Clinical Interviewing

Clinical interviewing is the foundation upon which all counselling and psychotherapy rests. In the newly revised seventh edition of Clinical Interviewing, John and Rita Sommers-Flanagan provide a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the clinical interview, along with skill-building applications. Extensive and practical coverage of culturally sensitive assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, and psychosocial interventions are included. This new edition continues in the Sommers-Flanagan's tradition of relationally oriented clinical interviewing; it also offers fresh content, cutting-edge citations, diverse case examples, updated language, and more deeply integrates culture, ethnicities, and diverse representation, while strengthening the book's evidence-based orientation. Learners will have an engaging reading experience with trusted authors who cover vital content for all mental health professionals. Readers will also find:

• Complementary videos that feature a diverse range of clinicians and clients discussing core ideas and demonstrating key techniques
• Guidance and strategies for clinician stress management and self-care
• For the instructor's edition: An online instructor's manual with supplementary lecture ideas, discussion questions, classroom demonstrations, an online test bank, and downloadable PowerPoint slides

An essential text covering an equally essential topic, Clinical Interviewing is written for aspiring and practicing counselors, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals seeking up-to-date guidance on how to conduct a state-of-the-art (and science) clinical interview.

Table of Contents

Front Matter

• Preface xiii
• About the Authors xxi

Part One: Foundations of Clinical Interviewing 1

Chapter 1: An Introduction to the Clinical Interview 3

• Learning Objectives 3
• Chapter Orientation 3
• Welcome to the Journey 3
• What Is a Clinical Interview? 5
• Clinical Interviewing versus Counseling and Psychotherapy 7
• Multicultural Competencies 13
• Multicultural Humility 17
• A Learning Model for Clinical Interviewing 25
• Chapter Summary 28

Chapter 2: Preparation 31

• Learning Objectives 31
• Chapter Orientation 31
• The Physical Setting 31
• Professional and Ethical Issues 38
• Multicultural Preparation 55
• Stress Management and Self-Care 65
• Chapter Summary 68

Chapter 3: An Overview of the Interview Process 71

• Learning Objectives 71
• Chapter Orientation 71
• Stages of a Clinical Interview 71
• The Introduction 73
• The Opening 84
• The Body 90
• The Closing 95
• Ending the Session (Termination) 104
• Chapter Summary 107

Part Two: Listening and Relationship Development 111

Chapter 4: Nondirective Listening Skills 113

• Learning Objectives 113
• Chapter Orientation 113
• Listening Skills 113
• Adopting a Therapeutic Attitude 114
• Why Nondirective Listening Is Also Directive 123
• The Listening Continuum in Three Parts 125
• Skills for Encouraging Client Talk 126
• Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 142
• Not Knowing What to Say 145
• Chapter Summary 146

Chapter 5: Directive Listening Skills 149

• Learning Objectives 149
• Chapter Orientation 149
• Skills for Encouraging Insight 150
• Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 175
• Chapter Summary 178

Chapter 6: Skills for Directing Clients Toward Action 181

• Learning Objectives 181
• Chapter Orientation 181
• Readiness to Change 181
• Skills for Encouraging Action 184
• Using Educational and Directive Techniques 192
• Ethical and Multicultural Considerations 204
• Chapter Summary 215

Chapter 7: Evidence-Based Relationships 217

• Learning Objectives 217
• Chapter Orientation 217
• The Great Psychotherapy Debate 217
• The Core Conditions 218
• Other Evidence-Based Relationship Factors 233
• Evidence-Based Cross-Cultural Relationships 250
• Chapter Summary 253

Part Three: Structuring and Assessment 255

Chapter 8: Intake Interviewing and Report Writing 257

• Learning Objectives 257
• Chapter Orientation 257
• What’s an Intake Interview? 257
• Exploring Client Problems and Goals 259
• Obtaining Background and Historical Information 267
• Assessment of Current Functioning 276
• Brief Intake Interviewing 280
• The Intake Report 282
• Do's and Don'ts of Intake Interviews with Diverse Clients 298
• Chapter Summary 300

Chapter 9: The Mental Status Examination 303

• Learning Objectives 303
• Chapter Orientation 303
• What Is a Mental Status Examination? 303
• Individual and Cultural Considerations 305
• The Psychiatric Mental Status Examination 308
• When to Use Mental Status Examinations 340
• Chapter Summary 342

Chapter 10: Suicide Assessment 345

• Learning Objectives 345
• Chapter Orientation 345
• Facing the Suicide Situation 345
• Suicide Risk Factors, Protective Factors, and Warning Signs 348
• Building a Theoretical and Research-Based Foundation 356
• Suicide Assessment Interviewing 360
• Suicide Interventions 380
• Final Ethical and Professional Issues 385
• Chapter Summary 389

Chapter 11: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 393

• Learning Objectives 393
• Chapter Orientation 393
• Modern Diagnostic Classification Systems 393
• Defining Mental Disorders 396
• Diagnostic Interviewing 404
• The Science of Clinical Interviewing 406
• Less Structured Diagnostic Clinical Interviews 409
• Case Formulation and Treatment Planning 415
• Extended Case Example 423
• Additional Cultural Modifications and Adaptations 427
• Chapter Summary 428

Part Four: Diverse Populations and Situations 431

Chapter 12: Challenging Client Behaviors and Demanding Situations 433

• Learning Objectives 433
• Chapter Orientation 433
• Challenging Clients 433
• Motivational Interviewing and Other Strategies 436
• Violence Risk Assessment (VRA) and Prediction 451
• Demanding Situations: Crisis and Trauma 456
• Cultural Competencies in Disaster Mental Health 468
• Chapter Summary 470

Chapter 13: Interviewing Young Clients 473

• Learning Objectives 473
• Chapter Orientation 473
• Considerations in Working With Young Clients 473
• The Introduction 475
• The Opening 479
• The Body of the Interview 490
• Closing and Termination 503
• Culture in Young Client Interviews 506
• Chapter Summary 508

Chapter 14: Online and Distance Clinical Interviewing** 553

• Learning Objectives 533
• Chapter Orientation 553
• Technology as an Extension of the Self 554
• Definition of Terms and Communication Modalities 557
• Distance and Online Assessment and Intervention Research 561
• Ethical and Practical Issues: Problems and Solutions 565
• Conducting Online or Distance Interviews 573
• Culture and Online Culture 575
• Chapter Summary 576

Epilogue

References 589

Author Index 639

Subject Index 655