Counsellor-AI Applied Counselling and Psychological Assessment Roleplay

Department of Psychology

About this example

In this individual assessment, students will simulate a counselling session by interacting with a GenAI (ChatGPT) acting strictly as a client from an assigned case study. Students select one case study from a provided list, each designed to illustrate developmental, contextual and cultural considerations relevant to counselling practice. During the roleplay, students will:

Establish rapport and gather information using appropriate counselling micro-skills
Apply suitable assessment tools or frameworks (e.g., developmental screening, risk assessment tools, wellbeing measures), explaining their rationale
Consider relevant developmental factors across the lifespan that influence the client’s presentation and needs
Identify cultural factors relevant to assessment choice, interpretation and intervention planning
Use safe, non-diagnostic and supportive language consistent with introductory counselling training

Student will submit:

A transcript of their AI-client interaction
A written analytical report that:
- Applies psychological developmental knowledge to the case
- Discusses cultural factors influencing assessment and intervention selection
- Justifies the chosen assessment tool(s) and explains their suitability
- Reflects on the limitations and advantages of using AI as a simulated client

Learning outcomes:

Apply psychological knowledge of human development across the lifespan to different contexts, such as clinical, research and industry.
Discuss some cultural factors to consider in selecting appropriate assessment and intervention tools for use in different contexts, such as clinical, research and industry.

This assessment was designed to support student engagement through choice of case study and repeated practice opportunities. Using GenAI as a simulated client enables a low-risk environment where students can refine their micro-skills, explore developmental and cultural factors, and practise applying assessment tools before making working with real or standardised clients. Students can attempt multiple runs and submit their strongest attempt.
1. Brief students on the assessment expectation and how AI functions as a simulated patient
2. Conduct a demonstration using the provided started prompt
3. Guide students on ethical and critical use of AI
4. Provide guidance on how to write a concise and analytical report
- Students will show an increase in confidence in foundational counselling micro skills and improve understanding of how developmental and cultural factors shape assessment decisions
- The analytical report requirement will ensure students demonstrate conceptual knowledge rather than relying on AI-generated content

Try it out

This design requires a medium level of effort to implement.

1. Develop a case study bank
2. Supply students with a starter prompt and guidance on counselling boundaries
3. Use the assessment as preparation for more advanced counselling simulations or placements
- Begin with clear learning outcomes and design case studies that naturally evoke developmental and cultural considerations.
- Provide well-structured prompts and accessible tool guides to support novice students.
- Encourage multiple practice attempts and gather student feedback to refine prompts, case clarity and assessment expectations
Verbal explanation
- For a large class, educators can conduct a peer teaching moment where learners explain principles and primary care to peers allowing educators to observe clarity and accuracy
- For a small class, educators can conduct a 5-10 minutes oral follow-up with students based on their work

Supporting resources

Here are some additional resources that you can browse to help you from TeachHQ:

Learn about AI at your own pace? Enrol in online courses via myDevelopment. Alternatively, you can join ongoing chats about AI and webinars.

Class size: Any	Condition: Individual
Typology: Demonstration	AI statement: Guided use
AI approach: Using and applying AI tools effectively	Visibility of Learning: Verbal explanation

Education Excellence