Assessment and Goal Setting in Counseling

Welcome to this lecture on Assessment and Goal Setting in Counseling! In this video, we explore how assessment is not just about gathering information — it's the foundation for building trust, understanding client needs, and setting meaningful goals. We'll cover observation and questioning techniques, how to conduct an intake interview with warmth and curiosity, and how to organize assessment information into action steps that guide counseling. This lecture is designed for counseling students or early-career professionals who want to strengthen their core skills in client engagement, assessment, and goal setting. Whether you're brand new to assessment or coming in with a psychology background, this video will help you connect counseling techniques directly to the assessment process in a practical, relational way. Topics Covered: • Why Assessment Matters • Observation and Questioning Skills • Conducting an Intake Interview • Organizing Information and Setting Goals • Practicing Presence During Assessment Remember: Good assessment starts with how you show up, not just the questions you ask.