ABSTRACT
This chapter is designed to assist the counseling student in understanding the importance of developing a therapeutic alliance with the client and how to proceed with privacy and informed consent requirements in the initial interview. The emphasis is on how the counselor-in-training develops and applies counseling performance skills with clients at the field site. A review of basic and advanced helping skills, the initial intake, and suggestions for opening and closing the initial session have been included. Formats for taking case notes in clinical and school settings will also be reviewed.
