valuable tool in measuring “human constructs as emotion, intelligence, personality, self-esteem and aptitude” (Naugle, p.32, 2009). Counselors use the information to “evaluate, define and diagnosis the client’s problem and implement effective treatment plans (Naugle, p.32, 2009) As an MFTI I was given the opportunity to intern for the Breakthrough Student

29, 2004.) research, it was recommended the school counselors be offered opportunities for professional development in assessment. I feel that my understanding, knowledge and ability to give, interpret and analyze various asssements at this time is very limited. Many of my interning hours is spent observing and documenting behaviors, which is beneficial when planning interventions. Despite the many benefits data gathering provides I would feel more confident with my own skills if I was provided trainings and staff development.
References
Blacher, J., Murray-Ward, M., & Uellendahl, G. (2005). School counselors and student assessment. Professional School Counseling, 8(4), 337.
Ekstrom, R., Elmore, P., Schafer, W., Trotter, T., & Webster, B. (2004). A survey of assessment and evaluation activities of school counselors. Professional School Counseling, 8(1), 24.
Naugle, K. A. (2009). Counseling and Testing: What Counselors Need to Know About State
Laws on Assessment and Testing. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and
Development,42(1), 31-45. doi:10.1177/0748175609333561
Peterson, C. H., Lomas, G. I., Neukrug, E. S., & Bonner, M. W. (2014, January 07). Assessment
Use by Counselors in the United States: Implications for Policy and Practice. Retrieved
July 10, 2017, from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/j.1556-