Clinical Interviewing

JOHN SOMMERS-FLANAGAN, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and professor of counseling at the University of Montana. He is the author or co-author of over 100 professional publications and a longtime member of the American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association. RITA SOMMERS-FLANAGAN, PhD, is Professor Emerita at the University of Montana. Her work is focused on professional ethics, women’s issues, and spirituality’s connection to science and human well-being. She is a published poet, essayist, and clinical psychologist.

• Preface xiiiAbout the Authors xxiPart One: Foundations of Clinical Interviewing 1Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Clinical Interview 3Learning Objectives 3Chapter Orientation 3Welcome to the Journey 3What Is a Clinical Interview? 5Clinical Interviewing versus Counseling and Psychotherapy 7Multicultural Competencies 13Multicultural Humility 17A Learning Model for Clinical Interviewing 25Chapter Summary 28Chapter 2: Preparation 31Learning Objectives 31Chapter Orientation 31The Physical Setting 31Professional and Ethical Issues 38Multicultural Preparation 55Stress Management and Self-Care 65Chapter Summary 68Chapter 3: An Overview of the Interview Process 71Learning Objectives 71Chapter Orientation 71Stages of a Clinical Interview 71The Introduction 73The Opening 84The Body 90The Closing 95Ending the Session (Termination) 104Chapter Summary 107Part Two: Listening and Relationship Development 111Chapter 4: Nondirective Listening Skills 113Learning Objectives 113Chapter Orientation 113Listening Skills 113Adopting a Therapeutic Attitude 114Why Nondirective Listening Is Also Directive 123The Listening Continuum in Three Parts 125Skills for Encouraging Client Talk 126Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 142Not Knowing What to Say 145Chapter Summary 146Chapter 5: Directive Listening Skills 149Learning Objectives 149Chapter Orientation 149Skills for Encouraging Insight 150Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 175Chapter Summary 178Chapter 6: Skills for Directing Clients Toward Action 181Learning Objectives 181Chapter Orientation 181Readiness to Change 181Skills for Encouraging Action 184Using Educational and Directive Techniques 192Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 204Chapter Summary 215Chapter 7: Evidence-Based Relationships 217Learning Objectives 217Chapter Orientation 217The Great Psychotherapy Debate 217The Core Conditions 218Other Evidence-Based Relationship Factors 233Evidence-Based Cross-Cultural Relationships 250Chapter Summary 253Part Three: Structuring and Assessment 255Chapter 8: Intake Interviewing and Report Writing 257Learning Objectives 257Chapter Orientation 257What’s an Intake Interview? 257Exploring Client Problems and Goals 259Obtaining Background and Historical Information 267Assessment of Current Functioning 276Brief Intake Interviewing 280The Intake Report 282Do's and Don'ts of Intake Interviews with Diverse Clients 298Chapter Summary 300Chapter 9: The Mental Status Examination 303Learning Objectives 303Chapter Orientation 303What Is a Mental Status Examination? 303Individual and Cultural Considerations 305The Psychiatric Mental Status Examination 308When to Use Mental Status Examinations 340Chapter Summary 342Chapter 10: Suicide Assessment 345Learning Objectives 345Chapter Orientation 345Facing the Suicide Situation 345Suicide Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs 348Building a Theoretical and Research-Based Foundation 356Suicide Assessment Interviewing 360Suicide Interventions 380Final Ethical and Professional Issues 385Chapter Summary 389Chapter 11: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 393Learning Objectives 393Chapter Orientation 393Modern Diagnostic Classification Systems 393Defining Mental Disorders 396Diagnostic Interviewing 404The Science of Clinical Interviewing 406Less Structured Diagnostic Clinical Interviews 409Case Formulation and Treatment Planning 415Extended Case Example 423Additional Cultural Modifications and Adaptations 427Chapter Summary 428Part Four: Diverse Populations and Situations 431Chapter 12: Challenging Client Behaviors and Demanding Situations 433Learning Objectives 433Chapter Orientation 433Challenging Clients 433Motivational Interviewing and Other Strategies 436Violence Risk Assessment (VRA) and Prediction 451Demanding Situations: Crisis and Trauma 456Cultural Competencies in Disaster Mental Health 468Chapter Summary 470Chapter 13: Interviewing Young Clients 473Learning Objectives 473Chapter Orientation 473Considerations in Working With Young Clients 473The Introduction 475The Opening 479The Body of the Interview 490Closing and Termination 503Culture in Young Client Interviews 506Chapter Summary 508Chapter 14: Online and Distance Clinical Interviewing** 553Learning Objectives 533Chapter Orientation 553Technology as an Extension of the Self 554Definition of Terms and Communication Modalities 557Distance and Online Assessment and Intervention Research 561Ethical and Practical Issues: Problems and Solutions 565Conducting Online or Distance Interviews 573Culture and Online Culture 575Chapter Summary 576EpilogueReferences 589Author Index 639Subject Index 655