ABSTRACT
As a collaborative process, Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy (SERT) assessment is intertwined with forming a therapeutic alliance that counters inequities and supports just relational possibilities. This chapter details how to begin individual, couple, and family therapy by exploring the concerns that brought client(s) to therapy through a wider socio-contextual lens (race, gender, sexuality, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, religion, abilities, legal status, relationship/marital status, etc.) and relational framework. Using a case example, application of the SERT Assessment Guide (SAG) in intake and first sessions is illustrated. Attunement to sociocultural identities, flow of power and relational safety, the Circle of Care, and relational ideals and resources are emphasized. The chapter demonstrates assessment as a process of relationship building, in which clients begin to see connections between their personal problems and larger systems and relationships and start to join with each other and the therapist to begin envisioning alternatives. This sets the stage for third order change.
