How do I know if counselling is right for me?

If emotional distress, stress, relationship challenges, or life transitions are affecting your wellbeing or daily functioning, counselling may be helpful. You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from counselling.

Is counselling confidential?

Yes. Counselling services are confidential and follow Alberta privacy legislation and professional ethical standards. Information is only shared with consent or when legally required.

Do you offer virtual counselling in Alberta?

Yes. We provide secure virtual counselling for clients located anywhere in Alberta. Virtual sessions follow the same professional and ethical standards as in-person counselling.

Is counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling services provided by registered or provisional psychologists. Coverage varies by plan, so clients are encouraged to confirm details with their insurance provider.

How long does counselling take?

The length of counselling varies depending on individual goals and needs. Some clients attend short-term counselling focused on specific concerns, while others choose longer-term support.

Who provides counselling at WJW Counselling & Mediation?

Counselling services are provided by registered psychologists, provisional psychologists, and trained mental-health therapists. Clients are matched with a clinician based on their needs and preferences.

Developmental Assessments

Home » Psychological Assessments in St. Albert » Developmental Assessments

A developmental assessment completed by a psychologist...

is an evaluation designed to assess an individual’s development across various domains, including cognitive, emotional, social, and behavioral areas. These assessments are typically conducted by licensed psychologists who specialize in developmental psychology or child psychology. The primary goal of a developmental assessment is to understand an individual’s strengths and challenges in order to provide appropriate interventions and support.

Here are key components typically included in a developmental assessment conducted by a psychologist:

1. Clinical Interview

The assessment often begins with an interview with the individual and, if applicable, their parents or caregivers. This interview gathers information about the individual’s developmental history, family background, medical history, and any concerns or observations.

2. Developmental History

Detailed information about the individual’s developmental milestones, such as when they achieved motor, language, and cognitive milestones, is collected. This history helps assess whether the individual’s development is consistent with typical developmental patterns.

3. Observation

Direct observations of the individual’s behavior, interactions, and play in a clinical or natural setting may be conducted. These observations help assess social skills, communication, and behavioral patterns.

4. Standardized Assessment Tools

Psychologists often use standardized assessment tools that are age-appropriate and designed to measure specific developmental skills. These tools can assess cognitive functioning, language and communication skills, social-emotional development, and more.

5. Cognitive Assessment

Intellectual and cognitive functioning is assessed to determine the individual’s cognitive abilities and potential areas of strength or weakness. Common tools include intelligence tests like the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) or the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development.

6. Emotional and Behavioral Assessment

Evaluation of emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and any symptoms of emotional disorders is included to assess the individual’s emotional well-being.

7. Social Interaction Assessment

The assessment typically includes an evaluation of social skills, peer interactions, and the ability to form and maintain relationships.

8. Language and Communication Assessment

The psychologist may request a language development, speech articulation, and nonverbal communication skills, especially in the case of young children or individuals with communication disorders. This is completed by a speech and language pathologist and report is provided to the psychologist.

9. Sensory and Motor Assessment

In some cases, assessments of sensory processing and motor skills may be helpful, particularly if there are concerns in these areas. This would be completed by an Occupational Therapist and the report provided to the psychologist.

10. Parent and Teacher Questionnaires

Parents, caregivers, and teachers may be asked to complete questionnaires about the individual’s behavior, development, and social interactions.

11. Feedback and Recommendations

After the assessment is completed, the psychologist provides feedback to the individual and their family, discusses the findings, and makes recommendations for interventions, support services, or further evaluations if necessary.

12. Report

A comprehensive assessment report is typically generated, summarizing the evaluation findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and recommendations. This report can be shared with schools, healthcare providers, and other professionals involved in the individual’s care.

About WJW

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Individual Counselling - Children, Teen, & Adults

Couples Counselling

Family Counselling

Assessments

Specialties

Mind-Body Wellness

Available Treatments