ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the specifics for becoming competent to practice Therapeutic Assessment with Children and addresses some of the pragmatics of practicing. First, it is essential to become highly skilled with a variety of psychological tests that are relevant to the problems and strengths of children and caregivers who typically seek help in a given setting. Second, training and supervision in providing interventions with children and families is necessary, including child play therapy and family therapy. Family therapy training is important to offer the assessor the capacity to make the cognitive shift to think systemically. Third, learning the model is discussed through courses, readings (articles, chapters, books, case studies), workshops, conference presentations, supervision (including of videotaped cases), and engaging in ongoing consultation. The Therapeutic Assessment Institute offers a certification process in Therapeutic Assessment with Children for licensed clinicians who want formal recognition of their competence. Details about the certification process can be found on the Therapeutic Assessment website, www.therapeuticassessment.com. Methods of marketing are then discussed, as are billing practices, emphasizing that the assessor be fairly compensated for her or his time. Finally, the value of getting ongoing support from colleagues is stressed.
