Psychological consultation

Psychological consultation draws on general knowledge about personality, development, types of behaviour, emotions and so on. The psychologist carries out an assessment using tools such as the clinical interview, questionnaire methods and observation. The results are then related to other, similar or contrasting cases, or to existing statistical norms.

The point of reference here is the statistical norm, that is, the average across the population. The purpose of such a comparison is to show whether the difficulties being experienced fall within the range of ordinary behaviour, or whether they point to the presence of a disorder. It also makes it possible to establish what type of illness, neurosis or other kind of difficulty a given person is experiencing.

On the basis of that knowledge, the psychologist can set out recommendations which should help to change the person’s behaviour and to regain lost psychological balance or lost abilities.

The work is usually relatively short. Assessment and recommendations are normally limited to around 3 sessions. In some cases, however, the assessment process may take longer.