ABSTRACT
A difficulty often cited by professional workers is that of actually broaching the topic of alcohol with a client or patient. The worker may suspect that alcohol is causing difficulties for a particular individual or for a family. Any attempt at alcohol education would be wasted because the climate is not right for discussion and rapport and a good working relationship have yet to be established between the worker and client/patient. Establishing a working relationship with a client or patient means going beyond a discussion of the weather, the news, or whether to have a cup of tea or coffee, although these may be the first steps in the process. Some people are naturally talented at creating a sense of rapport and intimacy and seem adept at saying the right thing at the right time and listening in the right places. Listening skills are as important to alcohol education as teaching skills.
