ABSTRACT
The basic elements of the first phone contact—setting the stage—and the first diagnostic meeting have been reviewed in chapter 1. Whether the case is "perfect" or "less than perfect," the objectives, assessment components, and overall plan are still the mainstays of the diagnostic phase and will be similarly attempted.
Mr. Weed calls late in the day and asks for the therapist to call back soon. He seems short tempered in the message and does not leave a telephone number. Later in the week, he calls during the day and complains to the secretary that the therapist has not been responsive. The receptionist was prepared by the therapist about his call on the tape and explains that he had not left his number. He replies that he thought Dr. Faithful, his child's pediatrician, had called the therapist to tell her "all that stuff." The receptionist takes his number.
