Assessment: Interview

This assessment task has been designed to allow you to demonstrate how you apply your skills and knowledge of working in a counselling framework through practical application of these skills.

It is important that you ensure you cover the following items:

• Explain the counselling process to ensure the client has an understanding of the services offered by your organisation
• Gather information required by the organisation
• Explain the counselling process to clarify client's understanding and expectations
• Clarify, confirm or modify client's expectations of the counselling service
• Identify any anxieties about the counselling process and explore with client
• Acknowledge and respect client's immediate concerns
• Affirm the significance of what the client says
• Promote client's understanding of what they have a right to expect from the service
• Clarify both expectations and commitment to the counselling relationship and confirm with client
• Identify indicators of client issues requiring referral and report or refer appropriately, in line with organisation requirements
• Demonstrate empathy and develop rapport including active listening, respectful responding, well-timed challenging attention to counselling relationship and contracting appropriate to context
• Conduct intake interview with standard industry timelines.

To complete this task, you are to conduct an initial intake interview lasting for 20 minutes.

You will need a volunteer to work with who will act in the role of your client.

Please use the scenario below and provide this information to your volunteer who will act in the role of Gerry.

Distance students may record their intake interview and upload the recording for tutor marking. Alternatively, arrange a suitable time with your tutor to observe you during the client interview using Skype.

Client Scenario -

Gerry has just arrived at your service. He is very agitated and is muttering about never having been to any place like this before. He tells you he has been sent by his wife and that if he does not see somebody about his issues she is going to leave him. He is obviously not happy about being there but he knows he has to do something or she will go. He has never been to a counselling service before and has no idea what services you offer or what counselling is about.