Informed Consent, Intake Interviewing & Reflective Listening Process

It is important for a therapist who practice to have a consent form for ethical and legal protection not only for themselves but also for their clients. As a client I am sure that nobody like to go into any situation blindly, or later be broad sided by information that has been breached or released. That is why I think that going over information about the informed consent with a client is important. A client needs to understand that office rules and procedures. Having a client sign and go over the process of obtaining informed consent also holds important clinical meanings. Through informed consent, the client is made a collaborator in the work. Research has
shown …show more content…
Confidentiality can be breeched only if a client is a threat to himself/herself or others, in which case a therapist must notify the person in danger or notify someone who can keep the client safe or when a therapists is forced to testify against their clients. Laws are also in place to protect a client’s privacy and by having a client sign a consent form the client can feel that their confidentiality has and will be maintained. At your first visit, a therapist should give you written information explaining privacy policies and how your personal information will be handled. This information will explain that in some cases, there are exceptions to the privacy rule. Although in some specific situations, therapist can share information without the client's written consent.
Common exceptions are:
• Psychologists may disclose private information without consent in order to protect the patient or the public from serious harm — if, for example, a client discusses plans to attempt suicide or harm another …show more content…
This is where the client explains what brings them in and why his or her problem is a concern. The counselor takes in this information as the client presents it and asks questions for clarification. It is important here that the counselor give his or her full, undivided attention to the client. This is where the foundation of rapport is built, which is a close relationship of trust. Most people don't like to listen or talk to other people they don't trust so without gaining a rapport with your client first, you may not have earned the trust from your client and trust is very important so you as a therapist can effectively counsel someone.
According to Barbara LoFrisco’s website www.masteringincounsoling.org there are 4 simple steps to help build a raport with your client.
1.Use your active listening skills to understand the client and their story. Before you make any attempt at an intervention, demonstrate to the client that you understand where they are coming from. It may sound silly, but I actually visualize myself really tiny inside of their head. That seems to help me enter their