During the beginning phase, you introduce and identify yourself and seek introductions from prospective clients and involved others. Following the exchange of introductions, you describe a tentative initial purpose for the meeting, possibly identify one of more professional roles that you might undertake, orient participants to the process, and identify relevant policy and ethical factors that might apply. Throughout this beginning process, you regularly seek feedback concerning others’ understanding of and reactions to your introductory comments. By using the beginning skills, you help to clarify the nature and boundaries or ground rules of the helping process, lessen the initial ambivalence people often experience, and establish a tentative direction for work. Introducing Yourself At the beginning of any first interview, you should identify yourself by name and profession and by agency or departmental affiliation. You might also want to provide formal identification, such as a business card. Seeking Introductions Encourage each new client to say her or his name, and then try to pronounce it correctly. In a group, you might ask group members to introduce themselves and share a few of the thoughts that occurred to them as they anticipated coming to this first meeting. Describing Initial Purpose Clearly but succinctly discuss your view of the purpose of the meeting. Orienting Clients Describe how clients can join you as active, collaborative participants in the helping process. Discussing Policy and Ethical Factors Discuss potentially relevant legal, policy and ethical factors. This constitutes part of the informed consent process and is an essential element of professional service to clients. Seeking Feedback Encourage clients to comment about the proposed purpose, your role, their role, policy or ethical factors, or any other aspects of your introductory remarks.…
