Mock Counseling Session
James C Waters
University of Central Florida
Abstract The first interview in a counseling session must cover many topics in a short period of time. The background of the client is one of the most important things to learn along with why the client initiated the session with the theapist. A mock interview was done to accomplish this first intake interview. The client brought forth a problem with depression, anxiety, stress, and marital problems due to the scenarios seen through his time in the military and his childhood. Thorough communication throughout the mock interview the client was able to properly portray to the theapist certain ideas and feelings. Multiple interviewing techniques are accomplihed through this mock interview to build rapport, understanding, and to find the goal(s) that the client wants to achieve through the journey of theapy. Keywords: PTSD, (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
The vast amount of
…show more content…
“Intake interviews, as part of the assessment phase of counseling, gather information about the client's reasons for seeking counseling, current and past functioning, social history and interpersonal style, and goals for counseling” (Mears, 2009). First impressions are vital while trying to establish a relationship with the client. If the client feels too uncomfortable with the therapist for any reason proper treatment may not be available or the client could even choose not to continue the counseling process. In this primary interview conducting a good starting rapport with the client will be the main goal along with deciding which psychotherapy technique to use in future sessions. With further counseling down the road and a stronger relationship with the client I could then begin defining the presenting problem, identifying and setting goals, choosing and initiation interventions, and planning termination and