Several years ago, I asked a
California Superior Court Family Law Judge if most of the couples that are
mandated to complete a psychological assessment were suffering from nervous or
mental disorders, his answer was “no”. When asked if anger was a major problem
observed with these couples, his answer was “absolutely”.
The practice of Court mandated
psychological assessments for divorcing couples with children has been common for
many years. Yet, its value has rarely been questioned. Changes in assessments
have not been considered in most Family Law Courts especially in California.
Emotional intelligence assessments are
more focused on a clients’ ability or lack of ability to demonstrate skills in self-awareness,
self-control, social awareness, and interpersonal relationship. All of these
are key competencies in emotional intelligence. Psychological testing is
designed to determine mental competency, intelligence or psychopathology.
After providing the judge with a sample
of the Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i
2.0) for use in coaching clients relative
to intra and interpersonal relationships, he was able to see the merits of EI
assessments. This led to six-month pilot program in which ten couples were
referred for Emotional Intelligence Assessments rather than mental health
testing. Individual Coaching was mandated for clients who scored in the low or
mid range on the EQ-i-2.0.
Pre and
Post Assessments along with client workbooks were used in the six-month
coaching program for couples. Most of the clients demonstrated significant
gains from this intervention based on the results of the Post Assessments.
Further, these participants were eager to engage in coaching rather than
counseling or psychotherapy. There are no stigmas associated with emotional
intelligence skill enhancement.
George Anderson, MSW, CAMF
CEO, Anderson & Anderson, APC
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