ABSTRACT
This chapter provides coaches with information regarding how they can establish the psychological needs of an athlete, so that an appropriate intervention can be devised. Information is provided on: what is an intake interview; the purpose of intake interviews; the intake interview guide; encouraging athletes to open up; listening; verbal and non-verbal strategies that coaches can employ; and what to expect: impression management strategies that athletes may use. Coaches may only spend a relatively short time speaking to athletes individually. As such, an intake interview allows the coach to spend a longer period chatting to his or her athlete and is important because it determines how receptive an athlete will be in terms of receiving psychological support. Before a coach can help an athlete it is important that he or she understands the problem from the athlete's perspective. The coach can ask more probing questions to gather information on the possible influences and consequences.
