ABSTRACT
In counseling the test taker “is viewed as the primary user of test results” (AERA, APA, & NCME, 1985, p. 55). Consequently, a defining feature of practice for counselors and counseling psychologists is their use of test results to stimulate client exploration and empower clients to make their own decisions (Gelso & Fretz, 1992; Tittle, 1982). This contrasts with typical forms of assessment, where the practitioner's understanding of clients and their functioning is the major focus. These differences in focus and the goals of testing are significant because they result in different practices. When the client is the primary user of results it is important to integrate testing with the goals of counseling. When assessment and evaluation are the primary focus, the goals of testing may be separate from those of counseling.
