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BENCHMARK INITIAL INTERVIEW 1
Benchmark Initial Interview
Cara Soto
School of Behavioral Sciences in Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University
Author Note
Cara Soto
I have no known conflict of interest to disclose.
Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Cara Soto
Email: clsoto@liberty.edu
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BENCHMARK INITIAL INTERVIEW 2
Identifying Information
Name: Elizabeth Smith
Address: 123 Lily Street Somewhere, PA 33321
Cell phone: 954 639 8021
DOB: 05/10/76
Gender: Female
Marital status: not married
Occupation: Working as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in private practice
Work phone: 954 600 3000
Emergency contact: Diane Smith 954 861 3040
Date of interview: 5/12/2021
Reason for Referral
Ms. Smith has been referred by Liberty University for an evaluation to see is she will be a
good match for Resident Assistant (RA) position at Liberty University.
Current Situation and Functioning
Elizabeth is active. She starts a typical day with Bible reading and praise and worship
time. She exercises by walking two miles every day. Eats a healthy breakfast and gets ready for
work. She sees her first client at 10am and will work until four and then sees clients from six to
nine two-nights week. She seems to be very confident, looks healthy, seems to have wisdom and
courage to talk about past and values personal growth. Has empathy for others and self, is able to
use conflict management skills with mother and others. Has intelligent conversation using
coherent sentences and references materials read.
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BENCHMARK INITIAL INTERVIEW 3
Relevant Medical History
Elizabeth has no record of medical conditions. She has just had her yearly physical exam
by her heathcare provider, and she has a clean bill of health. Medical records have been sent and
examined by therapist. Her mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 24.
However, Elizabeth has not had any signs or symptoms. Elizabeth has never been on medications
and is currently not taking any. She does not suffer from any disabilities.
Psychiatric Treatment History
Elizabeth has no history of being seen by a psychiatrist. She has been going
approximately twice per month for counseling for the past 3 years. First she attends counseling
for self-care. As a counselor she has learned that she also needs someone to talk with. She has
also been dealing with issues that have surfaced between her and her mother over the years. Her
mother has been dependent on her for care and Elizabeth has issues setting boundaries with her
mother who manipulates her with guilt. Elizabeth's care plan includes pursuing activities in areas
that she enjoys, and she has been working on setting boundaries. Elizabeth nor any of her
relatives suffer from mental illness nor have any of them been hospitalized for mental health
reasons or had substance abuse addictions.
Family History
Elizabeth's family of origin consists of her mother, father, and younger sister. Her father
is a construction worker. He has always worked hard for the family but has been emotionally
detached. Elisabeth knows he loves his family, but he came from a very broken family and does
not know how to give emotionally. Her sister is eighteen months younger and has been married
three times. She is currently married to her third husband has just had a baby. She has two older
children from her first marriage. Elisabeth’s mom was diagnosed with MS when Elisabeth was
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BENCHMARK INITIAL INTERVIEW 4
four years old. Elisabeth grew up thinking her mom was going to die. Her mom can care for
herself however she depends on Elisabeth to be with her and take care of her.
During childhood Elizabeth was the one who kept the house running. Her mother was too
ill to care for her and her sister well. Elizabeth grew very close to her great-grandmother who
often took care of her and her sister. Growing up Elizabeth felt like a mother to her sister. Her
sister was defiant and would not comply with family rules or do her chores. Elizabeth felt as
though she was always picking up the slack for her sister, because when their mom got mad at
the sister for not completing chores or being defiant it would send mom back to bed for days.
Elizabeth would try and be the peace maker. It also made it difficult for Elizabeth to talk about
anything with her mother because her mom was preoccupied with the sister. Also, Elizabeth’s
mom would discount Elizabeth’s feelings. If Elizabeth was sad or scared her mom would say "
there's no reason to feel that way". Elizabeth learned to keep things to herself. She still has a hard
time expressing or acknowledging her own emotions. Her relationship with her dad is surface.
She loves him but also feel as if her mom controls her dad and wishes her dad would stand up to
her mom and say enough. Elizabeth also loves her sister, but her sister has broken her trust many
times and now Elizabeth is hesitant to become close to her sister. Mom and dad are still married.
Mom has only worked a couple of part time jobs, the majority of Elizabeth’s life her mom has
been a stay-at-home mom and wife. Dad works long hours at age 65. He loves what he does, but
Elizabeth knows he is getting tired and wants him to retire.
Social and Developmental History
One key developmental issue that may contribute to Elizabeth’s mental health is her
trauma that occurred at age four when her mother got sick. She essentially lost her parent
emotionally and physically as her mom was no longer able to care for her. This has created an
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BENCHMARK INITIAL INTERVIEW 5
avoidant attachment disorder which she struggles with in her relationships. Because she is
introverted, she has only had two close friends that she met when she was in her twenties. They
all three remain close even though miles separate them. Elizabeth works well as a team member;
she pulls her own weight if it’s a group or team project. She is involved in her churches women's
ministry in which she conducts emotional and spiritual growth seminars as well as hosts social
gatherings. She also leads her youth group twice a month where she mentors young girls in her
church. She has not been married. She does not have children. She is not currently dating. She
was in a relationship in her twenties with a man, and after a year said she knew he was not the
one. She is opened to dating again.
Educational and Occupational History
Elizabeth was homeschooled from K-12th. She later attended her state college where she
got a degree in social work. She graduated with a 3.6 GPA. She completed her Masters in Mental
Health though Liberty University Online. She graduated with a 3.9 GPA and with honors. She
worked in a foster children’s home for three years before starting her own private practice. She
sees clients face to face as well as through telehealth. She is very proficient in MHC and has
many clients. She wishes to go to Liberty University to get her degree in Clinical Psychology
and has applied to live on campus and become the RA of her dorm. She has no military service,
never been dismissed from a job and has excellent work ethic.
