Termination summary -- Human Services Field

Interview Skills

HUMN 6011 - Interviewing and Case Management in Human and Social Services

Case Manager: Good morning! It’s nice to meet with today for your follow up visit. Please have a seat.

Client: Thank you. How are you?

Case Manager: I’m doing well, thank you for asking. How have you been since our last appointment?

Client: Things have been slowly but surely getting better but they’re still complicated.

Case Manager: I’m happy to hear that things are getting better for you and you certainly seem much happier than you were at our last appointment but can you explain what’s complicated about your present situation?

Client: Well, I decided to get a makeover to revamp my unappealing look. So I got a haircut, a manicure, a couple of new outfits, and a new pair of shoes, which I believe was the deciding factor with me getting a new job. I also met a very nice young lady at a singles event that I recently attended…my dilemma is that I’m an introvert and I’m very comfortable being alone but I really would like to be more social and meet new people.

Case Manager: It sounds like things are presently going very well for you. You stated that you cleaned up your appearance by getting a full makeover, you have a new job, you met a very nice young lady yet you’re extremely comfortable being alone… so why do you feel things are complicated? There’s nothing wrong with being shy.

Client: I just feel like I won’t be able to truly enjoy life being reclusive. I’m trying to get used to developing new friendships and mingling with other people because honestly, I don’t have any real friends besides my dog. I desperately want true human companionship but I’m scared.

Case Manager: You’re saying that you’re somewhat antisocial but you want to get out and enjoy life with someone special yet you’re afraid to meet new people…is my assessment correct? Well, being an introvert is not a bad thing it really depends on how you look at things. If you look at it from a positive aspect, you will find that you can still have a vibrant social life in spite of being shy. You can still mingle and meet new people, just on smaller scale depending upon how assertive you want to go with it. Am I making sense to you? I’m here to empower you and urge you to be the best person that you can be and assist you during this process.

Client: Thank you for encouraging me but I’m still afraid to take a step in that direction. I recently joined a social group on Facebook that meets every Friday at the local pub with hopes of developing social skills but I’m so shy when it comes to meeting new people. The young lady that I met she’s a member of the group as well but I don’t know how to socially engage with her without being visibly awkward and nervous.

Case Manager: I would encourage you to take a couple of deep breaths before you approach her, try to remain calm, and simply say hi. That should break the ice.

Client: Strangely enough, I’m comfortable talking with you but I get nervous when I interact with new people. Do you have a Facebook page…can I send you a friend request? I will keep it professional, I promise.

Case Manager: I’m glad that you are comfortable talking with me but interacting with you outside of the worker/client relationship violates our professional boundary and it is deemed unethical. I hope you understand that I’m not being cruel, I’m here to help you through this process not hinder you in any manner.

Client: I’m not offended, I definitely understand. Thank you for being professional and honest.

Case Manager: So you have elaborated on being more social and getting a makeover…are you still feeling unattractive? What about your confidence level…has the makeover helped you feel more confident about your physical appearance?

Client: I know that I’m not a supermodel and my confidence level is not though the roof, however, I do feel better about myself and my appearance. It’s amazing what new clothes and a haircut can do for a person.

Case Manager: Do you still think people judge you because you are an introvert, if so why?

Client: After receiving that makeover, I have received so many compliments on my new look. I found that people were judging me because of my looks coupled with the fact that I’m an introvert. I finally realized that my shyness and unkempt appearance made me unapproachable.

Case Manager: When say unapproachable…what exactly do you mean?

Client: I found that people were very judgmental based on how I looked which made it practically impossible for me to meet new people. I think that’s one of the reasons that I’m an introvert.

Client: I really wish that you would reconsider accepting a friend request from me. I find it so easy to talk to you but I do have a small request to ask of you.

Case Manager: Well it’s good to know that you are making an effort to socialize but as I explained to earlier there are professional boundaries that must be maintained. Now, how can I help you?

Client: Since you’re not willing to friend me on social media, would you consider going out to dinner? I really find you attractive and I would like to ask you out. That way it’s not in this setting and we could really get to know one another.

Case Manager: As I have stated to you, there are professional boundaries that MUST be maintained. I implore you refrain from this kind of inquisition because it violates the worker/client relationship. I think that this ends our session today but please consider my stance on this matter because I can’t stress how unethical any interaction outside of a professional relationship would be. I hate to inform you this way but I’m going to have to refer you to another worker and I’ll have the receptionist contact you regarding your next appointment.

Client: I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, it’s just that you have encouraged me to be a better person and I’m comfortable talking to you…but I understand.

Case Manager: I don’t think it’s in your best interest that I continue as your caseworker. I don’t want to jeopardize your progress so I will refer your case to someone else. Thank you for coming and I’ll keep you posted on with the referral information.

Client: Ok…have a good day!