“ Why is the Initial Consultation so important? What Factors will an ethical Therapist cover at this time?” Page 1
“Why is the initial consultation so important?” What factors will an ethical therapist cover at this time?. My aim is to fully answer both questions that are presented in the essay title. I plan to do this essay in two parts. Firstly looking at the initial consultation and then moving on and covering the ethical issues that a therapist would need to consider and cover at this time.
The initial consultation is an important tool and is used in the planning of a clients therapy. An initial consultation should be conducted with each client before they undergo any planned therapy. The reasons for this follow.
An initial consultation provides the therapist a platform with which to gather important information about new clients. Even in a situation where a client is only attending a one-off stop smoking session for example, it is imperative that information about their past and present health, and current medication is ascertained. Other general information should be recorded at this time, name, age, contact details etc. Notes should be written on their family's health history as well as their personal situation. Is there anything that is causing them particular stress or worry, financial problems perhaps, this sort of information should be gathered. It would also be important to gain information on an individuals thoughts and feelings with regard to Hypnosis. Their goals and expectations with regard to treatment for example. All of this information is relevant and builds up a picture of the client and their background.
I have mentioned that it is important to gain information regarding a clients past and present medical history. Looking at this in more depth, at the initial consultation, a therapist should be looking specifically for physical, psychological or psychiatric issues/illnesses, past or present that could