ABSTRACT

This chapter describes the Systems-centered therapy (SCT) initial interview, with the traditional diagnostic focus common to all initial clinical interviews. This is followed by a description of the actual process of the SCT interview and overview of the methods by which the systems-centered interviewing system is developed. The SCT initial interview introduces significant differences as well. It is most different from a traditional interview in its major focus on building the interviewing system to reach the diagnostic goals. In developing the interviewing system, the SCT therapist manages the structure in relation to the goals while the patient manages the function. The quality of the contact sets the stage for what will follow, and is where the SCT therapist takes the steps in building the SCT interview system. Developing an observing self-system is especially important in the context of the initial interview as this function facilitates the diagnostic assessment.