ABSTRACT
The therapist gets a bird’s eye view of clients and their background through the initial assessment—the intake interview. With the information ascertained, he/she will be able to see the forest, not just the tree, and will have the wide-angle lens to view the entire vista of a client’s life. With the step-by-step counselor–client dialog, this chapter will help beginning counselors/therapists feel competent in conducting the intake interview.
Initiate the intake interview
Determine the presenting problem
Take the history of the problem
Learn about attempted solutions
Check other issues and emotional concerns
Discover relational dynamics in the family of origin
Take the family’s mental health history
Take notes on personal resources and strength
Help clients set positive and specific goals
Final summarization and explanation
