Cou-660 General Principles Of Interviewing

Front 1

Objectives of Clinical Interviewing

Back 1

-Build rapport and structure the counseling relationship

-Identify the client's presenting problem

-Obtain pertinent background and interpersonal information

-Create a case conceptualization and initial intervention plan

Front 2

Outline of a Clinical Interview

The Beginning

Back 2

-Introduction and the warm-up

-Orientation to the interview. Purpose, logistics, objectives, "Miranda warnings" etc.

Front 3

Potential Opening Lines

Back 3

-"Tell me about the reason you made this appointment?"

-"How do you think I might help you?"

-Although I have some background information, tell me in your own words what your concerns are?"

-"What were your expectations or hopes in making this appointment?"

-"Where should we start?"

Front 4

Exploration of Presenting Problem 1

Back 4

-Solicitation of chief complaint. Client's stated a reason for appointment in their exact words. Does the client believe that they have a problem that can be worked on in therapy and that they have some control over?

Front 5

Exploration of Presenting Problem 2

Back 5

-Source of the referral (self vs. others)

Front 6

Exploration of Presenting Problem 3

Back 6

-Antecedents to problems, "why now?" out of all these times. You may say, "of all times why are you getting help right now?" Answer is typically a crisis question.

Front 7

Exploration of Presenting Problem 4

Back 7

-Course, duration and parameters of presenting problems and symptoms. You want to know details: When is it a problem? Where is it not a problem? When it began? What are the circumstances and limitations? Etc

Front 8

Exploration of Presenting Problem 5

Back 8

-Previous efforts of solving problem(s)

Front 9

Exploration of Presenting Problem 6

Back 9

-Evaluation of Pre-morbid Functioning

-When did you first notice these problems?

-When was the last time you felt normal?

Front 10

Exploration of Presenting Problem 7

Back 10

-Expectations and goals for counseling

Front 11

Exploration of Presenting Problems 8

Back 11

-Documentation of pertinent negatives

Front 12

Pertinent Negative

Back 12

A documentation of a denial. Counselors need to document that they assess for a problem (eg Alcohol Abuse) and document if they deny that there is a problem. Another example, assessing for suicide and the person denies it all. You need to document it all.