Chapter 11
Evaluation, Testing, and Diagnosis
Focus Questions
1. Evaluation as an end in itself is a very different process from counseling. Why would
a counselor want to be an evaluator?
Points instructors may want to make:
• The skills evaluators use are similar to those used by counselors. Evaluators know
2. To what degree do you believe counselors are competent to administer and interpret
psychological tests?
Points instructors may want to make:
• Althugh counselors do not use testing as frequently as psychologists, counselors
3. The DSM-IV–TR system is based on pathology and the medical model of mental illness,
whereas counseling is grounded in the wellness model. Why must counselors learn to
diagnose clinical disorders?
Points instructors may want to make:
• The primary focus in mental health in the U.S. is the medical model. That is the
In-Class Activity
Title: Myers-Briggs Inventory Activity
Learning
Goal: To become familiar with the process of assessment and how to give, take, and interpret a personality
inventory.
Point/Counterpoint (Debate) Topic
Title: Counselors’ Use of Diagnosis
Learning
Goal: To consider the arguments both for and against counselor participation in the
process of diagnosing clients using the DSM system.
Procedures: Assign (or allow students to volunteer) 2 groups of students (preferably 3-5
students in each) to each take one of the positions described below and prepare a 5-
Outside Class Activity
Title: State Testing Laws
Learning
Goal: To learn how to access state laws that affect the work of students as a counselor and to learn their
state’s testing restrictions so that they will be able to follow those guidelines in the future.
Topic for Self-Reflection/Journaling
Topic: Reflect on what you have learned about cultural bias in diagnosis. Consider the
cultural characteristics of your intended future clientele, and discuss steps you will take as a
counseling practitioner to assure that you do not perpetuate bias in diagnosis.
Case Study
Bill is an elementary school counselor. A child he counsels has told him that his father
drinks heavily and seldom works. He says his mother works all the time and does her best to
care for him and his siblings. The mother asks Bill if he would be willing to testify in court that
Case Study Discussion
Counselors should not agree to serve as evaluators in court unless they are hired to serve as
expert witnesses or unless their job description requires them to serve as evaluators of some type.
Bill should respond that he does not have adequate information to form a professional judgment
Short Paper or Oral Class Presentation Topics
1. The Pros and Cons of Testing Clients for Counseling Purposes
2. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using the DSM-IV–TR