Counseling Intake Interview Plan
I. Introduction and Building Rapport:
a. Greet the client warmly and introduce myself.
b. Establish a comfortable environment.
c. Explain the purpose of the intake interview, obtain consent, and confidentiality.
II. Biopsychosocial-Spiritual (BPS-S) Model:
a. Biological:
- Ask about medical history, current medications, and any physical health concerns.
- Inquire about sleep patterns, exercise, nutritional habits, and any changes in weight or
energy levels.
b. Psychological:
- Explore the client's emotional state and recent mood changes.
- Discuss any history of mental health issues, therapy, or counseling.
- Assess coping mechanisms and stressors.
c. Social:
- Explore family dynamics, relationships, and support systems.
- Inquire about work, school, or social challenges.
- Identify cultural factors influencing the client's life.
d. Spiritual:
- Ask about the client's belief system and spiritual practices.
- Explore how spirituality may impact their well-being.
- Discuss any connections between spirituality and coping strategies.
III. Presenting Concerns:
a. Allow the client to share their reason for seeking counseling.
b. Clarify the nature and duration of the current issues.
c. Explore any previous attempts at addressing the concerns.
IV. Goal Setting:
a. Collaboratively establish short-term and long-term goals.
b. Identify the client's expectations for counseling.
V. Assessing Risk and Safety:
a. Inquire about any thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.
b. Assess substance use and its impact on the client's life.
c. Discuss current safety nets and emergency contacts.
VI. Closing and Next Steps:
a. Summarize key points from the interview.
b. Discuss the therapeutic process.
c. Provide an opportunity for the client to ask questions.
Rationale:
By addressing the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects, I can obtain a holistic
view of the client's life and factors that may contribute to their current situation. This approach
allows for a more thorough assessment and helps in developing an effective treatment plan
tailored to the client's specific needs. Understanding a client's spiritual perspective can enhance
the therapeutic relationship and provide insight into sources of resilience and support within the
client's belief system.
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