ABSTRACT
There are two broad ways of individually assessing a child. It can be done in a structured way, with formal testing and/or a particular set of questions. Alternatively, it can be unstructured, with no preconceived agenda. In both the structured and unstructured approaches the same physical setting is used. A child psychotherapist must be acutely aware of this anxiety. It needs to be sensitively monitored to enable the child to feel safe enough to explore the issues of concern. If the child is extremely anxious, withdrawn, or defiant, the squiggle game can be helpful. The animal questions give some idea about the child's basic or primitive feelings. Seeing many children for assessment helps to build a personal set of norms. The unstructured approach to assessing a child is difficult, and nearly impossible, if you are not experienced or having supervision. The importance of understanding or reading the meaning of a child's play cannot be overestimated.
