Section 1: Write a brief description of the presenting problem (what you knew about the case BEFORE meeting the client)

The presenting problem that you knew about the client before meeting with the client is that she has schizophrenia and reports that she hears voice constantly. She is currently on a low doses of Risperdal and it is not helping her. She has taken Risperdal in the past and she knows that a higher doses of Risperdal would be more affective. Nekia reports that she uses cocaine because it helps with her not to hear voices. At this time Nekia is self-medicating to feel quote on quote "normal".

Section 2: Write a description and critique (strengths and weaknesses) of your preparation process, what you did or did not do prior to meeting the client based on what you have learned about the preparation process.

When preparing to meet with the client I print out the patient's toxicology report to determine if patient made any improvement with her toxicology report. I also viewed patient's last progress note to be reminded of what was discussed during last session with me.

The strength - I was aware of her toxicology report and her mental health issues.
The weakness- I could have contacted her psychiatrist to discuss her medication regiment.

Section 3: Write a description and critique of the beginning tasks and skills that you used during the interview based on what you have learned about these tasks and skills. Click the link below for an inventory of beginning tasks and interviewing skills Beginning Phase - Tasks and Skills.

Probing
Seeking clarification
Seeking concreteness
Reflecting content (paraphrasing, summarizing)
Seeking feedback
Giving positive feedback
Pointing out strengths - getting details
Focusing

Section 4: The process recording of the interview used for this paper should be attached. The skills and analysis columns should serve as a guide for the writing Section 3 of your paper.

The required reading relevant to preparation and engagement (first interview tasks and skills) and at least one outside source from an academic journal should be integrated into your paper. All references should be cited appropriately using APA format. The paper (Sections 1-3) should be approximately 7pages.

Please note: For this assignment, you will be graded on your ability to recognize and critique what you did or did not do in relation to the preparation process and first interview tasks and skills.