Assessments for
Adults
If you’ve spent a lifetime working twice as hard just to keep up, this is your space to exhale. Let's unmask the exhaustion and really understand any challenges with compassion.
Why adults often Choose to be assessed
As adults, assessments are more about making sense of their experiences as much as wanting a “label" for what they are experiencing.
Someone they know has been assessed
Sometimes this follows their child's assessment & they are recognising similarities in their own learning.
A new job or line Manager
A new role or line manager comes along that feels daunting or makes a person fear their learning differences will be exposed.
Returning to education/work
Sometimes they are interested in returning to education and realise that they would benefit from accommodations.
These difficulties can affect confidence, motivation, emotional wellbeing and school experience over time.
An assessment aims to explore both strengths and areas of difficulty in a respectful, supportive and age-appropriate manner. It is not about “labelling” a young person, but about understanding how they learn best and identifying supports that may help them reach their potential.
How an assessment can Benefit you
Assessments help you to understand yourself and be more compassionate about any challenges
Assessments help you to understand yourself and be more compassionate about any challenges.
Having an official assessment may help you to access supports in learning environments and work.
Develop language to confidently and competently explain your strengths & difficulties.
My Process & How I work
Adult assessments are collaborative, respectful & sensitive to share a trauma that might have been experienced in their childhood experience of school.
1. Background Info
In advance of the assessment I will send you a form to complete which will be the first step towards understanding why you want to be assessed.
The form explores some broad reaching areas including early development, impact of school experience,l well-being, mental health and strengths and challenges.
2. The Assessment
Assessments are made up of standardised tests to explore how you learn, any strengths and difficulties. We look at learning, reading, spelling, maths etc. The assessment approach is trauma informed and you will not be asked to do anything that you do not consent to.
3. Feedback & Report
Feedback is shared with the adult on the day of the assessment. A comprehensive report is shared once both Deirdre and the adult have signed off on a draft report. This way the adult has agency in how their information is portrayed and to whom it is shared.
My Process & How I work
To get the absolute most out of this process, I strongly recommend that parents take the time to read the below.
1. Background Info
In advance of the assessment I will send you a form to complete which will be the first step in understanding why you want to be assessed.The form explores some broad reaching areas including early development, impact of school experience,l well-being, mental health and strengths and challenges.
2. The Assessment
Assessments are made up of standardised tests to explore how you learn, any strengths and difficulties. We look at learning, reading, spelling, maths etc. The assessment approach is trauma informed and you will not be asked to do anything that you do not consent to.
3. Feedback & Report
Feedback is shared with the adult on the day of the assessment. A comprehensive report is shared once both Deirdre and the adult have signed off on a draft report. This way the adult has agency in how their information is portrayed and to whom it is shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pre-visit CHECKLIST
Have had a good nights sleep the night before
Eat beforehand, don't be hungry!
Wear comfortable clothes if possible
Arrive 5 minutes early so that you are not rushing.
How Long is the assessment?
Assessment appts take 2 hours. This includes a welcome and time to settle in, approximately a 90 minute assessment and 30 mins feedback.
Cost of Assessments
Cost of assessments are shared via email during the booking process.
Accreditation
I am an accredited Chartered Psychologist with The Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) and an Accredited Integrative Psychotherapist with the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP), and Accredited EMDR therapist with EMDR All Ireland.
Cancellation Policy
I understand that life can be unpredictable and plans sometimes need to change. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, I ask for at least 48 hours' notice.
The reason for this is that I have a waiting list and with 48 hours notice I can fit another client in, I'm sure you will appreciate this.
Confidentiality
All consultations, assessments, and session records are strictly confidential and protected by professional standards. Because educational psychology often involves supporting a child's learning environment, we may discuss sharing specific insights or strategies with teachers or schools - but this is only done with your explicit knowledge and written consent.
A comprehensive report is written to reflect the findings and recommendations, It is at the discretion of the parents/individual to choose with whom they share the report. I do not directly send the report to anyone else.
Are your reports accepted by the HSE?
The tests used are the approved and up-to-date tests. Report findings are recognised by the Department of Education and HSE, but often additional screenings/scores are required in the school setting also.
The reports help inform supports, not dictate them.
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