Level 2 Psychological Assessment Skills – May 2026

This course is currently undergoing CPD accreditation, with full approval expected before the May start date.

Day 1 – 15th May 2026, 09.30 – 16.30
Day 2 – 19th June 2026, 09.30 – 16.30

Both dates must be attended

ABOUT THE COURSE

This two‑day training programme is designed for Band 6 and above healthcare professionals who support patients experiencing psychological distress at Level 2. The course offers a blend of theory, skills practice, case study application, reflective exercises and structured assessment tools to build confidence and competence in recognising, assessing, and responding to psychological need.

Attendees will ideally have completed the Advanced Communication Skills Training (two‑day course).

A delegate workbook and pre‑course reading list will be provided.

WHY THIS TRAINING MATTERS — FOR ALL HCP’s, NOT JUST PALLIATIVE CARE!

Although the course draws on principles commonly used in palliative care, Level 2 psychological assessment is essential across every area of clinical practice.

Psychological distress does not occur only at the end of life. Patients in all clinical settings — acute wards, oncology, primary care, emergency departments, community services and long‑term condition management— frequently experience fear, uncertainty, trauma responses, anxiety, depression and emotional overwhelm. Clinicians are often the first to notice this distress.

This course helps clinicians to:

• recognise complex emotional responses early
• understand what sits within Level 2 psychological support
• respond safely, compassionately and within scope
• work confidently with distress, trauma responses and adjustment challenges
• use structured assessment models and tools
• escalate and signpost appropriately
• protect their own emotional wellbeing

Whether working with sudden illness, chronic disease, cancer, crisis admissions, or recovery and rehabilitation, every clinician needs a strong psychological assessment foundation.

This training strengthens patient safety, improves communication, and supports both patients and staff in managing distress more confidently.

WHAT WILL I LEARN?

DAY 1 – Understanding Distress & Building Assessment Foundations

• How does it feel supporting patients with psychological needs?
• Recognising distress: emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical signs
• The emotional impact of cancer
• Stages of illness, with case studies
• IPOS/OACC tools
• Understanding post‑traumatic growth
• Working with trauma and recognising a psychological “safe point”
• Using formulation tools:
  • 5 Ps Model
  • Hot Cross Bun Model (thoughts, emotions, behaviours, physical sensations)

DAY 2 – Practical Tools, Reflection & Applied Clinical Practice

• Review of reflective exercise
• Using the Hot Cross Bun formulation in real clinical scenarios
• Using formulations/assessment tools
• Suicide Risk – core framework and escalation boundaries
• Value‑Based Acceptance approaches
• Why Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA) matters
• “Compassionate minds” – supporting both patient and practitioner wellbeing
• Signposting and referral: identifying appropriate support pathways

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This course is not limited to palliative care professionals. It is relevant to:

• Advanced Clinical Practitioners
• Acute ward staff
• Community nurses/paramedics
• Urgent care/ED nurses
• long‑term condition teams

If you encounter patients experiencing distress, fear, trauma responses, uncertainty or emotional imbalance, this course will strengthen your practice.

HCT staff should please book a space directly via education@isabelhospice.org.uk