Lesson 7: Initial Interview

Attention

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to:

• Identify strategies to prepare for an initial interview

Teaching

Read Chapter 15

The initial interview with a client often determines whether or not a client will follow through with services. The initial interview requires a delicate balance of gathering information while conveying warmth and empathy. The client should leave the interview feeling that they were heard and not feeling as though they have been interrogated!

Purpose of the Initial Interview

• Strengths - including external supports, talents, successes, capabilities, and attitudes
• Weaknesses - including gaps in any strengths
• Current problem and what has caused them to seek help NOW
• Potential problems
• A sense of who the person is

Interviewer Role

• Establish relationship
• Gather information
• Assess eligibility for services
• Initial story
• Professional sense of what is going on

Client Perceptions

• May not want help
• May not understand your role

Process

• Meeting the client
• Taking notes
• Collecting information
• Asking for more clarification
  • Open ended questions
  • Closed ended questions
• Presenting problem
• Client expectations
• History taking and Assessments
• Wrapping up
  • Questions
  • Define problem in language they understand
  • What do they expect?
  • What will happen next
  • Plan for next meeting?

Assessment

Class Debate

In preparing for an interview many people choose to review client records. Debate the merits of this practice.