Ирина Архипова – English for Psychotherapy and Counselling: Handbook. Английский для психотерапии и консультирования: практическое руководство (страница 15)

empowerment – наделение полномочиями

empowered – наделенный полномочиями

sympathy – сочувствие

borders – границы (географические)

knowledgeable – осведомленный

collective goals – совместные/коллективные/общие цели

UNIT 3.

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

LEAD-IN:

Information Gathering and Sensitive Questioning Skills

Activity 1: Role-play everyday information gathering

Work in pairs. Take turns asking personal questions in these everyday situations:

• Meeting a new neighbour who has just moved in

• Interviewing someone for a shared apartment

• Getting to know a colleague at a new job

Discuss: What questions did you ask? Which questions felt comfortable? Which felt too personal?

Activity 2: What information matters?

Look at the list below. When meeting a client for the first time, which information is most important to gather? Rank these from 1 (most important) to 10 (least important):

• Current problem/reason for seeking help

• Family background

• Medical history

• Work/education history

• Past mental health treatment

• Current medications

• Social support system

• Childhood experiences

• Current living situation

• Hobbies and interests

Compare your rankings with a partner. Explain your choices.

Activity 3: Sensitive vs. direct questioning quiz

Which question is more appropriate for an initial assessment? Discuss why:

1. a) Have you ever tried to kill yourself?

b) Have you ever had thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life?

2. a) Tell me about your drinking habits.

b) Do you drink alcohol?

3. a) Why did you come here today?

b) What brings you here today?

4. a) Are you depressed?

b) How would you describe your mood lately?

5. a) Do you have problems with your family?

b) Tell me about your relationships with family members.

Note: Most questions require question marks. But in clinical practice open-ended alternatives using imperatives like “Tell me about…” or “Describe…” are also acceptable as questions, though they are technically requests rather than questions.

Key vocabulary for this unit:

ㅤ

Match the words with their definitions:

1. Presenting problem

2. Intake interview

3. Chief complaint

4. Psychosocial history

5. Risk assessment

6. Mental status examination

7. Rapport

8. Confidentiality

ㅤ

a) The main issue that brings a client to seek help

b) First session designed to gather comprehensive background information

c) Evaluation of potential danger to self or others

d) Systematic observation of a client’s psychological functioning

e) Information about personal, family, social, and cultural background

f) A trusting, comfortable connection between therapist and client

g) The primary symptom or concern in the client’s own words

h) The principle that client information remains private

READING:

Understanding the Presenting Problem: Initial Assessment

Pre-reading task

Before you read, discuss:

1. What do you think happens in the first session with a client?

2. What information should a psychologist gather during an intake interview?