Measuring counselling part 2
Looking at WEMWEBS
Continuing on from my previous post about measuring counselling let’s take a look at the WEMWEBS form. This is a Practise-Based Evidence outcome measure which are ‘studies which use pre- and post- measures to look at the effects of an intervention in a particular client group, without the use of a control/comparison group.’ (Roth, 2013). According to the BACP, these (among others) have a statistically proven track record of ‘Reliable post-intervention improvement for counselling in three quarters of clients, and demonstrated person-centred counselling to be an effective intervention for clients with common mental health problems’ (Roth, 2013).
WEMWEBS
‘The WEMWEBS is a state (as opposed to trait) evaluation outcome measure. It is ‘a measure of mental wellbeing, focusing entirely on positive aspects of mental health’. It has 13 statements for clients to rate on a five-point scale’ (warwick.ac.uk, 2020). This is unlike many other outcome measures which look for negative feelings and experiences. It was developed with the goal of being accessible to more people and to evaluate projects and programmes supporting mental health well-being.
‘WEMWBS is a measure of mental well-being focusing entirely on positive aspects of mental health. As a short and psychometrically robust scale, with no ceiling effects in a population sample, it offers promise as a tool for monitoring mental well-being at a population level.’ (Tennent, 2007)
I find this interesting that the measure has been tested and built to cover large populations and that it proves to correlate with other population-wide cultural testing which means its reliable. Tennet’s study had a goal of supporting positive mental health measures, which is unique in the mental health field, albeit an important one.
In conclusion, I would ideally prefer not to use an outcome measure at all with clients. I believe they are so flawed and that each client and situation is so different and constantly changing, that measuring anything is impossible. In my own experience of being a client – 10 years from when I was 18 – I know that there is always something to learn about oneself if you are willing to explore. This means that counselling could always have an impact and, in my experience, that impact is always changing with age, time, environment, and so much more that although there may have been a deemed successful outcome in previous therapy, it doesn’t mean there can’t be others and that you are done with benefiting from therapy.
