ABSTRACT
This chapter explains about people focus on the basics of getting started with new clients, including gaining an initial understanding of the person and her or his concerns often referred to as client conceptualization. Also they focus on structuring the therapeutic relationship which is also a part of beginning with new clients; then on helping clients who may need particular help getting started. Through therapeutic listening in initial sessions people may think of services available outside the counseling sessions that may help address their clients concerns and wishes. In order to give a clearer picture of how information is gathered and may be conceptualized, people illustrate examples by commenting on the kinds of things that they would likely write and how the information might come about for the items of initial session reports. In a practice initial session, practice explaining confidentiality for a scenario that encompasses complicating factors introduced in the section Information Clients Should Know When Getting Started.
