What to Expect During a Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment

In a Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment (CTA), we work together to explore areas of your life that may feel puzzling, troubling, or stuck. We'll begin by discussing your concerns and developing specific questions that will guide the assessment. This process ensures that the tests we choose are relevant to your personal goals. With your consent, I may also gather input from others who know you well, such as your therapist, psychiatrist, or spouse.

After clarifying your goals and gathering background information, we’ll spend 1-2 sessions completing psychological tests. These tests allow us to “write with numbers,” but the true work happens as we integrate those results with your lived experiences. Together, we “write stories with four hands,” combining numbers and narratives to co-create a fuller, more meaningful understanding of the questions that cause confusion or difficulty.

At the end of the assessment, you’ll receive a written summary of the results. We’ll meet to discuss these findings in depth, and if you wish, we can also meet with your current therapist to review the results together. This collaborative approach helps connect the findings from the assessment to your ongoing therapeutic work, creating a cohesive path forward.

Why is it Called Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment?

In Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment, we work as partners. We bring our expertise in psychological testing, while you bring your expertise on your own life. Together, we can achieve a more meaningful understanding of your challenges and identify paths to change.

Studies have shown that assessments which foster emotional awareness and new emotional experiences lead to more lasting improvements. Many clients report that CTA has a lasting impact, helping them feel less distressed and more compassionate toward themselves long after the process is complete.

What Questions Can an Assessment Answer?

Psychological tests can be powerful tools for understanding how you think, feel, and relate to others. They help answer a wide range of questions, such as:

• Concerns about struggles: Is my memory declining due to dementia? Why do I struggle in relationships? How can I manage my anxiety better?

• Behavioral patterns: Why do I react so strongly to my spouse? Why do I have trouble following through on healthy habits?

• Career and life direction: Is this career right for me? Do I have ADHD? What’s the next step in my life journey?

If you’re working with a therapist, it can be helpful to ask if they have any questions that we could address during the assessment as well. Feel free to bring any questions you have, and together, we’ll decide if they’re within the scope of what this assessment can help answer. We will also agree on the goals, cost, and timeline before starting the assessment.

Will I Receive the Psychological Testing Results?

Absolutely. Our goal is to provide you with information that is immediately useful. We’ll explain your test results in clear, concise language and answer any questions you have—whether the answers are easy or difficult to hear. You will also receive your test scores, though we’ll interpret them for you so they are meaningful. These results can be helpful for you to share with other treatment providers if needed.

Who Has Access to My Results?

Your results are completely confidential. We won’t share any information about you or your assessment unless you specifically request it in writing. Exceptions to confidentiality occur only in certain situations, such as:

1. If you are in imminent danger of harming yourself or others.

2. If a court has appointed me to assess you.

3. If you disclose abuse or neglect of someone who is a minor, disabled, or elderly.

4. If you file a lawsuit against me for breach of duty.

In some legal cases, other confidential information may be required. While I occasionally consult with colleagues for professional guidance, your identity will always remain anonymous. If you have any concerns about confidentiality, feel free to discuss them with me.

Let’s Work Together

If you're interested in exploring how a Collaborative Therapeutic Assessment may help you with areas where you feel puzzled, troubled, or stuck, we invite you to take the next step. Our practice, located in Carmel, Indiana, serves Indianapolis and the surrounding suburbs throughout Central Indiana. We’re here to support you and answer any questions you might have. To learn more or schedule your assessment, please don’t hesitate to contact us or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.