Ирина Архипова – English for Psychotherapy and Counselling: Handbook. Английский для психотерапии и консультирования: практическое руководство (страница 12)
Robert: Thank you, Dr. Santos. See you next week.
TASK 1: Comprehension and Analysis
Answer these questions about the dialogue:
1. How does Dr. Santos make Robert feel comfortable at the beginning?
2. What does Dr. Santos explain about confidentiality?
3. What are the limits to confidentiality that she mentions?
4. How does Dr. Santos describe the therapy process?
5. What type of questions does Dr. Santos use to explore Robert’s concerns?
6. What are Robert’s main goals for therapy?
7. How does Dr. Santos show empathy during the conversation?
8. What does Dr. Santos do at the end of the session?
TASK 2: Identifying Communication Techniques
Find examples in the dialogue where Dr. Santos uses these rapport-building techniques:
1. Normalizing the client’s experience: _______
2. Asking open-ended questions: _______
3. Reflecting/validating feelings: _______
4. Explaining the collaborative nature of therapy: _______
5. Checking in on the client’s comfort: _______
6. Summarizing what the client said: _______
7. Acknowledging the client’s courage: _______
TASK 3: Role Play Practice
Work in pairs. Student A is the therapist, Student B is the client.
Scenario 1: A new client’s first session. The client is feeling depressed and withdrawn. Practice:
• Greeting and creating comfort
• Explaining confidentiality
• Using open-ended questions
• Building rapport
Scenario 2: A client who is anxious about confidentiality. Practice:
• Addressing their concerns
• Explaining limits clearly
• Checking for understanding
Scenario 3: A first session with a client who has been in therapy before (but with a different therapist). Practice:
• Asking about previous experience
• Discussing expectations
• Collaborative goal-setting
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TASK 4: Discussion Questions
Discuss with a partner or in small groups:
1. Why do you think the therapeutic alliance is so important?
2. What might happen if a therapist doesn’t explain confidentiality clearly?
3. How can a therapist balance being warm and friendly while maintaining professional boundaries?
4. What cultural differences might affect how rapport is built in the first session?
5. Why is it important to give clients choice and control from the first meeting?
6. How would you feel as a client in your first therapy session?
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
Introducing the Therapeutic Framework and Informed Consent
Understanding how to explain the therapeutic framework and obtain informed consent is a critical professional skill for all mental health practitioners.
Key Components to Cover in a First Session
1. Welcome and Orientation
Create a warm, welcoming environment from the moment of first contact. Your goal is to help the client feel safe and comfortable enough to share personal information.
Sample language:
• “Welcome. I’m glad you’re here. Please, have a seat wherever you feel comfortable”.
• “I know it can feel a bit uncomfortable talking to someone new about personal matters. That’s completely normal, and we’ll take things at your pace”.
• “Before we begin, do you have any immediate questions or concerns?”
2. Explaining Confidentiality
Sample language:
• “Everything we discuss in our sessions is confidential. This means I don’t share what you tell me with anyone without your written permission”.
• “Confidentiality is essential because I want you to feel safe talking openly about whatever is on your mind”.
• “However, there are some important limits I need to tell you about…”
Explaining the limits:
• “If I believe you are at serious risk of harming yourself, I will need to take steps to ensure your safety”.
• “If I believe you are at risk of harming someone else, I have a duty to warn”.
• “If I suspect abuse or neglect of a child, elderly person, or dependent adult, I’m legally required to report it”.
• “If a court orders me to release records through a subpoena, I will have to comply”.
• “In all of these situations, I would discuss it with you whenever possible”.
Always ask: “Do you have any questions about confidentiality?”