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.

Day One (Sat 31 Jan 2026)

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 1 Feb 2026) 

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.

Course Leader

Maggie Sauven MBACP (Accred)
Maggie is an accredited psychodynamic counsellor and supervisor as well as a Group Work Practitioner. Maggie is also an experienced and engaging trainer and IC and Assessment practitioner. She has a keen interest in the interpersonal dynamics of the individual and the group.

Dates

Day One: Saturday 31 Jan 2026
Day Two: Sunday 1 Feb 2026
Times: 10am to 4pm
Location: Basingstoke Counselling Service, Goldings, London Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4AN

Cost

£250

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 a member of the organisation for the duration of the course.

Cancellation policy

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 client assessment and initial consultation training a full refund will be given. In the event of cancellation by 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.

Where applicable, please ensure you meet the entry requirements prior to booking your place on the course. If candidates do not meet the entry requirements they will be unable to attend the course and their withdrawal will be treated as a cancellation and subject to the above cancellation policy

Take a look at our counselling CPD workshops and courses for the future

If you’re looking for further ways to grow your counselling practice then take a look at our other CPD courses and workshops.

Alternatively, you can sign up to our mailing list to be the first to get notified when new CPD courses become available to book.